NCERT Notes: Grade 10 Science - Chapter 6: Life Processes
Introduction
Life processes are the basic processes in living organisms that are necessary for maintaining life. These include nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion. This chapter delves into these processes, shedding light on how organisms function and sustain themselves.
Nutrition
Nutrition is the process of intake, as well as the utilization of nutrients by an organism.
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Autotrophic Nutrition: The process where organisms make their food from simple substances. Plants exhibit this by photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis: Conversion of light energy into chemical energy by plants, producing glucose.
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Heterotrophic Nutrition: The process where organisms obtain nutrients from other organisms. Animals and many bacteria exhibit this form of nutrition.
Human Digestive System
Comprises organs like the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and liver. Their coordinated functioning leads to the digestion of food.
- Digestion: The breakdown of complex food particles into simpler absorbable forms.
Respiration
Respiration is the process of obtaining energy from food. It can be aerobic (using oxygen) or anaerobic (without using oxygen).
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Aerobic Respiration: Takes place in the mitochondria, using glucose and oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
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Anaerobic Respiration: Happens in the absence of oxygen, produces less energy compared to aerobic respiration. In yeast, it results in the production of alcohol.
Transportation
In multicellular organisms, a system is required to transport materials to different parts of the body.
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Human Circulatory System: Comprises the heart, blood, and a network of veins and arteries. The heart pumps blood, which carries oxygen, nutrients, and waste products to and from cells.
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Plant Transport System: Involves the xylem (transports water) and the phloem (transports food).
Excretion
Excretion is the removal of waste products formed during various life processes.
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Human Excretory System: Main organ is the kidney, which filters blood to remove urea and excess salts. These wastes are excreted as urine.
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Plant Excretion: Plants excrete waste in the form of resins and gums. Excess water is excreted via transpiration.
Conclusion
Life processes are vital activities that ensure the survival and well-being of organisms. From converting food into energy to eliminating waste products, these processes are intrinsic to life itself. By understanding these processes, we gain insights into the complex mechanisms that keep organisms alive and thriving.
Reference: NCERT Grade 10 Science - Chapter 6: Life Processes
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