CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 6: Life Processes NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental Life Processes essential for survival, covering key concepts like nutrition, respiration, transport, and excretion in living organisms. The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science, Chapter 6, provide clear and detailed explanations for each exercise question. Students will find step-by-step solutions that clarify how organisms obtain and utilize energy, how waste products are removed, and how essential substances are transported. These solutions are designed to help students grasp complex biological processes, understand the underlying mechanisms, and prepare effectively for their board examinations by reinforcing their knowledge of these vital life functions.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 6: Life Processes

Chapter summary

Chapter 6, 'Life Processes,' focuses on the essential biological functions that maintain life. This NCERT Solutions set covers topics such as autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition, the process of digestion, the role of enzymes like salivary amylase, the breakdown of food in cellular respiration (aerobic and anaerobic), the transport of water and food in plants (xylem and phloem), and the excretory system in humans. The solutions break down these complex processes into understandable steps, aiding students in mastering the chapter's core concepts.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the different modes of nutrition and their requirements.
  • Explain the process of digestion of fats and the role of saliva.
  • Identify the location and function of xylem in plants.
  • Describe the process of energy release from food breakdown.
  • Recognize the system responsible for waste removal in humans.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Life Processes
  • Nutrition
  • Autotrophic Nutrition
  • Heterotrophic Nutrition
  • Digestion
  • Respiration
  • Aerobic Respiration
  • Transport in Plants
  • Xylem
  • Excretion in Humans
  • Kidneys
  • Saliva

Important topics

  • Modes of Nutrition
  • Digestion of Food
  • Cellular Respiration
  • Transport of Water and Food
  • Excretory System

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

The kidneys in human beings are a part of the system for which of the following functions:
  1. nutrition.
  2. respiration.
  3. excretion.
  4. transportation.
Solution: The kidneys are vital organs in the human body that filter waste products from the blood and produce urine. This process of removing metabolic waste is known as excretion. Therefore, the kidneys are a part of the excretory system. The correct option is 3. excretion.

Question 2

What is the primary role of the xylem tissue in plants?
  1. transport of water.
  2. transport of food.
  3. transport of amino acids.
  4. transport of oxygen.
Solution: Xylem is one of the two types of transport tissue in vascular plants (the other being phloem). The basic function of xylem is to transport water from the roots to the stem and leaves, but it also transports some nutrients and provides structural support. The correct option is 1. transport of water.

Question 3

What are the essential requirements for the autotrophic mode of nutrition?
  1. carbon dioxide and water.
  2. chlorophyll.
  3. sunlight.
  4. all of the above.
Solution: Autotrophic nutrition is the process where organisms produce their own food using light energy. This process, photosynthesis, requires carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, water absorbed from the soil, and sunlight as the energy source. Chlorophyll, a pigment present in chloroplasts, captures this light energy. Therefore, all the listed components are necessary for autotrophic nutrition. The correct option is 4. all of the above.

Question 4

In which part of the cell does the breakdown of pyruvate to yield carbon dioxide, water, and energy occur?
  1. cytoplasm.
  2. mitochondria.
  3. chloroplast.
  4. nucleus.
Solution: Pyruvate is a three-carbon molecule that is an intermediate in cellular respiration. When oxygen is present (aerobic respiration), pyruvate enters the mitochondria. Inside the mitochondria, pyruvate is further broken down through a series of reactions (like the Krebs cycle) to produce carbon dioxide, water, and a large amount of energy in the form of ATP. The correct option is 2. mitochondria.

Question 5

How are fats digested in our bodies? Where does this process primarily take place?
Solution: Fats are digested in the small intestine. They are initially present as large globules. The liver secretes bile juice, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine. Bile salts in the bile juice break down these large fat globules into smaller ones, a process called emulsification. This increases the surface area for the action of lipases. The pancreas then secretes pancreatic juice, which contains the enzyme lipase. Lipase breaks down the emulsified fats into fatty acids and glycerol, which can then be absorbed by the body. Thus, fat digestion begins with emulsification by bile in the small intestine and is completed by lipase action, primarily in the small intestine.

Question 6

What is the role of saliva in the digestion of food?
Solution: Saliva is produced by the salivary glands, located in the mouth. Its primary roles in food digestion are:
  1. Moistening and Lubricating: Saliva moistens the food, making it softer and easier to chew and swallow, forming a bolus.
  2. Enzymatic Action: Saliva contains an enzyme called salivary amylase (also known as ptyalin). This enzyme begins the chemical digestion of carbohydrates (starch) by breaking them down into simpler sugars like maltose.
  3. Cleansing: Saliva helps to clean the mouth and teeth, washing away food particles and bacteria.
Therefore, saliva plays a crucial role in the initial stages of digestion, particularly for carbohydrates.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the functions of xylem and phloem.
  • Incorrectly identifying the site of pyruvate breakdown.
  • Not understanding the role of emulsification in fat digestion.
  • Misidentifying the system responsible for excretion.

Revision tips

  • Draw diagrams for each life process to visualize the steps.
  • Create flashcards for key terms like 'autotrophic', 'excretion', and 'emulsification'.
  • Practice explaining each process in your own words.
  • Focus on understanding the 'why' behind each step, not just memorizing.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which system in humans is responsible for removing metabolic waste products?

Q2. What is the primary function of xylem in plants?

Q3. Which of the following is essential for autotrophic nutrition?

Q4. The process of breaking down pyruvate to release energy, carbon dioxide, and water occurs in which organelle?

Q5. What is the role of bile salts in fat digestion?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main life processes covered in CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 6?

Chapter 6 covers essential life processes such as nutrition, respiration, transport of materials, and excretion in living organisms, including plants and humans.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students prepare for exams?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question, helping students understand complex biological concepts and methods, which is crucial for exam preparation.

What is the role of the kidneys in the human body?

The kidneys are the primary organs of the excretory system in humans, responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine.

What is the difference between xylem and phloem functions?

Xylem primarily transports water and minerals from roots to the rest of the plant, while phloem transports food (sugars) produced during photosynthesis to various parts of the plant.

Where does the breakdown of pyruvate occur for energy production?

The breakdown of pyruvate to release carbon dioxide, water, and energy (in aerobic respiration) takes place in the mitochondria.

What is emulsification in the context of digestion?

Emulsification is the process where bile salts break down large fat globules into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for digestive enzymes to act upon, and it occurs in the small intestine.

Important links

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