314 Book-2 Eng

Senior Secondary Course
BIOLOGY (314)
Course Coordinator
Dr. Sanghmitra Suryapani
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OPEN SCHOOLING

(An Autonomous Institution under MHRD, Govt. of India)
A-24-25, Institutional Area, Sector-62, NOIDA-201309 (U.P.)
Website: www.nios.ac.in, Toll Free No. 18001809393
Printed on 60 GSM Paper with NIOS Watermark.
© National Institute of Open Schooling

May, 2015 (20,000 Copies)
Published by the Secretary, National Institute of Open Schooling, A-24-25, Institutional Area, NH-24,
Sec. 62, Noida-201309, and printed at M/s Aravali Printers & Publishers Pvt. Ltd., W-30, Okhla Industrial Area,
Phase-II, New Delhi-110020.
ADVISORYCOMMITTEE
Prof C. B. Sharma Dr. Kuldeep Agarwal Dr. Rachna Bhatia
Chairman Director (Academic) Assistant Director (Academic)
NIOS, NOIDA (UP) NIOS, NOIDA (UP) NIOS, NOIDA (UP)
CURRICULUMCOMMITTEE
CHAIR PERSON
Prof. Keshav Trehan
Deptt. of Botany, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
MEMBERS
Dr. H. S. Vishnoi Dr. (Mrs) Jasvant Sokhi Mrs Durga Jodhani
Retd. Reader (Zoology) Reader in Life Sciences Retd. Vice Principal
Delhi University, Delhi School of Sciences, IGNOU Central School No.3 NH-41
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi Faridabad
Dr. Bharati Sarkar Prof. Tasneem Fatima Mrs. Shivani Goswami
Retd. Reader (Zoology) Deptt. of Botany Ex-HOD (Biology)
Maitreyi College, Delhi Jamia Millia Islamia Mother International School,
New Delhi New Delhi
Dr. Meenakshi Arya Dr. Rita Singh Neelam Gupta
Retd. Reader (Botany) Deptt. of Botany Executive Officer NIOS,
Kanodia Kanya Mahavidhyalaya GGB Singh Indraprastha University New Delhi
Jaipur Delhi
Academic Officer (Biology)
NIOS, NOIDA
COURSEEDITORS
Dr. Bharati Sarkar Dr. Aparna Konar Mrs. Shivani Goswami
Retd. Reader (Zoology) Retd. Reader (Botany) Ex-HOD (Biology)
Maitreyi College, Delhi Maitreyi College, Delhi Mother International School,
New Delhi
Dr. K. R. Sharma Dr. K. K. Gupta Dr. Ranjana Saxena
Ex Associate Prof (Botany) Retd. Reader (Zoology) Associate professor
Hindu College, Delhi Zakir Husain Delhi College Dayal Singh College, Delhi
Delhi University, Delhi
Academic Officer (Biology)
NIOS, NOIDA
ADOLESCENCEEDUCATIONPROGRAMME
Coordinated by Supported by Funded by
Ms. Asheema Singh Ministry of Human United Nations Population
Project Officer (AEP) Resource Development Fund (UNFPA)
National Institute of Open Schooling, NOIDA Govt. of India, India New Delhi, India
COURSE COORDINATOR
Academic Officer, (Biology)
NIOS, NOIDA (U.P.)
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATORS
Sri Krishna Graphics
C-90, West Vinod Nagar
Delhi-110092
Chairman’s Message
Dear learner,
As the needs of the society in general, and some groups in particular, keep on changing
with time, the methods and techniques required for fulfilling those aspirations also
have to be modified accordingly. Education is an instrument of change. The right type
of education at right time can bring about positivity in the outlook of society, attitudinal
changes to face the new/fresh challenges and the courage to face difficult situations.
This can be very effectively achieved by regular periodic curriculum renewal. A static
curriculum does not serve any purpose, as it does not cater to the current needs and
aspirations of the individual and society.
For this purpose only, educationists from all over the country come together at regular
intervals to deliberate on the issues of changes needed and required. As an outcome of
such deliberations, the National Curriculum Framework (NCF 2005) came out, which
spells out in detail the type of education desirable/needed at various levels of education
- primary, elementary, secondary or senior secondary.
Keeping this framework and other national and societal concerns in mind, we have
currently revised the curriculum of Biology course at Senior Secondary level, as per
the Common Core Curriculum provided by National Council of Educational Research
and Training (NCERT) and the Council of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE)
making it current and need based. Textual material production is an integral and
essential part of all NIOS programmes offered through open and distance learning
system. Therefore, we have taken special care to make the learning material user friendly,
interesting and attractive for you.
I would like to thank all the eminent persons involved in making this material interesting
and relevant to your needs. I hope you will find it appealing and absorbing.
On behalf of National Institute of Open Schooling, I wish you all a bright and successful
future.
(Prof. C. B. Sharma)
Chairman, NIOS
A Note From the Director
Dear Learner,
Welcome!
The Academic Department at the National Institute of Open Schooling tries to bring
you new programmes, in accordance with your needs and requirements. After making
a comprehensive study, we found that our curriculum is more functional related to life
situations and simple. The task now was to make it more effective and useful for you.
We invited leading educationists of the country and under their guidance, we have
been able to revise and update the curriculum in the subject of Biology.
At the same time, we have also removed old, outdated information and added new,
relevant things and tried to make the learning material attractive and appealing for
you.
I hope you will find the new material interesting and exciting with lots of activities to
do. Any suggestions for further improvement are welcome.
Let me wish you all a happy and successful future.
(Dr. Kuldeep Agarwal)

Director (Academic)
National Institute of Open Schooling
A Letter to Learner
Dear Learner,
Welcome to the revised Biology course of National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) based
on the common Core Curriculum prescribed by COBSE/ NCERT. Biology is the science of life
and the revised course includes both Classical and Modern Biology. The course content begins
from Biodiversity classification; Structure and function of the living; their reproduction and
development and also Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Immunology which are
the modern fields of Biology. An exhaustive treatment of the environment in all its aspects is also
contained in the curriculum and so are topics like some common human diseases and health and
nutrition which are closely related to human welfare.
The Biology course has three parts. Parts 1 and 2 have theoretical part and Part 3 has
laboratory work. The book has 5 Modules broken up into 31 lessons. The modules are:
Module-I Diversity and Evolution of Life, Module-II Forms and Functions of Plants and
Animals Module-III Reproduction and Heredity Module-IV Environment and Health and
Module-V Emerging Areas in Biology
Please note that now the load on final public examination has been reduced. Out of 31 lessons,
09 lessons have been kept apart for you to study and be assessed through Tutor Marked
assignments (TMA) only. These are Origin and Evolution of Life and Introduction to
Classification, Cell Structure and Function, Root system, Respiration in Plants, Nutrition
and Digestion, Homeostasis: The Steady State, Genetics and Society, Pollution and Some
Common Human Diseases that you work upon throughout the year. The Public examination
(PE) or final exam shall have the lessons other than those earmarked for TMA. For self
evaluation there are intext questions and terminal exercises. Also a summary, at the end of each
lesson and glossary at the end of the book have been provided for ready reference. Kindly submit
your work in time and complete the practical at your PCP centres.
Hope you will enjoy your journey with this “Teacher in print”. A course in science is known to
lead students into becoming critical thinkers and decision makers and cultivate “scientific
attitude and scientific temper”.
For any queries feel free to contact us and share your views and comments regarding the book.
All help is assured. Our website is www.nios.ac.in
We hope you will enjoy the course and find it interesting.
Wish you all the success,
(Dr. Sanghmitra Suryapani)

Course Coordinator, Biology
E-mail: aobio@nios.ac.in
How to use the Study Material
Your learning material has been developed by a team of Biology experts in open and distance learning. A consistent
format has been developed for self-study. The following points will give you an idea on how to make best use of
the print material.
Title is an advance organisor and conveys an idea about the contents of the lesson. Reflect on it.
Introduction highlights the contents of the lesson and correlates it with your prior knowledge as well
as the natural phenomena in operation in our immediate environment. Read it thoroughly.
Objectives relate the contents to your desired achievements after you have learnt the lesson. Remember
these.
Content of the lesson has been divided into sections and sub-sections depending on thematic unity of
concepts. Read the text carefully and make notes on the side margin of the page. After completing each
section, answer intext questions and solve numerical problems yourself. This will give you an opportunity
to check your understanding. You should continue reading a section till such time that you gain
mastery over it.
At some places you will find some text in italics and bold. This indicates that it is important. You must
learn them.
Solved Examples will help you to understand the concepts and fix your ideas. In fact, problem solving
is an integral part of training in Biology. Do them yourself and note the main concept being taught
through a particular example.
Activities are simple experiments which you can perform at your home or work place using readily
available (low cost) materials. These will help you to understand Biology by doing. Do them yourself
and correlate your findings with your observations.
Intext questions are based on the concepts discussed in every section. Answer these questions
yourself in the space given below the question and then check your answers with the model answers
given at the end of the lesson. This will help you to judge your progress. If you are not satisfied with
the quality and authenticity of your answers, turn the pages back and study the section again.
What have you learnt is essentially summary of the learning points for quick recapitulation. You may
like to add more points in this list.
Terminal exercises in the form of short, long and numerical question will help you to develop a
perspective of the subject, if you answer these meticulously. Discuss your responses with your peers
or counsellors.
Answers to intext questions : These will help you to know how correctly you have answered the intext
questions.
Audio: For understanding difficult or abstract concepts, audio programmes are available on certain
content areas. You may listen to these on FM Gyanvani or may buy the CDs from Priced Publication
Unit, NIOS
Video: Video programmes on certain elements related to your subject have been made to clarify certain
concepts. You may watch these at your study center or may purchase these CDs from Priced Publication
Unit, NIOS.
www These are few selected websites that you can access for extended learning.
Studying at a distance requires self-motivation, self-discipline and self-regulation. Therefore you must develop
regular study habit. Drawing a daily schedule will help you in this endeavour. You should earmark a well-ventilated
and well-lighted space in your home for your study.
SENIOR SECONDARY BIOLOGY COURSE
Overview of the Learning Material
Module Lesson Name of the Lesson Mode of Assessment

No. TMA/PE
Module-I 01 Origin and Evolution of Life and TMA
Diversity and Evolution of Life Introduction to Classification
02 The Kingdom Monera, Protoctista and Fungi PE
03 Kingdom Plantae and Animalia PE
04 Cell Structure and Function TMA
05 Tissues and other Level of Organization PE
Module-II 06 Root system TMA
Forms and Functions of Plants 07 Shoot system PE
and Animals 08 Absorption, Transport and Water Loss PE
in Plants
09 Nutrition in plants - Mineral Nutrition PE
10 Nitrogen Metabolism PE
11 Photosynthesis PE
12 Respiration in Plants TMA
13 Nutrition and Digestion TMA
14 Respiration and Elimination of Nitrogenous PE
Wastes
15 Circulation of Body Fluids PE
16 Locomotion and Movement PE
17 Coordination and Control - The Nervous and PE
Endocrine Systems
18 Homeostasis: The Steady State TMA
Module-III 19 Reproduction in Plants PE
Reproduction and Heredity 20 Growth and Development in Plants PE
21 Reproduction and Population Control PE
22 Principles of Genetics PE
23 Molecular Inheritance and Gene Expression PE
24 Genetics and Society TMA
Module- IV 25 Principles of Ecology PE
Environment and Health 26 Conservation and Use of Natural Resources PE
27 Pollution TMA
28 Nutrition and Health PE
29 Some Common Human Diseases TMA
Module- V 30 Biotechnology PE
Emerging Areas in Biology 31 Immunobiology: An Introduction PE
Total Lessons = 31
Lessons for Public Examination (PE) = 22
Lessons for Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) = 09
Contents
Page No. Mode of Assessment

TMA/PE
Module-III: Reproduction and Heredity
19 Reproduction in Plants 1 PE
20 Growth and Development in Plants 36 PE
21 Reproduction and Population Control 54 PE
22 Principles of Genetics 80 PE
23 Molecular Inheritance and Gene Expression 107 PE
24 Genetics and Society 129 TMA
Module- IV: Environment and Health
25 Principles of Ecology 145 PE
26 Conservation and Use of Natural Resources 185 PE
27 Pollution 212 TMA
28 Nutrition and Health 242 PE
29 Some Common Human Diseases 264 TMA
Module- V: Emerging Areas in Biology
30 Biotechnology 293 PE
31 Immunobiology: An Introduction 319 PE
Question Paper Design, Marking Scheme 335

Feedback Form 345
MODULE - III
REPRODUCTION AND HEREDITY
19 Reproduction in Plants
20 Growth and Development in Plants
21 Reproduction and Population Control
22 Principles of Genetics
23 Molecular Inheritance and Gene Expression
24 Genetics and Society
Reproduction in Plants MODULE - 3
Reproduction and
Heredity
19
Notes
REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
Reproduction is one of the most important characteristics of all living beings. It is

the production of ones own kind. It is necessary for the continuation of the species
on earth and also to replace the dead members of the species. The process by which
living organisms produce their offsprings for the continuity of the species is called
reproduction.
The modes of reproduction vary according to individual species and available
conditions. It may be simply by division of the parent cell as in unicellular organisms,
by fragmentation of the parent body, by formation of buds and spores, or it may
be very elaborate involving development of male and female reproductive organs
(stamens and pistils). Irrespective of the mode of reproduction, all organisms pass
on their hereditary material to their offsprings during the process of reproduction.
In this lesson, you will study about the process of reproduction in plants.
OBJECTIVES
After completing this lesson, you will be able to :
z define reproduction;
z differentiate between vegetative, asexual and sexual reproduction;
z describe the methods of asexual and sexual reproduction in unicellular lower

plant (Chlamydomonas) and filamentous green alga (Spirogyra);
z describe the mode of reproduction in flowering plants;
z explain the parts of a dicot flower and their functions;
z describe stages of microsporogenesis;
z depict with the help of diagram the structure of ovule and mention the steps
of megasporogenesis;
BIOLOGY 1
MODULE - 3 Reproduction in Plants
Reproduction and
Heredity z describe the stages of development of male and female gametophytes in
flowering plants;
z state the types of pollination, their significance and various modes of
pollination;
z explain the steps involved in fertilization, (syngamy and triple fusion), embryo
development, endosperm development, formation of seed;
Notes z differentiate between structure of dicot and monocot seeds;
z explain the formation of fruit and parthenocarpy;
z describe seed germination;
z define vegetative reproduction;
z differentiate between natural and artificial propagation;
z explain the advantages and disadvantages of vegetative propagation;
z describe the role of tissue culture technique in micropropagation;
z state the advantages of micropropagation;
19.1 MODES OF REPRODUCTION

The various modes by which plants reproduce are of three types –
(a) Vegetative (b) Asexual (c) Sexual
In Asexual and vegetative mode of reproduction, offsprings are produced from a
vegetative unit formed by a parent without any fusion of gametes or sex cells.
– A single parent is involved
– Offsprings are genetically identical to the parent.
(a) Vegetative reproduction may be of the following types—
(i) Vegetative reproduction : It involves formation of new plantlets from
vegetative (somatic) cell, buds or organs of the plant. Here, a vegetative
part of the plant (Root, stem, leaf or bud) gets detached from the parent
body and grows into an independent plant. It is similar to asexual
reproduciton in that it also requires only mitotic division, no gametic
fusion is involved, and newly-formed plants are genetic clones of the
parent plant.
We will discuss the different types of vegetative reproduction in angiosperms
later in this lesson.
(ii) Fragmentation : In filamentous algae, an accidental breaking of the
filament into many fragments, each fragment having atleast one cell, may
give rise to a new filament of the algae by cell division e.g. Spirogyra.
(iii) Fission : It Occurs in unicellular organisms like bacteria and yeasts where
the content of the parent cell divides into 2, 4 or 8 daughter cells and
accordingly the fission is known as binary or multiple fission. Each newly
formed daughter cell grows into a new organism.
2 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
(iv) Budding : It also occurs in unicellular plants. A bud-like outgrowth is Heredity
formed on one side of the parent cell and soon it separates and grows
into a new individual e.g. in yeast.
(b) Asexual Reproduction : Takes place by asexual spores which may be flagellate
or nonflagellate.
Spore formation : In lower plants including bryophytes and pteridophytes,
special reproductive units develop asexually on the parent body. These are called Notes
spores. They are microscopic and covered by a protective wall. When they reach
the suitable environment they develop into a new plant body e.g. in bread moulds,
moss, fern. In higher plants like pea, maize and gymnosperms, asexual
reproduction is always heterosporous. Here, spores are produced after meiosis.
The small male spores called microspores give rise to male gametophyte. The
large female spores are called megaspores, and they give rise to female
gametophytes.
(c) Sexual reproduction involves fusion of male and female reproductive cells
(gametes) which are haploid and are produced by male and female reproductive
organs. This fusion is known as fertilization and results in the production of
a zygote (diploid). Further development of zygote gives rise to a new individual
which is diploid.
Here, at some stage of the life history meiosis is involved and the offsprings
are not genetic clones of their parents, but are genetically different and generally
exhibit mixed characters of their parents.
19.1.1 Apomixis
Apomixis is a unique mechanism of asexual reproduction in certain plants (e.g.
dandelions) which produce seeds without pollination and fertilization. (In Greek,
apomixis means ‘away from act of mixing’). Since there is no fusion of male and
female gamete, any somatic cell of ovule which is diploid, gives rise to the embryo
and then ovule matures into a seed. The seeds are then dispersed. The interesting
fact is that apomixis is an asexual process but disperses its seeds like those of plants
that undergo sexual reproduction.
No Pollination
Ovules Seeds
No Fertilization
INTEXT QUESTIONS 19.1

1. Define reproduction.
............................................................................................................................
2. How is asexual reproduction different from sexual reproduction?
............................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 3
Reproduction and
Heredity 3. What is a gamete?
............................................................................................................................
4. Name two types of vegetative reproduction.
............................................................................................................................
5. Choose the correct option
Notes Apomixis is:
(a) Development of plants in darkness
(b) Development of plants without fusion of gametes
(c) Inability to perceive stimulus for flowering
(d) Effect of low temperature on plant growth
19.2 REPRODUCTION IN LOWER PLANTS

We will study the different types of reproduciton in two lower plants, one unicellular
alga (Chlamydomonas) and the other multicellular filamentous alga (Spirogyra).
19.2.1 Chlamydomonas (A Unicellular Alga)
(i) It is a haploid unicellular alga found in fresh water ponds:
(ii) The plant body is pear-shaped with two flagella attached at the narrow end.
(iii) On one side of the cell, a light sensitive eye spot is present.
(iv) A large cup-shaped chloroplast is present.
(v) Towards the centre, a definite nucleus is present.
(vi) Chloroplast contains a single pyrenoid. (Fig. 19.1a).
Papilla Basal body
Flagellum
Contractile vacuoles
Cytoplasm
Eye spot
Cup shaped
chloroplast
Nucleus
Pyrenoid
Starch grains
Cell wall
Fig. 19.1a A Chlamydomonas cell
4 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Reproduction Heredity
A. Asexual reproduction takes place with the help of zoospores, aplanospores

or hypnospores depending upon the availability of water for swimming.
Asexual Reproduction by Zoospores :
z If plenty of water is available for free swimming, Chlamydomonas reproduces
by flagellate thin-walled spores, called zoospores.
Notes
z Chlamydomonas cell loses flagella and becomes non-motile.
z Its protoplasm (cytoplasm and nucleus) divides mitotically and forms 2-16
daughter protoplasts, each of which develops flagella, and is called a zoospore.
z The parent cell wall is ruptured and zoospores are released.
z Each zoospore develops a cell wall and grows into an adult cell.
(Fig. 19.2-b, c)
z After release of zoospores the parent cell does not exist, any more.
A. Asexual Reproduction by Aplanospores and Hypnospores :
z If a thin-film of water is available where swimming is not possible,
Chlamydomonas produces thin-walled, non-flagellate daughter protoplasts,
called aplanospores.
z The parent cell loses flagella and becomes highly extended. Its protoplast divides
repeatedly to produce 100 or more daughter protoplasts, each of which is called
an aplanospore.
z The whole structure containing groups of non-motile aplanospores resembles
a non-motile Colonial alga, called Palmella, and so this is called palmella stage
of Chlamydomonas.
z If plamella-stage is flooded with water, each aplanospore develops flagella,
comes out of the parent cell wall and grows into a normal independent plant.
z If water suddenly dries up, some of the aplanospores develop thick-wall, each
of which becomes dark brown or black, and is called a hypnospore. When
favourable conditions are present and water is available for swimming, each
hypnospore ruptures to release protoplast that develops flagella, becomes a
zoospore and grows into normal Chlamydomonas-plant.
B. Sexual Reproduction
Chlamydomonas reproduces sexually by isogamy, anisogamy or Oogamy depending
upon the species :
Sexual Reproduction by Isogamy
z Isogamy is exhibited by Chlamydomonas eugametos and C. eherenburgii.
z The male and female cells become non-motile by losing their flagella.
BIOLOGY 5
Reproduction and
Heredity z The protoplasm of each cell divides mitotically into 32-64 daughter cells.
z Each daughter cell develops flagella and is released in water by the rupture of
mother cell wall. Each of these cells acts as a gamete.
z The gametes are morphologically identical in structure but differ physiologically
or chemically.
z Gametes released in water from two different mother cells fuse in pairs forming
Notes quadriflagellate zygotes.
z When the contents of the two gametes fuse, they form a zygote (diploid). This
is the only diploid stage in the life cycle of Chlamydomonas.
z The zygote develops a thick wall around itself and develops brown to black
coloured pigmentation to tide over unfavourable conditions (zygospores).
z On the return of favourable conditions (temperature, food and water) the diploid
nucleus of the zygote divides by meiosis and forms four haploid zoospores. (Fig.
19.2 d-i)
z Each zoospore grows into a new adult Chlamydomonas plant.
Sexual Reproduction by Anisogamy
z Anisogany is exhibited by Chalamydomonas braunii.
z Male and female cells lose flagella and become non-motile.

z In male cell, protoplast divides repeatedly to produce 32-64 biflagellate gametes
but in female cell, protoplast divides to produce 8 to 16 biflagellate gametes.
z Both male and female gametes are released in water.
z When larger female gametes lose flagella and become non-motile, each one is
fertilized by a smaller motile male gamete.
z After fertilization, the fusion product loses flagella, becomes spherical and
develops thick wall to become a resting zygote.
z On return of favourable conditions of water, temperature and light, the zygote
undergoes meiosis and produces four haploid zoospores each of which grows
into an independent Chlamydomonas plant.
Sexual Reproduction by Oogamy
z Oogamy is exhibited in Chlamydomonas coccifera and C.ooganum.
z Here, female and male cells lose flagella and become non-motite.
z All the contents of female cell act as female gamete or egg, but the protoplasm
of male cell divides to produce 32-64 biflagellate gametes.
z The biflagellate gametes are liberated in water and swim around in search of
female gamete.
z Two or more flagellate gametes enter each female cell having nonmotile egg
but only one fertilizes the egg and others degenerate, contributing nutrition to
the young zygote.
6 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
z The fusion product of egg and a motile gamete is called zygote that develops Heredity
a thick, pigmented wall to enter into resting phase.
z On return of favourable conditions of water, temperature and light, the zygote
undergoes meiosis to produce four haploid biflagellate zoospores, each of which
on liberation from zygote, grows into an independent plant of Chlamydomonas.
(d)
Notes
(e) (h)
(f)
(g)
(a) (b) (c) (i)

(a) Mature cell (b) 4 daughter cells (Zoospores formed by Asexual reproduction)
(c) Zoospore after it escapes from the parent cell (d) Palmella-stage of Chlamydomonas
(e, f, g) Free swimming gametes and fusion of gametes (h) a resting zygote (i) 4 cells
formed after meiosis of the zygote cell (zygospores)
Fig. 19.2 Asexual and Sexual reproduction in Chlamydomonas

l. Define the term isogamy. Which species of Chlamydomonas exhibits isogamy.
............................................................................................................................
2. Where does meiosis occur in Chlamydomonas ?
............................................................................................................................
3. Give the method of asexual reproduction in Chlamydomonas. What is the
function of zoospores in Chlamydomonas.
............................................................................................................................
4. Name the speicies of Chlamydomonas that reproduces by Anisogamy and the
species that reproduces by Oogamy.
............................................................................................................................
5. Define the term zoospore and aplanospore.
............................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 7
Reproduction and
Heredity
Produces
two to eight
female gametes
(through mitosis)
Produces
16 to 32 n+n
biflagellate
male gametes
(through mitosis)
Notes
n+n
Female Male
cell cell
2n
2n
Resting zygote
germinates by 2n
meiosis to produce Resting
four haploid zoospores zygote
Fig. 19.3 Sexual Reproduction by Anisogamy in C.braunii
ll
ale ce
e n t s of fem vum or
t o
e con one
All th ff to act as mete
u n d o l e g a
ro fema
Two or more male

gametes enter the
female cell through
Female cell Produces 32 crack that develops in
having just to 64 biflagellate the wall of the cell
one ovum gametes by
mitosis
Female Male
cell n+n
cell 2n
One male gamete
Resting fuses with the
zygote Ovum and others
Under favourable conditions of water degenerate
and temperature Oospore germinates providing
through meiosis producing 4 Parent wall gets degraded nutrition to the
or more biflagellata zoospores by bacterial action and the young zygote
each of which grows into thick-walled zygote (oospore)
a male or female cell lies free
Fig. 19.4 Sexual Reproduction by Oogamy as in C.oogamum and C. coccifera

8 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
19.2.2 Spirogyra (A Multicellular Alga) Heredity
Structure Cell wall

(i) It is a free floating alga found in fresh water
Chloroplast
ponds.
Pyrenoid
(ii) The body has a row of cylindrical cells joined
Vacuole
end to end (filamentous alga).
Nucleus Notes
(iii) Each cell depending upon the species, may have Strands of
1 to 14, spiral ribbon shaped chloroplasts with cytoplasm
many uni-seriately arranged pyrenoids. Cytoplasm
(iv) Central region of the cells has a large vacuole.
(v) The single nucleus is present in the centre of the
Fig. 19.5 Spirogyra : Single
cells supported by cytoplasmic strands. (Fig. cell from the filament.
19.5)
Reproduction
A. Vegetative Reproduction by fragmentation:
(i) The filament breaks into small fragments, at the point of transverse septum
following a physico-chemical change.
(ii) Each fragment having at least one complete cell grows into a new filament
by repeated mitotic cell division.
B. Sexual Reproduction : It takes place by scalariform and lateral conjugation.

Scalariform Conjugation (conjugating filaments give a ladder-like appearance).
(Fig. 19.6)
z Two filaments come to lie very close to each other so that the cells of the two
filaments pair septum to septum and face to face.
z The pairing cells of the two filaments form a contact with the help of a tube
called the conjugation tube.
z Cytoplasmic contents of each cell round off to act as a gamete.
z Gamete from one cell (male) passes to the other cell (female) through the
conjugation tube, by amoeboid movement.
z The cells of each filament acts either as male or female.
z The contents of two gametes fuse in the female cell and form a diploid zygote.
Consequently, after the sexual fusion of gametes, all the cells of male fitament
are empty whereas each cell of the female filament has one thick-walled diploid
zygospore.
BIOLOGY 9
Reproduction and
Heredity z The zygospore develops a thick wall around itself and develops dark brown to
black pigment to tide over the unfavourable period.
z On the return of favourable conditions the diploid nucleus divides by meiosis
into four haploid nuclei. Three of these nuclei degenerate.
z On germination, wall of the zygospore ruptures and a small tube like structure,
containing one haploid nucleus comes out.
Notes z The small tube develops into a long filament by repeated mitotic cell divisions.
Lateral Conjugation
z Here, cells of only one filament are involved in conjugation wherein, male and
female cells are arranged in alternate pairs i.e., two male cells alternate with two
female cells all along the length of a filament.
z Conjugation tube is formed lateral to the septum separating a male and a female
cell. Protoplasm of male cells migrate into female cells.
z After fertilization, a filament would show two empty cells alternating with two
cells each having thick-walled diploid zygospore.
z The zygospore under favourabe conditions, germinates as in scalariform
conjugation to produce only one independent plant, because 3 haploid nuclei
after meiosis, degenerate.
Conjugating tube
(a)
(b) (c)
Degenerating
Nuclei
(e)
(g)
Young filament
(d) Zygospore
(f) (h)
wall
Fig. 19.6 Life cycle of Spirogyra: Sexual reproduction-Scalariform conjugation. (a) Two
Filaments lie close, (b) Formation of conjugation tube, (c) Transfer of gamete from the donor
to the recipient cell, (d) Zygospore within the recipient cell, (e) Zygospore released from
female filaments, (f) Meiotic division in zygospore produces haploid nuclei, (g) 3- haploid
nuclei degenerate, (h) formation of young filament
10 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
The cell in the main plant body form the gametes without meiosis, therefore Heredity
Chlamydomonas and Spirogyra are gametophytes (haploid).

1. Vegetative reproduction in Spirogyra takes place by means of
............................................................................................................................ Notes
2. Name the kind of sexual reproduction that occurs in Spirogyra.
............................................................................................................................
3. When does meiosis occur in Spirogyra ?
............................................................................................................................
4. How many filaments are involved in lateral conjugation ?

............................................................................................................................
19.3 REPRODUCTION IN ANGIOSPERMS (FLOWERING PLANTS)

Angiosperms reproduce both by vegetative as well as by sexual methods. In this
section we will study the sexual reproduciton in angiosperms. As you know sexual
reproduction occurs by fusion of male and female gametes produced in the flower.
Thus, flower represents the reproductive unit of a flowering plant.
How frequently do plants flower? There is great variation shown by the angiospermic
plants in this respect.
Angiosperms can be classified as annuals, biennials and perennials depending upon
the time they take to complete the life cycle includings flowering, fruiting, and death.
(a) Annuals : The plants which complete their life cycle including flowering to seed
formation within one season are called annuals eg. pea
(b) Biennials : Plants which complete their life cycle in two seasons are called
biennials. In the first season these plants remain in the vegetative state, and in
the second season, they produce flowers, fruits, and seeds and then die e.g.
radish.
(c) Perennials : Plants which live for several years are termed perennials. Their
vegetative stage may last from one to a few years after which they produce
flowers, fruits, and seeds every year e.g. mango, peepal, and neem.
(d) Monocarpic : All the annuals, all the biennials and, some perennial plants that
reproduce only once in their life-time and then die, are called Monocarpic e.g.
bamboo, agave, all the annuals and all the biennials.
(e) Polycarpic : Plants which flower and fruit many times in their life cycle and
live for several years, are called polycarpic e.g. many perennial fruit bearing trees
e.g. mango, guava, apple and pear.
BIOLOGY 11
Reproduction and
Heredity Initiation of flowering
As the seed germinates a new plantlet emerges from it. The young plant grows
vigorously and continues to grow till it attains a definite shape and size with its
vegetative parts (roots, stem, leaves) well developed. This phase of the life cycle
represents the young or the juvenile phase.
Then, at a certain point of time on completion of vegetative growth the plant
Notes switches over to its reproductive phase or adult phase and vegetative shoot apex
transforms into a reproductive or floral apex and starts bearing flowers. This
transition from vegetative to the flowering stage may take several years in trees but
only a few weeks or days in annuals.
Table 19.1 Differences between a Juvenile and an Adult Shoot
Juvenile Shoot Adult Shoot
1. Small, soft stem bearing a few 1. Well developed branched stem
young leaves. bearing young as well as mature
leaves.
2. Shape and size of leaves remain 2. Shape and size of leaves change.
same.
3. Shoot does not respond to stimuli 3. Shoot responds to stimuli to produce
to produce flowers. flowers.
In cereals a minimum of seven leaves must be developed before the plant

can produce flowers.
Factors Affecting Flowering
Flowering in a plant is affected by temperature (vernalisation) and light
(photoperiodism).
Vernalisation : Low temperature treatment which stimulates early flower formation
in some plants is called vernalisation.
Photoperiodism : It is the biological response, in growth and flowering, to the
duration of light and dark period received by a plant in a specific sequence. (For
details refer to lesson 19).
Sex in flowers : You have studied in Lesson 5 on Shoot System (flower,
inflorescence, fruit and families), that flowers may be bisexual (having both stamens
and carpels) or unisexual (staminate or pistillate (carpellate)).
In some dioecious species there may be a (i) chromosomal basis of sex-
determination, for example xx and xy chromosomes. (ii) The male and female
plants may also exhibit differences in the levels of their growth substances. For
example – plants of Cucumis which bear male flowers have a high gibberellin
content as compared to those which bear only female flowers. The application of
gibberellin from outside can induce the formation of male flowers even in
genetically female plants and treating male plants with auxin or ethylene may
develop functional female flowers. The above response has also been seen in
Cannabis.
12 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Parts of a flower Heredity
As you have already studied a typical flower bears four whorls born on a thalamus
or stalk. These whorls from outside are
(a) Calyx - consisting of sepals.
(b) Corolla - consisting of petals
(c) Androecium - consisting of stamens
Notes
(d) Gynoecium or pistil - consisting of carpels.
Try to recollect their role in reproduction. The two outermost whorls are known
as non essential or accessory whorls as they aid in reproduction but do not directly
take part in the process. The other two whorls i.e. Androecium (male reproductive
organ) and Gynoecium (female reproductive organ) are known as the essential
whorls as their absence from flowers will lead to failure of sexual reproduction.
Carpel (Gynoecium) Stamen
(Androecium)
Petal
(Corolla)
Sepal (Calyx)
Thalamus
Fig. 19.5 L.S. of a typical flower

1. Define the terms (i) Annual (ii) Biennial (iii) Perennial
............................................................................................................................
2. List the factors which induce flowering
............................................................................................................................
3. Give one example where external application of hormone can reverse the sex
of a flower
............................................................................................................................
4. Name the essential whorls in a flower.
............................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 13
Reproduction and
Heredity 19.4 STAMEN, MICROSPORANGIA AND POLLEN GRAIN
Stamen consists of an anther containing four pollen sacs or microsporangia,
supported by a slender filament. Each sporangium contains mass of large cells
showing prominent nucleus and abundant cytoplasm. These are the sporogenous
cells or the microspore mother cells (Fig. 19.6). Each microsporangium when
mature, has a wall made up of distinct layers of cells.
Notes (i) Outer most layer (epidermis)
(ii) Middle layer of thin-walled cells.
(iii) Innermost layer, the tapetum consisting of large cells, which nourish the
developing pollen grains.
Epidermis
Endothecium
Vascular
Bundle
Pollen sac with

Pollen grain
Fig. 19.6 T.S. of anther to show the various tissues.

Microspore mother cells undergo meiosis and each of them forms four haploid
microspores (each of which represents first cell of male gametophyte or the pollen-
grain) arranged in a tetrad (Fig. 19.7a)
Development of male gametophyte (pollen grains) from a microspore
(i) The wall of the microspore consists of two principal layers. (Fig. 19.7b)
1. Outer exine, (design may help in identifying species) with some thin spaces
(germ pores). Exine is made up of extremely durable substance called
sporopollenin. The pollen tube grows out of the pollen grain through the
germ pores.
2. Inner, thin cellulosic wall, the intine.
(ii) The microspore nucleus moves towards periphery and the cell divides into a
large vegetative cell and a small generative cell.
14 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Heredity
Entine
Germ pore
(a) A pollen grain showing internal view (b) Pollen grain showing external view
Notes
Fig. 19.7 Structure of pollen grain
At this stage pollen grains are released by the rupture of the stomium along the
line of dehiscence of the anther.
The Pollen grain itself is not, the male gamete. It is a structure which
produces male gametes, therefore pollen grain is regarded as the male
gametophyte in the flowering plants.
The pistil, megasporangium and embryo sac
The main part of the ovule is enclosed by two integument (covering) leaving an
aperture (micropyle). The ovule is attached to ovary wall by a stalk (funiculus). The
region of the ovule opposite the micropyle is called Chalaza (Fig. 19.8a)
Female gametophyte :
The gynoecium or pistil represents the female reproductive part in the flower. Each
pistil consists of a stigma, style and ovary. The ovary contains one or more ovules
(integumented megasporangia) which after fertilization, give rise to the future seeds.
An ovule develops as a projection on the placenta in the ovary. It consists of a
parenchymatous tissue called the nucellus which is covered by one or two coverings
called integuments. The integuments surround the nucellus all around but leave a
narrow passage, the micropyle, through which a pollen tube may enter at a later
stage. As the ovule grows it is raised on a stalk like structure called funiculus which
is attached to the placenta borne on the inner wall of ovary (Fig. 19.8b).
Chalaza
Nucellus
Raphe
Integuments
Ovules
Definitive Antipodal cells
Nucleus Carpels
Embryo-sac
Egg-Cell
Synergids
Hilum
Micropyle
Funicle (b)
(a)
Fig. 19.8 (a) Various parts of ovule (b) Pistil

BIOLOGY 15
Reproduction and
Heredity Development of female gametophyte
Within the nucellus, a single hypodermal cell (below the epidermis) enlarges and
becomes the megaspore mother cell, which undergoes meiotic division and
gives rise to four haploid megaspore cells, usually three of them degenerate and
the remaining one becomes the functional megaspore. The functional megaspore
enlarges and its haploid nucleus undergoes three successive mitotic divisions. As
a result 8 haploid nuclei are formed. This enlarged oval shaped structure with eight
Notes haploid nuclei is referred as the young embryo sac. These nuclei then migrate and
get arranged into three groups. Three nuclei reach the micropylar end of the embryo
sac and other three move in the opposite direction (i.e. the chalazal end) and the
remaining two remain in the centre. The cell membranes and cell walls develop
around all the nuclei excepting the two at the centre of the embryo sac which now
is called the central cell.
Thus, in a mature ovule the embryo sac contains eight haploid nuclei but only seven
cells. Three cells at the micropylar end, form the egg apparatus and the three cells
at the chalazal end, are the antipodal cells. The remaining two nuclei called the
polar nuclei may fuse to form the diploid secondary nucleus. In the egg apparatus
one is the egg cell (female gamete) and remaining two cells are the synergids. A
fully developed embryo sac with the nucellus, integuments and funiculus, together
constitute the mature ovule. In this condition the ovule awaits fertilization which
must be preceded by pollination.
Function of cells and nuclei of embryo sac
Secondary Nucleus : During fertilization, the secondary nucleus fuses with

one sperm to form a triple fusion nucleus (2n+n = 3n). This is called primary
endosperm nucleus. It gives rise to the food storing endosperm of the seed
in many plants.
Egg Cell : Fuses with the second male gamete (sperm) to give rise to the
zygote, which develops into the embryo. This is called double fertilization.
Synergid Cells : Considered to help in fertilization by directing the pollen

tube to the egg cell.
Antipodal Cells : Degenerate just before fertilization and contribute

nutrition for the young embryo.

1. What is the innermost wall layer of microsporangium called?
............................................................................................................................
16 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
2. Name the organ where pollen grains are formed. Heredity
............................................................................................................................
3. Name the two layers of pollen grain ............................. and ...........................
4. Name two parts of a mature ovule.
............................................................................................................................
19.4.1 Pollination Notes
When mature pollen grains, released from anther, are carried to stigma of a flower
of the same or different species, it is called pollination.
Pollination : Transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma
of a flower.
Pollination is of two types:
Pollination
Self-pollination Cross-pollination
Transfer of Pollen grains Transfer of Pollen grains from a
to stigma of the same or from another flower to stigma of another flower
flower borne on the same plant as in borne on another plant of the same
the pea family e.g. pea and gram. species e.g. in palm and maize.
Importance of Pollination :
1. It results in fertilization and stimulates the ovule to get converted into seed.
2. New varieties of plants are formed through new combination of genes in case
of cross pollination.
3. During pollination pollen tube produces growth hormones which stimulate ovary
to develop into fruit.
Cross pollination is brought about by various external agencies such as, wind,
insects, water, birds and other animals. Now let us study the various agencies of
cross pollination which carry pollen grains from one flower to stigma of another
flower.
Characteristics in Flowers which favour Cross Pollination
1. Pollination by wind (Anemophily) : (Anemos : wind, Phile: to love)
(i) Flowers are small, without colour, nectar and scent.
(ii) Flowers produce a large number of pollen grains to allow for wastage
when pollen-grains are carried by wind to another flower.
(iii) The pollen grains are small, light and sometimes provided with ‘Wings’.
(iv) The stigmas are comparatively large, protruding and some times hairy, to
trap pollen grains from wind for example, grasses and some cacti.
BIOLOGY 17
Reproduction and
Heredity 2. Pollination by insects (Entomophily) : (entomo : insect, phile : to love)
(i) Flowers are usually large, coloured and showy to attract insects.
(ii) Some of these flowers secrete nectar to attract insects. Salvia flowers
show special adaptations for pollination by bees. (Fig. 19.9a, b).
Anthers
Notes
Style
Bee
Filament
Fig. 19.9 Pollination in Salvia by bees

3. Pollination by Water (Hydrophily) (Hydros : water)
This takes place in aquatic plants.
(i) Pollen grains are produced in large numbers.
(ii) Pollen grains float on surface of water till they land on the stigma of female
flowers e.g. Hydrilla, Vallisnaria.
4. Pollination by Animals (Zoophily) (Zoon : animal)
Flowers of such plants attract animals by their bright colour, size, and scent for
example sun bird, pollinates flowers of Canna, and gladioli, and Squirrels pollinate
flowers of silk cotton tree.
Humans carry out artificial pollination in a number of plants for
producing desirable hybrids.
Some Adaptations to Promote Cross Pollination :

1. Unisexuality : Flowers may be only male or female, borne on different plants
e.g. papaya, palm, or may be borne on the same plant, e.g. maize.
2. Dichogamy : Male and female sex organs mature at different times. In sweet
pea, and Salvia, Anther matures earlier than the stigma and in custard apple
(sharifa) carpel matures earlier than the anther.
3. Self Sterility : Pollen grains are incapable of affecting fertilization even after
being placed on the stigma of the same flower e.g. Petunia, apple.
Devices to ensure self pollination :
(i) Cleistogamy : Flowers remain closed until pollination.
(ii) Male and female sex organs mature at the same time (homogamy) e.g. ground-
nut.
18 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Heredity
1. What is pollination?
............................................................................................................................
2. Mention suitable terms for the following : Notes
(i) Flowers do not open and get self-pollinated.
..................................................................................................................
(ii) Male and female reproductive organs mature at different times.
..................................................................................................................
3. Give two features of insect pollinated flowers :
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
19.4.2 Fertilization
z Pollen grains on reaching the right stigma become three-celled (if they are not
3-celled bearing two male garmetes and one tube cell or vegetative cell) and
begin to germinate.
z Each pollen grain forms a small tube like structure called pollen tube which
emerges through the germ pore. The contents of the pollen grain move into the
tube and the tube nucleus occupies the tip of the pollen tube.
z Pollen tube grows through the tissues of the stigma and style and finally enters
the ovule through the micropyle.
z Vegetative nucleus or the tube nucleus degenerates and the two sperms (or male
gametes), now occupy the tip of the pollen tube.
z Tip of pollen tube passes through one of the synergids and bursts to release the
two sperms into the embryo sac.
z One sperm fuses with the egg (syngamy) and forms a diploid zygote. The other
sperm fuses with the secondary nucleus to form the primary endosperm nucleus
which is triploid in nature. Since two types of fusion, syngamy and triple fusion
take place in an embryo sac, the process is termed as double fertilization.
z After triple fusion, the triploid primary endosperm cell develops into an
endosperm.
BIOLOGY 19
Reproduction and
Heredity z Endosperm provides food to the developing embryo.
z The synergids and antipodal cells also degenerate to contribute nutrition to the
young embryo.
Significance of Fertilisation
(i) Gives stimulus for the growth of ovary, leading to fruit formation.
Notes
(ii) Helps in recombination of characters as genes from two different individuals
combine and form the zygote.
Post fertilisation changes

Events that follow double fertilisation are development of endosperm and embryo
and maturation of the ovule into seed and ovary into fruit.
(a) Endosperm : The endosperm development begins before embryo development.

This is needed to provide the nutritive tissue for the growth of the zygote into
an embryo. The primary endosperm cell divides repeatedly and forms an
endosperm tissue. There are three ways in which the endosperm may develop.
Nuclear type : The primary endosperm nucleus undergoes repeated mitotic

divisions to give rise to free nuclei which arrange themselves at the periphery
leaving a large central space. Cell wall formation starts subsequently from
periphery towards the centre and endosperm becomes cellular at maturity. This
is the most common type of endosperm development and is seen in maize, wheat,
and rice.
(b) In Cellular type, each nuclear division of primary endosperm nucleus is

followed by cytokinesis, making the endosperm cellular from the beginning
(c) In Helobial endosperm, the first mitosis of primary endosperm nucleus is

followed by cytokinesis and it gives rise to two unequal cells. Subsequently,
mitotic divisions in both the cells are free nuclear but ultimately, mature
endosperm becomes cellular after cytokinesis.
Endosperm may be completely consumed by the developing embryo before seed

maturation as in many dicot seeds like pea, and beans or it may persist in the
mature seeds or may even be massive considerably as in cereals, and coconut.
Development of embryo
(i) The zygote divides into two cells, the upper cell (embryonal cell) and;
lower cell (suspensor cell). (Fig 19.10)
20 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Embroyonal mass Heredity
(a)
Embryo
Suspensor
Suspensor
Notes
(b) (c) (d)

(e)
(f)
(h)
(g)
Fig. 19.10 Development of embryo, A-H
(ii) The lower cell divides and forms the suspensor.

(iii) The suspensor pushes the developing embryo into the endosperm to get
food.
(iv) The embryonal cell divides several times and finally gets differentiated into
radicle, plumule and cotyledon.
(v) The integuments become hardened and thus form the seed coat which
protects the seed.
(vi) Thus, a seed may be dicotyledonous with two cotyledons (pea, gram) or
monocotyledonous with one cotyledon (wheat, rice).
19.4.3 Polyembryony
Recall embryo development in plants from your text book. Polyembryony is the
formation of more than one embryo in a single ovule. The development of extra
embryos may be due to:
(i) Division of other cells in the embryo sac like synergids or antipodal cells to give
rise to additional embryos. This is called adventive polyembryony.
(ii) The zygote may divide to give rise to two or more cells each of which develops
into a separate embryo. This is called cleavage polyembryony.
BIOLOGY 21
Reproduction and
Heredity 19.4.4 Seed
The seed is defined as a ripened ovule.
Notes
Importance of Seed
1. It contains embryo which develops into a new plant.
2. The seed coat protects the embryo against dehydration and mechanical damage.
3. Seeds can be stored and transported from one place to another and thus help
in dispersal.
A. Structure of Gram (dicot) Seed :

(i) The seed is enclosed in the pod. (Fig. 19.11a)
(ii) It is somewhat conical in shape. (Fig. 19.11b)
(iii) The seed is attached to a small stalk.
(iv) The point of attachment of seed to the stalk is called hilum.
(v) Testa is the brown seed coat, fused with the inner coat the tegmen
(vi) Below it is a small pore, the micropyle.
(vii) The embryonal axis is enclosed by the two fleshy cotyledons. (Fig. 19.11c)
B. Structure of Maize grain : (Monocot)

(i) The maize grain is broader in shape. (Fig. 19.11d)
(ii) Testa and tegmen are fused together which are further inseparably fused
with the pericarp.
(iii) The embryo is towards the narrower side of endosperm.
(iv) The endosperm stores starch and protein. The outermost layer which
contains only protein is called aleurone layer.
(v) The embryo consists of one large cotyledon, called scutellum.
(vi) The embryonal axis lies lateral to the scutellum. (Fig. 19.11e)
22 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Heredity
Plumule
Base of style
Seed-coat fruit-wall
Endosperm
Cotyledons Aleurone layer
(a) (c) Epithelium
Scutellum
Coleoptile Notes
Remnant of style
Plumule
Endosperm
Embryo Radicle
Radicle Coleorhiza
(a) (b) (b) (d) (e) (e)
Fig. 19.11 Structure of dicot and monocot seeds : (a) External view of gram seed; (b) Internal
structure of gram seed (c) embryo (gram) (d) Maize grain entire; (e) L.S. of maize grain
19.4.5 Fruit
A fruit is defined as a ripened ovary. Different parts are edible in different fruits.
Significance of Fruit :
1. It protects seeds.
2. On decay, fruits which contain chemical substances enrich the soil.
3. It helps in dispersal of seeds.
The unripe fruit has a different taste but no smell. But the same fruit when it ripens
has a good taste and smell e.g. mango, banana. The following changes take place
during the ripening of fruit :
(i) Starch is converted into sugar.
(ii) The production of various organic substances (esters) gives a different texture,
taste and flavour.
(iii) The breakdown of chlorophyll leads to changes in colour of the skin of the
fruit.
Parthenocarpy : When fertilisation fails, seeds are not formed. But in certain plants
the ovary develops into a fruit e.g. grapes, and banana.
The phenomenon of development of fruit from unfertilised ovary is called
parthenocarpy and such fruits which are seedless, are called parthenocarpic fruits.
Commercial value of parthenocarpic fruits :

(i) The parthenocarpic fruits are seedless and are hence valued more, for eating
purposes and contain abortive seeds which can not develop into a new plant.
(ii) These fruits contain sufficient growth hormones.
BIOLOGY 23
Reproduction and
Heredity

1. Which part of the ovule forms the seed coat ?
............................................................................................................................
2. Define a seed.
Notes ............................................................................................................................
3. Give one example of a dicot seed and one of a monocot seed.
............................................................................................................................
4. Define a fruit.
............................................................................................................................
5. List the parts of mature seed.
............................................................................................................................
6. Development of an embryo from a cell of embryo sac other than egg is an
example of ..................
7. Formation of more than one embryo from a single zygote is called ............
19.4.6 Seed
Seed is the final product of sexual reproduction and on maturity, it becomes relatively
dry. The metabolic activity of the embryo slows down and in majority of cases the
embryo enters into a phase of inactivity called dormancy or in some cases if
favourable conditions are available they germinate. Dormancy helps the plants to
survive under unfavourable conditions and ensures its germination only under
favourable conditions.
Germination : Embryo lies dormant in the seeds, but when the seed receives the
favourable signals and the inputs from the environment (moisture, suitable temperature
and oxygen) are available, they germinate. Germination is the process by which the
embryo grows and establishes itself as a seedling.
Steps of germination
z Imbibition of water through the micropyle, and by the seed coat.
z Seed swells up as it gets hydrated.
z Enzyme activity converts the reserve seed food into soluble forms (glucose,
amino acid, fatty acids)
z The seed coat bursts and radicle emerges (grows into root) and then the plumule
grows and develops into shoots.
24 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Germination can be of two types Heredity
(a) Epigeal where because of more growth of hypocotyl, cotyledons come above
the ground and form the first leaves of the new plant e.g. in castor, neem, and
bean, and the plumule forms the shoot.
(b) Hypogeal where because of poor growth of hypocotyl, cotyledons remain

underground and plumule emerges from the soil to develop into the shoot Notes
system. e.g. maize, and rice.
19.5 VEGETATIVE REPRODUCTION IN ANGIOSPERMS

Vegetative reproduction in Angiosperm : Reproduciton of new plants from the
portion of the vegetative parts of a plant is very common and is called vegetative
reproduction. Stems, roots, leaves and even buds are variously modified to suit
this requirement. This is called natural vegetative reproduciton.
The new plants formed by vegetative propagation are genetically similar to the
parents.
Natural Method : In natural methods, a portion of the plant gets detached from
the body of the mother plant and grows into an independent plant. The parts may
be stem, root, leaf or even flower.
You have studied about the various modifications of root, stem and leaf in lesson
4 and 5. You have also learnt that these modified portions perform some special
functions and also help to overcome unfavourable conditions.
1. The underground modification of stem, like rhizome, (in ginger), tuber (potato),
bulb (onion) and corm (zamikand) are provided with buds which develop into
a new plant and are therefore used to carry out vegetative propagation of the
plant in the field. Plants with subaerial modification such as Pistia (offset) and
Chrysanthemum (sucker) are also used for vegetative propagation.
2. Similarly, tuberous roots (Asparagus and sweet potato) can also be used for
propagation as these roots have adventitious buds which grow into a new plant.
3. Sometimes even leaves contribute to propagation of plants for example, leaves
of Bryophyllum and Kalanchoe have buds on the margin and these buds grow
into small plantlets. When detached from the mother plant they grow into
independent plants.
4. In plants like Agave and Oxalis multicellular bodies called bulbils develop from
flower-buds. These are called bulbils which when fall on the ground, grow into
new plant.
BIOLOGY 25
Reproduction and
Heredity Table 19.2 Modes of Vegetative reproduction with examples
Mode of Reproduction Specialised plant Examples
part
(A) Natural Methods
(a) Roots (Adventitious) Asparagus,
Notes Sweet potato
(b) Stem (a) Runner Lawn grass,
(b) Sucker Mint, Onion,
(c) Bulb Onion
(d) Tuber Potato, Canna
(e) Rhizome Ginger
(c) Leaves Adventitious Buds Bryophyllum
(d) Special Parts Bulbil Oxalis,
Pineapple, Onion
(B) Artificial Methods
(a) Cutting Rose, Money Plant
(b) Layering Jasmine,
(c) Grafting Grapevine
(d) Tissue Culture Citrus, Mango
Orchids, Chrysan
themum, Asparagus.

1. Define vegetative reproduction.
............................................................................................................................
2. Give an example of each of the following :
(a) rhizome ....................................................................................................
(b) tuber ....................................................................................................
(c) bulb ....................................................................................................
(d) runner ....................................................................................................
(e) sucker ....................................................................................................
3. Give an example of vegetative reproduction which is carried out by leaves.
............................................................................................................................
4. Name two ways by which vegetative reproduction occurs in plants.
............................................................................................................................
26 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Heredity
Scale Leaves
Axillary Terminal bud

bud Stem
(a) (b) Notes
(a) (b) (c)
Runner
(d)
(g)
Node Bud
Scale leaf
(e) (h)
Fig. 19.12a Sweet potato Fig. 19.12b Dahlia

Fig. 19.12c (a) Bulb of onion (b) L.S. of bulb Fig. 19.12d Tuber of potato
Fig. 19.12e Rhizome of Ginger Fig. 19.12f Corm of colocasia
Fig. 19.12g Runner of grass Fig. 19.12h Sucker of Chrysanthemum
Fig. 19.12 Vegetative propagation of adventitious buds at the margins
of leaves in Bryophyllum
BIOLOGY 27
Reproduction and
Heredity 19.6 ARTIFICIAL METHODS
Humans have taken advantage of this natural phenomenon and have artificially
propagated plants vegetatively by using the specialized parts as described earlier
or by cutting, grafting and layering. When, we use the vegetative parts for
propagating crops or ornamental plants it is termed as artificial vegetative
propagation.
Notes
(a) Cuttings : Many plants like rose, Bougainvillea, Croton, Coleus, money plant,
and sugarcane are grown through their stem cuttings. (Fig. 19.13). Cuttings of
these plants can be grown even in water where they strike roots and develop
adventitious buds.
Fig. 19.13 Vegetative reproduction by cutting

(b) Layering : In this method, a lower branch of a plant is bent down and covered
with moist soil leaving the growing tip above the soil. A ring of bark is removed
from the stem before it is bent down (Fig. 19.14). In a few weeks time when
enough roots have developed on the underground portion above the ringed part,
it is cut off from the parent plant and grown separately as an independent plant.
Example: Jasmine, strawberry, grapevine, Bougainvillea.
Fig. 19.14 Vegetative reproduction by layering

(c) Aerial layering or Gootee is a similar practice where bending of branches is
not possible because of the height of plant or due to woody nature of stem.
In this method a ring of bark is removed from a selected branch, and it is covered
with moist moss and enclosed in a polythene sheet. When roots appear, the stem
is cut below the roots and planted to form a new plant Fig. 19.15).
28 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Heredity
Notes
Fig. 19.15 Vegetative reproduction by gootee

(d) Grafting : It is especially important for propagation of seedless varieties of
plants. It consists of inserting a small branch into a rooted plant. The rooted
plant, taken as a stock is resistant to diseases and is physically sturdy. In this
stock a branch is inserted which is known as scion or graft. This scion or graft
is the stem cutting from the desired plant. Usually the grafted end of stock and
scion fit well with each other and are bound firmly with tape or rubber-band
until their tissues unite and vascular continuity is established. Grafting is mostly.
practised in dicot plants. Grafting has been found extremely useful in propagating
improved varieties of various flowers and fruits like rose, Bougainvillea, Citrus,
mango, apple etc. (Fig. 19.16)
Scion Stock
Scion
B
Stock
Stock
Scion
(a)
(b) (a)
Fig. 19.16 (a) The lower part of the stem of scion is cut in a wedge. (b) The shoot of the
plant to be used as a stock is cut off. The stem is slit vertically and the scion is
inserted into the stock and is tied with a tape (c) the graft union
occurs within a short time
19.7 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VEGETATIVE

REPRODUCTION
Advantages
(a) Rapid means of reproduction and spread.
(b) Offsprings identical to parent. The desired varieties can thus be preserved
genetically for use.
(c) Food storage organs allow perennation or survival in adverse conditions.
BIOLOGY 29
Reproduction and
Heredity (d) Improved varieties of ornamental plants and fruit trees can be multiplied
easily.
(e) Vegetative propagation is a quicker, easier and a less expensive method of
multiplying plants.
Disadvantages
(a) Overcrowding and competition for space unless separated artificially.
Notes
(b) New varieties cannot be produced by this method except by mutation.
(c) Diseases typical of the species are rapidly transmitted and can be detrimental
to a crop.

1. What are the various methods which man uses for propagating plants artificially?
............................................................................................................................
2. Name at least four specialised plant parts which help in vegetative ,propagation.
............................................................................................................................
3. Write one advantage of vegetative reproduction.
............................................................................................................................
19.8 THE MICROPROPAGATION

The technique of plant tissues culture is utilised for propagation of plants. The
process is explained below with the help of diagrams.
A small piece of tissue, organ or even a single cell is taken from a plant and is
transferred to a sterilized container with nutrient medium in aseptic conditions. The
tissue grows very-very fast into an unorganised mass, called callus. The callus can
be maintained and multiplied for an indefinite period. When small portions of the
tissue are transferred to another specialised medium with hormones, it induces
differentiation and plantlets (little plants) are formed.
The plantlets can be transplanted into pots and or soil by a gradual process and
are grown to mature plants.
Cells shifted
Hormones and cells
Callus
Plant I Plant II
Platelets
Fig. 19.17 Steps of micropropagation.
30 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
19.8.1 Advantages of micropropagation Heredity
By this method an indefinite number of identical plants can be obtained vegetatively
starting from a small amount of parent tissue.
In orchids, carnations, Chrysanthemum and Asparagus, micropropagation is being
successfully tried in some parts of our country.
Notes
1. Give two examples each of plants which are propagated by the following methods:
(a) Cutting
(i) .........................................................................................................
(ii) .........................................................................................................
(b) Layering
(i) .........................................................................................................
(ii) .........................................................................................................
(c) Grafting
(i) .........................................................................................................
(ii) .........................................................................................................
2. Name the artificial means of vegetative propagation commonly used in the
laboratory.
............................................................................................................................
3. Give two examples of plants which are propagated by micropropagation
technique.
............................................................................................................................
WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT

z Chlamydomonas reproduces asexually by zoospores and sexually by isogamy,
anisogamy and orgamy.
z Spirogyra reproduces by vegetative fragmentation, and sexually, by lateral
conjugation and scalariform conjugation.
z In angiosperms flowers are the organs of sexual reproduction.
z Temperature and light are two main factors which influence flowering.
z Stamens and carpels are the male and female reproductive organs, respectively.
z Male gametes are produced in pollen grains, formed inside the anther, and pollen
grains, are regarded as the male gametophytes in flowering plants.
z Female gamete is produced in the embryo sac in the nucellus of the ovule.
BIOLOGY 31
Reproduction and
Heredity z The mature embryo sac is the female gametophyte of flowering plants, having
3-celled egg apparatus, three antipodal cells and a secondary cell having diploid
secondary nucleus.
z Egg cell fuses with one of the male gametes received from pollen grains.
Secondary nucleus fuses with the other male gamete. Occurrence of two such
fusions is called two flowers borne on the same plant or on two double
Notes fertilisation.
z Pollination is the transference of the pollen grains from anther to stigma. It may
be in the same bisexual flower of a plant (self pollination) or in different plants
(cross-pollination).
Wind, water, insects and animals are agencies of cross pollination.
z Wind pollinated flowers have light pollen grains or winged pollegrains and the
stigma is usually large, hairy and projecting out of the flowers.
z Insect pollinated flowers are usually large, brightly coloured, scented and with
nectar.
z Most plants have devices to favour cross pollination.
z The zygote develops to produce an embryo.
z The embryo is present in the ovule which later becomes seed and fertilized ovary
on maturity becomes fruit.
z Development of fruit without fertilisation is called parthenocarpy.
z Ripening of fruit involves chemical changes in the stored food and pigments of
the fruit wall.
z Vegetative reproduction is the production of new plants from plant parts other
than flower and seeds.
z Specialised plant parts which bring about vegetative reproduction are as follows
(a) Roots - tuberous root of Dahlia
(b) Stems - runners and suckers near ground surface, rhizomes, tubers, corm
and bulb are underground parts.
(c) Leaves - adventitious buds in leaf notches as in Bryophyllum.
(d) Bulbils - Modified buds in the inflorescence of pineapple called bulbils are
also used for vegetative propagation.
z All the above kinds of parts have been used by man in agriculture and horticulture
as artificial methods of vegetative propagation.
z Micropropagation by tissue culture enables production of little plants on a large
scale.
z Vegetative reproduction is rapid, easy and cheap. The plants produced are
genetically identical to the parent plant.
32 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Heredity
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. Explain the term isogamy taking Chlamydomonas as an example.
2. Describe scalariform conjugation in Spirogyra.
3. Differentiate between annuals, biennials and perennial plants.
4. Give significance of pollination. Notes
5. Draw a labelled sketch of a mature ovule.
6. Give a labelled diagram of a mature pollen grain.
7. Mention important characteristics in Anemophilous and Hydrophilous plants.
8. Give the significance of fertilisation.
9. Mention the changes that take place when the fruit ripens.
10. Define the following terms :
(a) Corm (b) Scion
(c) Callus (d) Micropropagation
(e) Vegetative reproduction
11. In what ways do plants reproduce vegetatively without human assistance ?
12. In what ways do plants reproduce vegetatively with human assistance?
13. Define and give an example of each of the following:
(a) Rhizome (b) Stolon (c) Cutting
(d) Layering (e) Grafting
14. What are the advantages and disadvantages of vegetative reproduction ?
15. In what way is vegetative reproduction simple ?
16. Write short notes on
(a) Runner (b) Sucker (c) Bulb (d) Tuber
17. In brief describe the various steps of micropropagation.
19. What is the significance of micropropagation ?
19. If a branch of dasehri mango is grafted on a tree producing desi mango. What
type of mangoes will be produced on the grafted branch and on other branches
of the tree?
ANSWERS TO INTEX]T QUESTIONS
19.1 1. The process by which living organisms produce their offsprings for the
continuity of the species.
2. Offsprings reproduce from a vegetative unit produced by a parent
without fusion of gamete. In case of sexual reproduction fusion of male
and female reproductive cells produced in male and female reproductive
organs, is required.
BIOLOGY 33
Reproduction and
Heredity 3. Male and female reproductive cells are known as gametes.
4. Fission, budding, fragmentation.
5. b
19.2 1. Male and female gametes are identical in structure.
2. Zygote
Notes 3. Asexual reproduction
4. Anisogamy - C. braunii; Oogamy - C.oogamum and C. coccifera
5. A flagellate thin-walled asexual reproductive unit is called zoospore. If
a zoospore loses flagella and becomes, non motile, it is called aplanospore.
19.3 1. Fragmentation
2. Scalariform Conjugation.
3. Diploid nucleus in zygote on return of favourable conditions.
4. Only one filament is involved in lateral conjugation
19.4 1. Annual - Plants which produce flowers and seeds and die within one
season.
Biennial - Plants which complete their life cycle in two seasons. In First
season they are in vegetative state and in second season, they reproduce
and die.
Perennial - Plants which live for several years. For first few years they
are in vegetative state and later, they flower and produce fruits and seeds
every year.
2. Temperature, light - day length
3. Cannabis or Cucumis
4. Stamens and carpels
19.5 (i) Tapetum
(ii) Pollen sac
(iii) Exine and intine
(iv) Nucellus and integuments
19.6 1. Transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma of a flower.
2. (i) Cleistogamy
(ii) Dichogamy
34 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
3. (i) Flowers are large, coloured and showy. Heredity
(ii) Some flowers secrete nectar.

19.7 1. Integuments.
2. Ripened ovule.
3. Pea or Gram, Maize grain.
Notes
4. Ripened ovary.
Seed coat
5. Embryo
Endosperm
Cotyledons
6. Adventive Polyembryony
7. Cleavage Polyembryony
19.8 1. The process of multiplication in which a portion of the plant body
becomes detached and develops into new plants.
2. (a) Ginger (b) Potato (c) Onion (d) Lawn grass (e) mint
3. Bryophyllum
4. Rhizomes and Bulbs
19.9 1. (a) Cutting (b) Grafting (c) Layering
2. (a) Runner (b) Tuber (c) Bulb (d) Sucker
3. Desirable varieties of ornamental plants and fruit trees can be multiplied
easily.
19.10 1. (a) (i) Croton (ii) Money plant
(b) (i) Jasmine (ii) Grapevine
(c) (i) Rose (ii) Mango
2. Micropropagation
3. Orchids, Chrysanthemum, Asparagus.
BIOLOGY 35
MODULE - 3 Growth and Development in Plants
Reproduction and
Heredity
20
Notes
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN
PLANTS
If you sow a seed in your garden or in a pot, after few days you would find a tiny
seedling coming out from the seed. As days pass, the tiny seedling grows in size,
the number of leaves increases, and later, it grows into a mature plant and produces
flowers and fruits. This is the process of growth and development. Besides growth
and development plants also show movement, but it is not as clearly visible as in
the case of animals. In this lesson you will learn about growth, development and
movements in plants.
OBJECTIVES
After studying this lesson, you will be able to:
z define the terms growth and development;
z differentiate between growth and development and explain growth curve;
z list the various stages of cellular growth;
z explain the various methods of measurement of plant growth;
z describe the factors affecting plant growth and importance of growth regulators;
z explain the role of growth regulators in dormancy and germination of seeds;
z differentiate among short-day plants, long-day plants and day-neutral plants;
z define the terms abscission and senescence;
z identify the effects of salt stress and water stress on plants;
z define the various types of movement like geotropism, phototropism, nastic and
turgor movements.
20.1 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
You must have noticed that all living organisms grow in size. But have you ever
thought how a do they grow? Growth takes place due to cell division, which
increases the number of cells in the body. This process continues and we observe
increase in weight, size and volume of all plants and animals. This is called growth.
Growth in living organisms may be defined as an irreversible increase in
the number and size of a cell, organ or whole organism.
36 BIOLOGY
Growth and Development in Plants MODULE - 3
Reproduction and
Growth in living organisms is not uniform throughout the life span. Growth takes Heredity
place at a faster rate till the plants or animals attain maturity. Then it slows down
and at a particular time it stops. Later in life death occurs. All these changes that
occur in an organism starting from its beginning till its death may collectively be
termed as development. Development is associated with morphogenesis and
differentiation. Morphogenesis is the process of development of shape and
structure of an organism; and differentiation is the process of change in cells, tissues
or organs to carry out different functions. Notes
Development is the whole series of qualitative and quantitative changes

such as growth, differentiation and maturation, which an organism
undergoes throughout its life cycle.
20.2 STAGES OF CELLULAR GROWTH

You have already learnt that growth of an organism is always associated with growth
in size and number of cells. The growth of an organ or an organism occurs in three
successive stages. They are
(i) Cell division : The number of cells increases due to mitosis (Fig. 20.1a).
(ii) Cell enlargement: The size of individual cell increases after cell division due
to increase in the volume of its protoplasm (Fig. 20.1b).
(iii) Cell differentiation: In this stage, structure of the cells changes to perform
specific functions. And similar type of cells having same functions form a group,
which is known as tissue.
(a) Cell Division (b) Cell Enlargement

Fig. 20.1 Comparison of cell division and cell enlargement
BIOLOGY 37
Reproduction and
Heredity In lower organisms such as bacteria and algae the entire body grows. But in higher
organisms like ferns, pine and flowering plants, growth is restricted to the cells present
only in the growing regions, like shoot apex and root tip and close to the lateral
sides of the stem and root. Growth at the tips leads to elongation of body parts and
lateral (side ways) growth leads to increase in the thickness of stem and root.
20.3 GROWTH CURVE

Notes The rate of growth of a plant or plant part is not always the same during its life
span. Sometimes it is slow and at other times rapid. If we plot the increase in cell
number (growth rate) against time, a typical S-shaped curve is obtained. This is
called growth curve or sigmoid growth curve. (Fig 20.2)
This curve has three phases of growth.
(i) Lag Phase – This is the initial phase of growth when the rate of growth is
very slow.
(ii) Log Phase – It shows rapid growth and is maximum during the entire life span.
(iii) Stationary Phase – Here the rate of growth starts decreasing and finally it
stops.
Fruit and
leaf loss
Stationary
No Death
Rapid growth
Dry weight
growth
Slow
growth
Seed
germinating
and losing
weight Log phase
Lagphase
Fig. 20.2 Sigmoid curve

The total time period during which the festest growth of the organ or organism
occurs is called grand period of growth.
20.4 MEASUREMENT OF GROWTH
After knowing the different phases of growth let us know how to measure growth
in plants. Growth in plants being a quantitative phenomenon can be measured in
relation to time. It can be measured in terms of
z Increase in length or growth – in case of stem and root;
z Increase in area or volume – in case of leaves and fruits;
z Increase in the number of cells – in algae, yeast and bacteria.
Let us discuss some methods of measuring growth in length.
38 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
20.4.1 Direct Method Heredity
We know that growth generally takes place at the apical region of plant. So growth
in length can be directly measured by means of an ordinary measuring scale at any
particular interval of time.
ACTIVITY FOR YOU

Notes
Aim
To use an ordinary scale to measure growth in length of the stem of a plant in your
garden.
What do you require?
Thread, a piece of stone and a measuring scale.
What to do?
z Tie the stone at one end of the thread;
z Take the length of the stem from above the soil surface with the help of the
thread;
z Mark the length of the stem on the thread with the help of a pen;
z Put the thread on the scale and note down the length;
z Record the length citing date of the activity;
z Repeat the procedure and at an interval of one week.
Is there any change in length?
Make a table.
No. of the week Length in cms.
20.4.2 Auxanometer
For more accurate measurement of length, we can use the specially designed
equipment called auxanometer. (Fig 20.3). We can use it to measure the rate of
growth of shoot length of plants. A thread is tied to the tip of stem of a potted
plant and the thread is hung on the pulley of auxanometer. The other end of the
thread is tied to a weight. The pulley is fixed with a long needle, which slides over
a graduated arc. As the stem grows in length the weight pulls the thread down. The
movement of the needle is read on the scale of arc.
BIOLOGY 39
Reproduction and
Heredity
ARC
Pointer
Pulley
Notes
Thread
Weight
Plotted Stand
plant
Fig. 20.3 Auxanometer

1. Distinguish between growth and development.
............................................................................................................................
2. What is differentiation?
............................................................................................................................
3. What role does it play in plant growth and development?
............................................................................................................................
20.5 FACTORS AFFECTING PLANT GROWTH

Generally plant growth is influenced by a number of factors both external and
internal.
20.5.1 External growth factors
External factors are those factors present in the environment that affect the growth
of the plants directly or indirectly. These factors are
(i) Light (ii) Temperature (iii) Water (iv) Mineral nutrients
(i) Light
You have already learnt about the necessity of light for the process of photosynthesis.
Besides photosynthesis, light is also essential for seed germination, growth of
seedling, differentiation of various tissues and organs, and reproduction.
40 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
When plants grow in dark, they become tall, yellowish and weak, and the Heredity
leaves are very small.
(ii) Temperature
Some plants grow in cold climate and some in hot climate. The optimum
temperature required for growth of plants ranges between 28-30°C, but it may occur
in the temperature range of 4-45°C. All metabolic activities of plants are directly Notes
affected by variation of temperature. A very low temperature causes injuries to the
plant due to chilling and freezing, and very high temperature stops its growth.
(iii) Water
You have already learnt that a plant absorbs water by its roots, uses it in
photosynthesis and other biochemical processes and some of it is lost through
transpiration. For proper growth of plants a particular quantity of water is required.
Both deficiency and excess of water retards the growth of plants.
(iv) Mineral Nutrients

In the lesson 9 “Plant nutrition” we have already discussed the importance of mineral
nutrients for plant growth and development. All metabolic processes require
inorganic nutrients. Plant growth is adversely affected by the deficiency of nutrients.
20.5.2 Internal Growth Factors

In addition to the external factors as discussed above, there are some substances
produced in the plant body itself, which affects the growth of the plant. These are
called plant hormones or phytohormones or growth hormones.
A phytohormone is an organic substance produced in a small quantity in

one part of plant body and capable of moving to other parts to influence
the growth of that part.
The growth of the plants can also be influenced by certain synthetic chemicals
resembling plant hormones both in structure and functions. These are called growth
regulators. They are not produced by plants naturally.
Growth regulators are chemical substances, other than naturally produced

hormones, which promote, inhibit or modify growth and development in plants.
The naturally produced growth hormones are broadly grouped under five major
classes. They are
(i) Auxin (ii) Gibberellins (iii) Cytokinins
(iv) Ethylene (v) Abscissic acid
BIOLOGY 41
Reproduction and
Heredity Let us know details about these hormones.
(i) Auxin
Auxin is a growth promoter, generally produced by the growing apex of stem and
root of the plants. It helps in the elongation of shoot and root tips behind apical
meristem. The naturally produced auxins is Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA). They are
also produced by chemical synthesis, which show same physiological responses like
Notes
Auxin. Some of the synthetic auxin are Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 2,4-
Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid (2,4-D), and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA).
The Greek word auxein means “to grow”. It was first isolated from human urine.
An experiment was performed by Fritz Went on oat seedling to see the effect of
auxins. When tip of oat coleoptile (early shoot) is removed, growth stops. Then
the removed tip is placed on a block of agar (gelatinous material from sea weeds)
for about an hour. This agar block is then placed on the cut end of the seedling.
It was observed that the growth of the seedling started again. It shows that there
is something that has passed from the cut tip into the agar block, which helps to
restart the growth. This was named Auxin, a plant hormone.
Functions of Auxin
(a) It promotes cell elongation;
(b) It suppresses the growth of lateral bud. If the tip of a plant is removed, the
lateral branches begin to grow; In most of the plants apical bud suppresses
the development of lateral buds. This is called apical dominance.
(c) It delays fall of leaves. (leaf abscission)
(d) NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid) is used for preventing fruit drop in apples
before they are ripe.
(e) 2, 4-D (2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) acts as a dicot weedicide.
(ii) Gibberellin
Gibberellin or Gibberellic Acid (GA) was initially isolated from a fungus Gibberella
fujikuroi. In plants, it is produced in embryos, roots, and young leaves and it
enhances growth.
Functions of Gibberellins
(a) It helps in elongation of stems in genetically dwarf plants. By using gibberellin
the height of the dwarf plants can be increased.
(b) It breaks dormancy of seeds and buds.
(c) It induces parthenocarpy. (Formation of seedless fruits without fertilization)
or provides stimulus received by pollination.
42 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
(iii) Cytokinins : They were extracted from coconut milk. Heredity
Cytokinins are synthesized in root apex, endosperm of seeds, and young fruits where
cell division takes place continuously.
Functions of Cytokinins
(a) They stimulate cell division, cell enlargement and cell differentiation.
(b) They prevent aging of plant parts. Notes
(c) They inhibit apical dominance and help in growth of lateral buds into branches.
(iv) Ethylene
Ethylene is a gaseous hormone. It is found in ripening fruits, young flowers and
young leaves.
Functions of Ethylene
(a) It induces ripening of fruits.
(b) It promotes senescence and abscission of leaf, and flowers.
(c) In cells it only increases the width not the length.
(v) Abscissic acid

Abscissic acid also known as Dormin is a naturally occurring growth inhibitor found
in wide variety of plants. It is synthesised in leaves.
Functions of Abscissic acid:

(a) It induces dormancy of buds and seeds as opposed to Gibberellin, which breaks
dormancy.
(b) It promotes the senescence of leaf, i.e., fall of leaves happen due to abscissic
acid.
(c) It inhibits seed germination and development.
(d) It causes closing of Stomata.
20.6 PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF GROWTH REGULATORS

We have already discussed that by using the various types of growth regulators we
can promote, inhibit or modify growth and development in plants. Now-a-days these
are widely used by horticulturists to boost their production. Some of the applications
are –
(i) With the help of auxins and gibberellins seedless varieties of fruits can be
produced. You might have seen seedless grapes and papayas in the market.
(ii) Early flowering in some plants is possible by applying growth regulators.
(iii) With the use of hormones some fruits can be ripened at an early stage.
(iv) Germination in seeds can be possible by applying auxins.
(v) Germination of potatoes and onions can be stopped in storage by application
of growth inhibitors.
BIOLOGY 43
Reproduction and
Heredity 20.6.1 Differentiation, Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation
Differentiation: Differentiation in plants is a permanent, localised qualitative change
in size, biochemistry, structure and function of cells, tissues or organs. It refers to
the processes by which distinct cell types arise from precursor cells and become
different from each other. For example:Vascular tissues, xylem and phloem, are
differentiated from meristematic cells, procambium, and vascular cambium and
Notes mature to perform specific functions. The hormones auxin and cytokinin are essential
for vascular tissue differentiation. During differentiation, cells undergo few to major
structural changes both in their cell walls and protoplasm. For example, to form
a tracheary element, the cells would lose their protoplasm. They also develop a
strong, elastic, secondary cell wall to carry water to long distances even under
extreme conditions.
Dedifferentiation: It is the reversal of cell development in plants, so that the
differentiation that had occurred previously is lost and the cell becomes more
generalized in structure. The living differentiated cells that have lost the capacity
to divide can regain the capacity of division under certain conditions. This
phenomenon is termed dedifferentiation. For example, formation of meristems,
interfascicular cambium and cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma
cells.
Redifferentiation: While undergoing dedifferentiation plant cells once again lose
their capacity to divide but mature to perform specific functions. This process is
called redifferentiation.

1. Name the plant hormones concerned with the following:
(i) Elongation of cell ......................................................................
(ii) Shedding of leaves.....................................................................
(iii) Breaking seed dormancy ...........................................................
2. Mention two functions of Auxin
(i) ...................................................................................................
(ii) ...................................................................................................
3. What is the difference between dedifferentiation and redifferentiation?
............................................................................................................................
4. Which two hormones are essential for vascular tissue differentiation?
............................................................................................................................
44 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
20.7 DORMANCY AND GERMINATION IN SEEDS Heredity
In the previous lesson-7 you have already learnt about formation of seeds in plants.
In developed seeds metabolic activities are generally very slow. But at the time of
germination, the metabolic activities in seeds increase and they grow into new plants
under favourable conditions of growth. This is called seed germination.
Seed germination is the return of metabolic activities and growth by the Notes
seed tissue to give rise to a new plant by the development of the embryo.
Some seeds do not germinate immediately after dispersal even if suitable conditions
of growth are provided. In this period growth of the seeds remains suspended and
it is said to be in the rest or dormant stage. This phenomenon is called dormancy
of seeds. It may occur due to immature embryo, hard or impermeable seed coat,
and presence of inhibitors like abscissic acid.
20.7.1 Types of Seed Germination

In flowering plants two types of germination are found. They are:
(a) Epigeal germination; and (b) Hypogeal germination.
Shoot tip
Hypocotyl hook
Seed coat Cotyledons
Hypocotyl
Yound leaves
Epicotyl
Radicle
Plumule
Roots
(a) Epigeal
Roots
(b) Hypogeal
Fig.20.4 Epigeal Germination and Hypogeal Germination

Vivipary (= producing baby plants)
BIOLOGY 45
Reproduction and
Heredity (a) Epigeal Germination
In epigeal (epi - above; geo - soil)germination hypocotyl elongates and cotyledons
come out above the soil surface. Examples : seeds of pumpkin, mustard, tamarind,
and french bean.
(b) Hypogeal Germination
In hypogeal (hypo = below, geo = earth) germination the epicotyl elongates and
Notes cotyledons remain below the soil surface. Examples : Most monocots seed like rice,
wheat, maize, and coconut.
Some plants, which grow in marshy places show a special type of

germination called Vivipary (Fig. 20.5). Here the seed germinates inside
the fruit while it is attached to the parent plant. The weight of the seed
increases because of germination and seedling separates from the plant and
falls down into the mud. Then roots develop to fix it in the soil. These plants
are called viviparous plants. For example, Rhizophora and Sonneratia.
Parent plant
New plant
Water
Fruit Radicle
Hypocotyl
Hypocotyl Soil
Root
Fig 20.5 Viviparous Germination
20.7.2 Mechanism of Seed Germination

In seed germination, the first step is the imbibition or absorption of water by seed.
Then the seed swells and the seed coat ruptures. Through the ruptured seed coat
the radicle comes out from one end of embryonic axis. This radicle gives rise to
root system. From the other end of embryonic axis the plumule elongates and
develops as the shoot of the plant.
20.7.3 Factors Affecting Seed Germination

Seed germination requires five factors : water, temperature, oxygen, light and
growth hormones.
46 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
(a) Water : The seed must swell up to rupture its seed coat. A ripe seed contains Heredity
very low quantity of water. So for swelling to cause rupture of seed coats supply
of adequate water is essential. Biochemical reactions required for growth and
development of the seedling require water.
(b) Temperature : For germination of seeds a particular temperature is required.
The degree of temperature required varies from species to species. Warmth
accelerates chemical reactions inside. Notes
(c) Oxygen : Oxygen is required in breaking down reserve food of seed and release
energy for metabolism of growth of the embryo.
(d) Light : In most of the seeds light is not an essential factor for germination. But
in some cases like lettuce and tobacco light is absolutely essential.
(e) Hormone : Besides the above external factors, hormones also control germination
of seeds. Some roles played by hormones are as follows.
z Gibberellins can induce germination in some cases even in complete
darkness.
z Auxin, Cytokinins and Ethylene can break dormancy in many seeds and
initiate germination.
z In some seeds Abscissic acid inhibits germination process.
20.8 PHOTOPERIODISM – RESPONSES DUE TO LIGHT EXPOSURE

DURATION
You must have observed plants like spinach, wheat, etc. which produce flowers in
summer; and dahlia, cosmos, etc. flower in winter. Why is it so? Because the plants
that flower in summer require longer duration of light per day than those flowering
in winter. Thus, we can say that duration of light plays an important role in flowering
of plants. This effect of duration of light on the growth of plants is known as
photoperiodism.
Photoperiodism is the response in growth, transpiration, photosynthesis, and
reproduction (flowering) of a plant to the specific duration of light, which falls on
it per day.
On the basis of day-length required by the plants for flowering, the plants are
classified into the following three categories:
(i) Short-day Plants (SDP) : Some plants produce flowers when exposed to a
light period shorter than a required day-length. These are called Short-day
Plants. Chrysanthemum, Cosmos, Dahlia, Soyabean, are short-day plants.
(ii) Long-day Plants (LDP) : They produce flowers when exposed to a light
period longer than a fixed day-length. Gulmohar, radish, spinach, are long-day
plants.
BIOLOGY 47
Reproduction and
Heredity (iii) Day-neutral Plants (DNP) : In these plants flowering is not affected by length
of light period i.e. they produce flower in almost all photoperiods.Cucumber,
Tomato, and Sunflower, are day-neutral plants.
Though flowering is the best known example of photoperiodism, many other plant
processes are also controlled by duration of light. Bud dormancy, bulb formation
in onion, and tuber formation in potato are affected by period of light.
Notes
20.9 ROLE OF FLORIGEN AND PHYTOCHROME IN FLOWERING
After the discovery of effect of light on flowering, the scientist tried to find out
the hormone responsible for flowering in plants. It is hypothesized that a plant
hormone called Florigen is responsible for initiation of flowering in plants. Florigen
is a hypotheticals flowering stimulus synthesized in the leaves under favourable
photoperiod, which migrates to shoot apex where flowering occurs.
Have you ever thought how a plant comes to know about the presence or absence
of light in its environment? It is due the presence of a particular type of pigment
in the plants, called Phytochrome. It is also known as light absorbing pigment and
it makes the plants sensitive to light and participates in seed germination and
flowering. This pigment occurs in two different forms, one Pr and the other, Pfr.
While Pr absorbs red light Pfr absorbs far-red light (such rays are invisible). Both
these forms are inter- convertible. The Pr form absorbs red light and gets converted
into Pfr form and the Pfr form absorbs far-red light and gets converted into Pr form.
Red light
ZZZZZZZ
X
Pr YZZZZZZ
Z Pfr
Far-red light
Fig: 20.6 Inter-conversion of the phytochrome into Pr and Pfr
20.10 VERNALISATION—APPLICATION OF LOW TEMPERATURES

You have already learnt that temperature affects growth and development of plants.
For flowering in some plants, a particular temperature is required. Studies show
that if temperature is reduced to a particular point then flowering occurs at an early
stage. For example by applying a temperature ranging between 1-10° C to certain
variety of wheat, rice and cotton, growth of seedlings is accelerated and flowering
occurs earlier. This method of inducing early flowering in plants at low temperature
is called vernalisation.
Vernalisation is the process of accelerating the process of flowering by
subjecting or exposing the plant to low tempratue.
Practical Utility of Vernalisation
Vernalisation has some practical applications like:
(a) Plants whose life cycle is completed in two seasons (biennials) can produce
flower in one season if their seeds are pre-treated to a low temperature.
(b) Crops can be grown and harvested earlier i.e. biennials can be turned into
annuals.
48 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
20.11 SENESCENCE /AGING OF PLANTS Heredity
Like animals, plants also have fixed life span and after completing that perioid, they
die. Before death we can observe several degradation processes in their body. You
might have noticed yellowing of leaves, and fading of flower colour, in plants. It
is due to loss in structure and function of an organ or the whole plant. The
deteriorative processes which ultimately lead to complete loss of organization
and functioning of the plant or its parts is known as Senescence. Notes
Senescence occurs due to the deposition of waste material. In some plants the whole
plant dies after flowering and producing seeds. This is called whole plant
senescence. Example-annual plants like rice, wheat, beans, and tomato. In many
other plants, parts above soil die each year and root system stays alive. This is called
organ or shoot-senescence.
Role of hormones in senescence: Abscissic acid and ethylene promote senescence
of leaves but cytokinin delays senescence and helps leaves remain green for long
period.
20.12 ABSCISSION – SHEDDING OFF

You might have noticed whenever a leaf becomes old it separates from the plant
body and falls down. Again ripe fruits and older flowers also become separated from
plants. This detachment of older plant parts or organs from the main plant body
is called abscission.
In plants, a layer of tissue generally forms an abscission zone at the base of the
petiole of a leaf or flower or fruit. The cells of this layer become soft and weak
due to destruction of middle lamella and cell wall. So the organ is easily detached
by wind or rain fall. Plant hormones like abscissic acid and ethylene promote leaf
abscission and auxin prevents it.
20.13 STRESS FACTORS

What happens if you do not supply water to a potted plant for four to five days?
You may observe that the leaves bend down and the plant wilts. Here due to lack
of water the usual life processes of plant are disturbed. We can say that the plant
is facing stress in its life. This may be called as biological stress. Not only water,
there are a number of factors responsible for causing stress in plants like temperature,
salt, shade, light, and pollutants.
Any change in the environmental conditions that may adversely affect the
growth or development in plants is called biological stress.
The effect that is produced in plant as a result of stress is called strain. In the above
example bending of leaves and wilting of plant are strains.
So the reaction of plant facing the stress is called strain

BIOLOGY 49
Reproduction and
Heredity 20.13.1 Types of Stress
There are a variety of stresses to which plants are exposed. Some common stresses
are-
(a) Water stress; and (b) Salt stress.
Let us know details about them.
Notes (a) Water Stress
Water stress includes both excess of water (flood) and scarcity of water (drought).
Deficiency of water in the plant makes the leaves yellow and they wilt. The various
processes in plants like photosynthesis and respiration are reduced, cell enlargement
is checked, cell size is deformed and cell rigidity lost due to deficiency of water.
Flooding or excess amount of water in soil reduces root and shoot growth, and
causes blackening of root tips and yellowing of leaves.
(b) Salt Stress
Salt stress occurs mainly due to the presence of excess amount of calcium and
sodium salts in plant body. It causes dehydration of cell, change in shape of cell
and disturbance in metabolic processes. Thus cell growth as well as growth and
development of plants are retarded.
20.14. PLANT MOVEMENTS

While doing any work our body parts move and also entire body moves from one
place to another as per our desire. This is called movement of our body. Plants also
show movement. But their movements are completely different from our body
movement. Except some unicellular plants, all other higher plants cannot move from
place to place as their roots are fixed in the soil. Still they show movement by folding
the buds, opening and closing the flowers, and bending towards sun light. These
movements in plants are very slow and we have to wait and observe them carefully
and patiently to notice these movements. Let us learn about various types of
movements shown by plants.
(a) Tropic Movement (directional response or growth movements)

Movement in plants or in any part of the plants towards or away from some
environmental factors is known as tropic (trope : turn) movement. You must have
observed the movement of plants in the direction of light, the downward movement
of roots in the soil, drooping of leaves of some sensitive plants by touch, etc. These
are examples of tropic movement.
(i) Phototropism : Induced by light e.g. bending of stems towards light.
(ii) Geotropism : Induced by gravity e.g. growth of roots towards gravity.
(iii) Thigmotropism : Movement caused by contact e.g., twining stem and tendril
and the drooping of leaves of sensitive plant by touch.
(iv) Hydrotropism : Induced by water i.e., growth of roots towards source of
water.
50 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
(b) Nastic Movement Heredity
The nastic (nastein : bending) movements are the growth movements resulting due
to difference in the rate of growth on opposite sides of an organ e.g., opening
of petals, coiling of leaves, etc. When upper side of an organ grows faster than the
lower side, the movement is called epinasty. (e.g., downward curling of leaf,
opening of sepals of goldmohur flower. When the lower side grows more rapidly
than upper side, it is called as hyponasty. (e.g. upward curling of leaf blade)
Notes
(c) Turgor Movements
These movements are due to change in the volume of water inside the cell. When
more water is present in the cell it is fully expanded and becomes rigid or hard.
Such a condition is called turgidity and the cell is said to be turgid. When less water
is present inside the cell, it is not fully expanded and remains soft. This is called
flaccid condition. The leaves bend in hot summer due to excessive transpiration on
account of loss of turgidity of cells of the leaf.
Some examples of turgor movements are :
(i) Leaves or leaflets of some plants close on the fall of darkness (sleep
movement). Example - Portulaca, Acacia.
(ii) Closing of leaflets and drooping of leaves in response to a strong stimulus of
blowing wind or of touch. Example - Sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica)
(iii) Closing of leaves of Venus Flytrap to catch a landing insect.
(iv) Seed pods of some plants open on maturity, vigorously expelling their seed.
Example - Balsam (Gulmehandi).
1. Distinguish between Phototropism and Geotropism

....................................................................................................
2. Give two examples of turgor movement
....................................................................................................

z Growth in living organisms results from increase in the number and size of a
cell, organ or whole organism.
z Development is the whole series of qualitative and quantitative changes (growth,
differentiation, maturation), which an organism undergoes throughout its life cycle.
BIOLOGY 51
Reproduction and
Heredity z Growth of cells occurs in three successive stages i.e., cell division, cell
enlargement, cell differentiation.
z Plants show three phases of growth - Lag Phase, Log Phase, Stationary Phase
z Auxanometer is a specially designed equipment used to measure the rate of
growth of shoot length of plants.
z The external factors that affect the growth of the plant are light, temperature,
Notes Water and mineral nutrients.
z The internal factors responsible for plant growth are auxin, gibberellins,
cytokinins, ethylene, and abscissic acid. These are substances produced in a small
quantity in one part of plant body and capable of moving to other parts to
influence the growth of that part.
z Seed germination is the return of metabolic activities and growth by the seed tissue
to give rise to a new plant. The germination in seeds is mainly affected by factors
like Water, temperature, oxygen, light, and hormone. Flowering plants show two
types of germination, epigeal germination; and hypogeal germination.
z Photoperiodism is the biological response in growth, reproduction (flowering)
of a plant to the duration of light, which falls on it per day.
z Florigen is a hypothetical plant hormone, which is responsible for initiation of
flowering in plants.
z The method of accelerating the ability of flowering in plants by keeping them
at low temperature for sometime is called vernalisation
z Senescence is a gradual process during which any plant part or the whole plant
completely loses its function and ultimately dies.
z The process of detachment of any leaves, fruits, flower or any part of the plant
from the main body after getting older is called abscission.
z Any change in the environmental conditions that may adversely affect the growth
or development in plants is called biological stress. This stress occurs mainly
due to temperature, water, salt, shade, light, and various pollutants.
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. State the different stages of cellular growth.
2. Distinguish between growth and development.
3. What is a sigmoid growth curve? State the different phases of sigmoid curve.
4. Describe the various external factors that affect the growth of plants.
5. What is vernalisation?
6. Define the term Photoperiodism.
7. What is auxin? What is its role in the growth of plants?
8. State any two functions of Gibberellin?
52 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
9. Explain the role of Cytokinins and Ethylene in growth and development of Heredity
plants.
10. Distinguish between epigeal germination and hypogeal germination.
11. What is meant by seed germination? Describe the various factors responsible
for seed germination.
12. What is senescence?
13. State any two practical utilities of growth hormones. Notes
14. What is biological stress? Describe the different types of biological stress.
15. What is apical dominance? Name the hormone responsible for it.
16. What is meant by plant movement? Describe any two types of movement of
plants with example.
ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS

20.1 1. Growth : Increase in number and size of a cell, organ organism.
Development : Series of qualitative & quantitative changes including
growth, differentiation and maturation.
2. Process of change in cells, tissues or organs in order to carry out different
functions.
3. Similar cells organise to form a group called tissue to perform a particular
function
20.2 1. (i) Auxin, (ii) Ethylene (iii) Abscissic acid
2. (i) Cell elongation (ii) Delays fall of leaves (iii) suppresses growth of lateral
bud (any two)
3. Dedifferentiation: Process by which precursor cells become distinct cell
types to perform a specific function.
Redifferentiation: Process by which the plant cells while undergoing
dedifferentiation lose their capacity to divide once again but mature to
perform specific functions.
4. Auxin and Cytokinin.
20.3 1. Movement induced by light – Phototropism
Movement induced by gravity – Geotropism
2. (i) Closure of leaves on fall of darkness
(ii) dropping of leaves on touch
(iii) closing leaves of venus fly trap to catch a landing insect (any two)
BIOLOGY 53
MODULE - 3 Reproduction and Population Control
Reproduction and
Heredity
21
Notes
REPRODUCTION AND POPULATION
CONTROL
The ability to reproduce is one of the essential characteristics of living beings. It

involves the transmission of genetic material from the parental generation to the next
generation, thereby ensuring that characteristics not only of the species but also of
the parental organisms, are perpetuated. In this process, one generation of living
organisms gives rise to another generation. The process by which a living organism
produces its own kind is known as reproduction.
Organisms reproduce in two ways: (1) gametes are not produced and hence there
is no fusion of gametes or fertillisation (asexual reproduction), and (2) by formation
and the fusion of gametes (sexual reproduction). In this lesson, types of reproduction,
reproduction in sponges, insects and humans are discussed. A section deals with
problems of population explosion of humans.
OBJECTIVES
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
z define reproduction and differentiate between asexual and sexual reproduction;
z describe gemmule formation as one example of asexual reproduction.
z describe the organs for sexual reproduction in cockroach.
z state functions of each part of male and female reproductive systems in humans;
z draw labelled diagrams of male and female reproductive systems;
z describe the main events in the process of reproduction in humans starting from
the production of gametes to pregnancy and childbirth;
z describe the process of exchange of nutrients and respiratory gases across
embryo and mother;
z explain lactation.
z explain how twins are produced;
z highlight recent advances in the area of human reproduction;
z define the terms—population, demography, birth rate, death rate and growth
rate, etc.;
54 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and Population Control MODULE - 3
Reproduction and
z list the factors responsible for rapid rise of population in India; Heredity
z describe the disadvantages of enormously increasing population;
z explain the needs for controlling the population growth;
z list various methods of contraception for population control.
Reproduction: Reproduction is the ability of living organisms by which they
produce offspring of their own kind. Organisms reproduce by:
Notes
1. Asexual reproduction involves the production of an offspring from a single
organism without the formation of gametes. It is a common process of reproduction
in bacteria, protista, lower plants and lower animals.
2. Sexual reproduction is the production of offspring by the formation and
subsequent fusion of gametes. At fertilization, the male and the female gametes
unite to form a zygote which develops into a mature organism. Most animals and
higher plants multiply by sexual reproduction.
Two examples of sexual reproduction are given here (i) insects (ii) in humans
21.1 A SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN ANIMALS
There are various methods of sexual reproduction in lower animals and one example,
is that of production of reproduction bodies called ‘gemmules’ in sponges (Phylum
Porifera)
21.1a Gemmule
Gemmule is a reproductive body for asexual reproduction found in fresh water
sponges and some marine sponges (Gemma in Greek means bud).
A full grown gemmule (Fig. below) looks like a tiny hard ball containing an inner
mass of undifferentiated cells called archaeocytes. The archaeocytes are surrounded
by a resistant covering which protects the inner cells. The covering is made up of
chitin and may be strengthened by spicules. There is a small outlet called micropyle.
Gemmules tide over the unfavourable conditions. For example when the pond dries
up or during the freezing cold of winter when adult sponges die, it is the gemmules
that remain viable. When the favourable conditions return, archaeocytes come out
of the micropyle and develop and differentiate into a sponge.
Micropyle
Covering
Archaeocytes
Fig. A gemmule of fresh water sponge Spongilla
BIOLOGY 55
Reproduction and
Heredity 21.1 REPRODUCTION IN HUMANS
The humans reproduce sexually. Reproduction in humans can be studied in two
parts:
(a) Reproductive system, and
(b) Fertilization, pregnancy and development of the embryo.
Notes Human Reproductive System

Maturity of human sex organs begins with puberty the name given to the changes
that occur in boys and girls as they grow up. Mostly these changes occur between
the age of 10 to 14 years, and these are brought about by certain hormones. During
puberty the body grows rapidly, and both primary and secondary reproductive
organs grow and become mature. Along with these changes, secondary sex
characters also start appearing. It is also to be noted that in males, sexual maturity
is attained at the age of 13–14 years and in females, at the age of 11–13 years. Puerty
ultimately leads to a stage when the child becomes an adolescent.
Some Basic Facts

What is adolescence?
The term adolescence comes from the Latin verb adolescere,
meaning ‘to grow into maturity’. In this sense, ‘adolescence is
a process rather than a time period, a process of achieving
the attitudes and beliefs needed for effective participation in
society’. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines
adolescence as the period from 10 to 19 years of age
characterized by developments and changes in physical,
psychological, and social areas.
During adolescance, the secondary sexual charaters that develop are as follows:
In males, these include deepening of voice, widening of shoulders, muscular body,
appearance of beard and moustache, growth of axillary and pubic hair, enlargement
of external genital organs.
In females, the changes include growth of axillary and pubic hair, widening of pelvis
and hip, enlargement of breasts and initiation of the menstrual cycle.
Sexual maturation is a very significant stage in one’s life, hence it is necessary to
maintain the health and hygiene of the reproductive organs during this stage.
21.2a Reproductive System of Insects
Sexes are separate in most insects and reproduction is usually sexual, although in some
groups of insects, eggs sometimes develop parthenogenetically (without fertilization).
e.g. in aphids all generations are produced parthenogenetically and are all females.
56 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
The reproductive organs of cockroach are described here as a representative of Heredity
insects.
Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system consists of a pair of testis a pair of delicate ducts
called the vas deferens, (plural: vasa deferentia) and a single median ejaculatory
duct. The ejaculatory duct opens into a genital pouch through a male genital pore. Notes
Surrounding the male genital pore are the gonapophyses which help in copulation.
Seminal vesicles are small white sacs at the anterior end of the ejaculatory duct.
Seminal vesicles store the sperms. Mushroom gland and phallic or conglobate
gland are accessory reproductive glands of male. (See figure below)
testis
vas deferens
ejaculatory duct
genital pouch
male genital pore

gonapophyses
or phallomeres
Periplaneta americana. Mate reproductive organs in dorsal view.
Female Reproductive System:

Female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries, one on either side of the
hind gut embedded in the fat bodies. Each ovary consists of blind tubes called
ovarioles. All the ovarioles unite posteriorly and open into a short lateral oviduct.
The two lateral oviducts unite to form a short median oviduct. The posterior part
of the oviduct is wide and is called the vagina. Vagina opens into the genital pouch
through the female genital pore or vulva. A receptaculum seminis or spermatheca
opens into the genital pouch. Spermatheca receives the sperms during copulation
from the male. Three pairs of gonapophyses are present between the female genital
pore and anus. They assist in copulation, in laying eggs and in the formation of
oötheca (see Fig. below) or egg cover.
BIOLOGY 57
Reproduction and
Heredity A pair of branched accessory glands called the colleterial glands open into the
genital pouch. The secretion of these glands form the oötheca (hard egg case).
However, different insects may show a variation from this basic plan.
Notes
ovary
oviduct
spermatheca common
right oviduct
collaterial or vagina
gland left collaterial
female gland
genital pore genital
gonapophyses pouch
Periplaneta americana. Female reproductive organs in dorsal view.

Human reproductive organs are described and illustrated below.
Male reproductive system
The reproductive system in male consists of the following organs – a pair of testes,
a pair of epididymis, a pair of vasa deferentia (singular : vas deferens), urethra, penis
and accessory glands (Fig. 21.1) (Table 21.1).
Fig. 21.1 Male Reproductive system
(i) Testes
Testes (singular: testis) as depicted in Fig. 21.2 are the male gonads. In an adult
male, each testis is approximately 4-5 cm long and about 12 g in weight. Testes
are extra-abdominal, that is, present outside the abdomen in a pouch made up of
58 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
skin and connective tissue called scrotal sac or scrotum that hangs in the region Heredity
between the legs.
Notes
Fig. 21.2 Microscopic Structure of Testis

The scrotum acts as a thermoregulator. It helps in maintaining the temperature of
testes at about 2-3°C lower than the body temperature. This temperature is suitable
for the development of sperms.
Anatomically, each testis is encased in a capsule of white fibrous connective tissue
called tunica albuginea. Each testis has several highly coiled tubules called
seminiferous tubules (Fig. 21.2) where the sperms are produced. Between the
seminiferous tubules is the connective tissue, which contains clumps of interstitial
cells, also called Leydig cells. These cells secrete testosterone the male sex
hormone. Testosterone maintains the primary and secondary sexual characteristics
in males.
(ii) Epididymis
It is a long highly coiled tube which remains attached to the testis and lies within
the scrotal sac. Epididymis stores spermatozoa (sperms) and serves as a passage
for their transport from the testis.
(iii) Vas deferens (sperm duct)
Each epididymis continues as vas deferens. It enters the abdominal cavity, passes
over the urinary bladder and joins the duct of seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory
duct. The ejaculatory duct opens into the urethra.
(iv) Urethra
The urethra in males is about 15-20 cm long and is differentiated into three parts—
an anterior prostatic part which passes through the prostate gland; a middle
membranous part; and a posterior penile part which passes through the copulatory
organ, the penis. Urethra functions as a passage for both semen and urine.
(v) Penis
Penis is a cylindrical, spongy, muscular and a highly vascular (supplied with blood
vessels) copulatory organ in males. The urethra runs through it centrally and serves
BIOLOGY 59
Reproduction and
Heredity as a common passage for urine and semen. During sexual excitement, the spongy
tissue gets filled-up with blood, making it erect and stiff. Externally, the penis is
covered by skin. The tip of the penis is soft and highly sensitive. It is called glans
penis. It is covered by a loose fold of skin called prepuce which can be retracted.
The functions of various male parts are given in table 21.1.
Table. 21.1 Important functions of male reproductive organs in humans.
Notes Organ Function
Seminiferous tubules in testes Produce sperms
Epididymis Stores sperms in a viable but immobile state
Sperm duct (vas deferens) Contractions help in the passage of sperms into
urethra during ejaculation
Seminal vesicles and prostate gland Secrete fluid which activates and nourishes sperms
Urethra Contractions expel semen from penis during
ejaculation (urethra also carries urine to exterior)
Penis Contains spongy tissue and serves as the copulatory
organ
21.2 b (iii) Organs associated with human male reproduction system

Accessory glands
The accessory glands include seminal vesicles, prostate glands and Cowper’s glands.
Seminal vesicles. A pair of seminal vesicles are present at the base of the urinary
bladder. The seminal vesicles store sperms that descend from the testis and secrete
seminal fluid. The seminal fluid is a viscous fluid which provides nourishment to
the sperms. This secretion forms about 40-80 per cent of the ejaculate (semen thrown
out of the penis).
Prostate gland. Prostrate gland surrounds the first part of the urethra. It secretes
an alkaline fluid which is discharged into the urethra. This fluid keeps the sperms
alive and helps them to swim vigorously. Secretion of prostrate gland forms about
5-30 per cent of the ejaculate.
Cowper’s glands or Bulbo-urethral glands. These are paired glands that lie below
the prostate gland and join the urethra at a short distance from that of the prostate
gland. Cowper’s glands secrete a white, viscous, alkaline secretion resembling
mucous which acts as a lubricant.
21.2b (iii) Spermatozoa and semen

The process of formation of sperms is termed Spermatogenesis
The spermatozoa are male gametes produced by the testes. Structurally, human
sperm has three main parts—head, neck and tail. The tip of a sperm is covered by
a cap-like structure, acrosome, which helps the sperm to penetrate inside the egg
during fertilization. The structure of a human sperm is shown in Fig. 21.3.
60 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Heredity
Acrosome
(Contains
Nucleus enzymes)
Centriole
Mitochondria
Flagellum
Head
Midpiece Notes
Tail
Fig. 21.3 Structure of human sperm.

Spermatozoa are immotile when stored in the epididymis but get activated and motile
by the secretions from the accessory reproductive glands in males. The secretions
of various accessory glands along with sperms form the semen. The sperms are
released in millions. In one ejaculation about 200,000,000 (2 × 108) sperms are
discharged. Sperms when introduced into the vagina of the female move with the
speed of 2 mm/minute in side the body of the female.
Fig. 21.4 shows the course of sperms from their production in the testes to reach
the urethra in penis.
Seminiferous tubules in testes produce sperms

↓
Sperms pass to vasa efferents through
network of tubules
↓
Sperms are stored in epididymis in viable but immotile stage
↓
Vas deferens (sperm ducts)
↓
Urethra in penis
Fig. 21.4 The course of sperms in male.
21.2.2 Female reproductive system

The female reproductive system consists of the following organs :
A pair of ovaries, a pair of fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina and external genitalia (Fig.
21.5).
BIOLOGY 61
Reproduction and
Heredity Right oviduct Uterus
Ovary
Endometrium
Notes Cervix
Smooth muscle
Funnel of oviduct
Vagina
Fig. 21.5 Female reproductive system

(i) Ovaries
There is a pair of ovaries, which lie in the lower part of the abdominal cavity, one
on each side of the body. Ovaries produce ova and also secrete female sex hormones,
oestrogen and progesterone. The process of formation of egg in the ovary is known
as oogenesis.
If a section of the ovary is cut, eggs at various stages of maturing can be seen. Each
egg begins as a primary follicle. Follicular cells then cover the egg and a cavity called
antrum is formed. This is the mature egg called Graffian follicle. The egg then
gets released (ovulation) from the ovary leaving the empty follicle called corpus
luteum (Fig. 21.6).
Fig. 21.6 Ovary showing microscopic structure
(ii) Fallopian tubes (oviducts)

There are two oviducts (or Fallopian tubes) in female reproductive system. Each
oviduct is about 10-15 cm long. The proximal funnel-shaped end of each oviduct
lies near the ovary and is called infundibulum. Its margin bears finger-like
62 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
projections called fimbrae. Each infundibulum continues as a thin and coiled tube Heredity
called oviduct or Fallopian tube. Both Fallopian tubes open into the uterus.
(iii) Uterus
The uterus is a pear-shaped, muscular, thick-walled organ. It is about 7 cm long,

5 cm broad, and 2.5 cm thick. The wall of the uterus comprises of three coats—
Notes
the innermost endometrium, middle myometrium, and outermost perimetrium.
The endometrium layer is richly supplied with blood vessels. There is a sphincter
muscle that closes the lower end of the uterus where it joins the vagina.
(iv) Vagina
Vagina is the organ where the penis is inserted during coitus (sexual act) for the
discharge of semen. It is a muscular tube about 7-10 cm in length. It serves as the
birth canal during child birth and also acts as a duct for the passage of uterine
secretions and menstrual flow.
The vagina opens to the outside by an opening. The opening of vagina is normally
obstructed in a virgin female by a perforated membrane, the hymen. In a human
female, the urethra and the genital duct have separate openings. Functions of various
female reproductive parts are summarised in table 21.2.
Table 21.2. Important functions of female reproductive organs in humans.

Organ Function
Ovary Manufactures eggs
Oviduct (or Fallopian tube) Site of fertilization; transfers fertilized egg/embryo
to the uterus
Uterus Inner lining receives, protects and nourishes embryo;
contractions of muscular wall expel baby during
birth
Cervix (neck of uterus) Produces watery mucous that serves as a lubricant
for the penis and as medium, in which sperms swim
after ejaculation
Vagina Receives penis during intercourse; passage for baby
during birth
Clitoris (external sensual organ) Equivalent to the male penis;
21.2.3 Menstrual Cycle in Human Females

In a human female, the fertility period extends from the age of puberty, i.e. about
12-13 years up to menopause, i.e. 45-50 years. The stage of puberty is marked by
the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics.
BIOLOGY 63
Reproduction and
Heredity
Some Basic Facts
Does an irregular menstrual cycle cause any problems?
When a girl begins menstruating, it may take sometime for her
periods to become regular. Also, sometimes her menstrual cycle
may become irregular, and her periods may be delayed or may
occur earlier than the expected date because of illness or mental
Notes
tension such as stress or depression. Irregularities in the menstrual
cycle are quite common among young girls who have just begun
to menstruate. However, if one does not menstruate then it is
important to consult a doctor or a health worker.
How does one maintain hygiene during the menstrual period?
z Daily bathing along with regular/daily washing of the genital
area is essential.
z Sanitary pads and/or cloths used should be changed at least
twice a day, if not more frequently.
z It is important to maintain menstrual hygiene in order to
reduce the risk of contracting an infection of the female
reproductive tract.
z If pads or napkins are not changed frequently, the old blood
begins to smell. This may lead to social embarrassment.
z Home-made sanitary napkins should be washed thoroughly
with hot water and soap, and should be dried in a sunny and
airy place. They should be stored in a clean and dry place.
z Moderate exercise and sufficient rest are also important.
The onset of menstruation in a female is called menarche. It starts at an age of

about 11-13 years. The permanent stoppage of menstruation in a female is called
menopause. It occurs at an age of about 45-50 years. At the time of menopause,
ovulation and menstruation stop and the reproductive organs decrease in size.
Between puberty and menopause, the female reproductive system passes through
a regular monthly sequence of events called the menstrual cycle.
During menstrual cycle (Fig. 21.7), an ovum is matured and released once every
28 days. However, many a times, due to some reasons this period may increase or
decrease. The menstrual cycle starts with the menstrual flow, during which the
cellular lining of the uterus, with blood flow, is shed off. This process continues
for 3-4 days. From the 5th upto the 13th day of the onset of menstrual cycle, growth
and maturation of the Graafian follicle takes place. Graafian follicle is the final stage
64 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
in the maturation of an ovum inside the ovary. It consists of an ovum and a mass Heredity
of cells surrounding it. The Graafian follicle also produces a hormone, oestrogen,
which stimulates the uterus to prepare itself to receive the ovum. The cells lining
the uterus grow rapidly and develop a dense network of blood vessels.
Ovulation takes place 13-14 days after the onset of menstruation. The Graafian
follicle ruptures to release the ovum. The cells of the ruptured follicle form the
Notes
corpus luteum which secretes the hormone, progesterone. The ovum reaches the
uterus via the fallopian tube on the 13th or 14th day and remains there up to the
16th day (for 48-72 hours). If the ovum does not receive any sperm during this
period it starts degenerating. At the end of the 28th day this ovum is rejected along
with the uterine lining. This marks the start of a slow disintegration of the thickened
lining of the uterus and the next menstrual cycle.
Ovary
Menstruation
Ovulation
Ovulation
Fertilization
Implantation
Menstruation
Endometrium
Days
Non-pregnant Beginning
menstrual cycle of pregnacy
Fig. 21.7 Graphical representation of menstrual cycle
What happens to the menstrual cycle if the ovum receives sperm and fertilization
occurs?
If the ovum receives sperm and gets fertilized, menstruation (and ovulation) cease
for as long as the woman is pregnant. This is because progesterone is produced
continuously first by the corpus luteum (which persists in the ovary) and later by
the placenta.
BIOLOGY 65
Reproduction and
Heredity
1. At what age do human males and females attain puberty?

............................................................................................................................
Notes 2. Name the tubules present in the human testis.

............................................................................................................................
3. Name the various parts of the following,
(i) Human male reproductive system
..................................................................................................................
(ii) Human female reproductive system
..................................................................................................................
4. Name the three types of accessory glands found in the human male reproductive
system.
............................................................................................................................
5. State the functions of the following.
(a) Seminal vesicles ........................................................................................
(b) Prostate glands..........................................................................................
(c) Uterus ........................................................................................................
6. What is a gemmule? Explain its importance in the life of sponges.
7. State the functions of the following in insects:

(a) seminal vesicles in male
(b) spermatheca in female
(c) testes in males
(d) ovaries in females
21.2 FERTILIZATION, PREGNANCY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE
EMBRYO
21.2.1 Fertilization and implantation
Spermatoza remain viable in the female genital tract from 24 to 72 hours. For
fertilisation, sperms are introduced into the female body. One sperm fuses with the
ovum in the fallopian tube.
66 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
If the ovum happens to meet a sperm, the two unite to form a zygote. 13-14 days Heredity
after onset of menstruation are most favourable for conception (pregnancy). The
zygote immediately begins to divide and passes down the fallopian tube to the uterus
and fixes itself to the wall of the uterus. This fixing of the embryo in the wall of
the uterus is called implantation and the female is said to be pregnant. Implantation
takes place about a week after fertilization.
Notes
21.2.2 Placenta
Placenta is an association between maternal and foetal tissue meant for some
extermely important physiological exchange. The developing embryo is attached to
the uterus by a tissue called placenta (Fig. 21.8). Umbilical cord is a tough
structure that serves as the blood vascular connection between the foetus (developing
embryo) and uterine wall. From the first few weeks of development, the embryo
is enclosed in a sac called amnion which is filled with amniotic fluid. Amniotic
fluid acts as a shock-absorber and helps to protect the embryo from damage.
Placenta One villus of the placenta
Foetus
Endometrium
Myometrium
Amniotic fluid Wall of

Amnion uterus
Plug of muscus
Vagina in cervix
Fig. 21.8 Foetus and placenta
Placenta serves as a tissue through which oxygen and food are supplied from the
maternal blood to the foetus. It also transports carbon dioxide and excretory waste
from the foetal blood to the maternal blood.
Fig. 21.9 Summarises the steps in fertilisation of human egg, its inplantation and
development in the uterus upto birth.
BIOLOGY 67
Reproduction and
Heredity Sperms from male are deposited into the female reproductive system
↓
Egg released from the ovary
↓
Union of the sperm and egg in the fallopian tube
↓
Notes Fertilization and formation of zygote (Day 1)
↓
Repeated division of zygote leading to formation of
a spherical mass of cells called morula (Day 4)
↓
Early embryonic stage is (called blastocyst) formed (Day 5)
↓
Blastocyst attaches to uterine wall
(i.e. Implantation occurs) (Day 6-7)
↓
The developing Embryo about the size
of a pea is formed (4 weeks)
↓
Embryo (now called foetus) with human features, limbs appear.
It floats in amniotic fluid (6 weeks)
↓
Birth of human infant (about 40 weeks)
Fig. 21.9 Development of human embryo
Placenta is permeable to respiratory gases, nutrients and antibodies. The membrane

prevents harmful material from reaching the embryo. It does not allow the passage
of germs from the mother to the foetus. However, if the mother is already infected
with HIV, then HIV can pass through the blood to the embryo. Placenta produces
the hormone progesterone. Egg-formation (ovulation) and menstruation also stop
as pregnancy continues. However, these are resumed after child birth.
The hormone Oxytocin from posterior pituitary is responsible for uterine contractions
for child birth.
21.2.3 What happens during childbirth?

z The uterus undergoes occasional contractions (labour).
z The amnion bursts and the amniotic fluid is discharged.
z The uterus contracts vigorously, expelling the baby.
z The baby’s lungs start functioning and the baby takes its first breathe.
z The umbilical cord is tied and cut.
68 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
z After birth the placenta gets discharged. Heredity
z The breasts start producing milk.

21.2.4 Lactation
The secretion of milk from the mammary glands is called lactation and the period
during which the mammary gland secretes milk is called lactation period. The first
seeretion that comes out from the mammary glands of the mother, just after child
Notes
birth, is called colostrum. It is rich in nutrients, fats and proteins. Colostrum also
contains antibodies (Immunoglobulin A-IgA) that provide passive immunity to the
new born infant.
The synthesis of milk from the mammary glands is stimulated by the hormone
prolactin which is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Another
hormone called oxytocin secreted by the posterior lobe of pituitary gland stimulates
the release of the milk from the mammary glands.
21.2.5 How twins are Produced

Usually, only one ovum is released by an ovary in every reproductive cycle. If this
ovum receives sperm and gets fertilized, one baby is born to the mother. But
sometimes two eggs may be released and fertilized by two different sperms. Such
siblings are called fraternal twins who may be brother and sister, or brother-brother,
or sister-sister. But in certain cases, only one egg is released and gets fertilized. After
this, it divides into two, and the two cells then separate and start developing
independently into two separate individuals. They are identical in all respects and
called identical twins. They are always of the same sex.
Siamese twins
The twins produced from one egg which fail to separate are called Siamese twins.
The first case of Siamese twins was of twin boys born to a Chinese mother in Siam,
(now Thailand) in 1811. These were joined at the thoracic region. These twins lived
up to an age of 65 years.
The Siamese twins can sometimes be surgically separated. However, it depends upon
the extent of their joining.
21.3 NEW MEDICAL TECHNIQUES IN REPRODUCTION

There are many new medical techniques in the field of reproduction to help infertile
males and females produce babies. Some of these are given here.
Test tube babies
In some women the oviducts (Fallopian tubes) are blocked. This prevents the ova
from being fertilized. This problem can be overcome by the test tube baby
technique. In this technique, one or more ripe ova are sucked from a woman’s
BIOLOGY 69
Reproduction and
Heredity ovaries using a special syringe. These ova are placed in a dish containing sperms
from her male partner under optimum conditions for a few hours. Sperms fertilize
the ova which form an embryo. One embryo is then inserted into the woman’s uterus
where there is a chance it will implant and develop into a baby.
Artificial insemination
Notes Human semen can be rapidly frozen using liquid nitrogen and stored in sperm banks
for several years without losing its fertile condition. It is then thawed, and introduced
into a woman by means of a syringe at a time when ovulation takes place. This is
called artificial insemination.
Fertility drugs
In some women ovaries fail to develop the Graafian follicles needed to release ripe
ova into their reproductive tract. It is now possible to artificially stimulate follicle
production by injecting sterile women with a fertility drug containing FSH (follicle
stimulating hormone) obtained from animals.

1. State the main function of placenta.
............................................................................................................................
2. Define the following terms.
(i) Implantation .........................................................................................
(ii) Placenta .........................................................................................
(iii) Morula .........................................................................................
(iv) Amnion .........................................................................................
3. Name the fluid surrounding the foetus in the uterus.
............................................................................................................................
4. Write the function of:
(a) Prolactin
(b) Oxytocin
5. The first milk that comes out of the mammary gland of the mother is called
............... Why is this first milk important for the child?
21.4 POPULATION–PROBLEMS AND CONTROL
21.4.1 Few terms to remember

z Human population : The sum total of human beings on earth.
70 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
z Demography : The scientific and statistical study of human population. It deals Heredity
with population growth, its composition (age, sex ratio) and its distribution in
space.
z Population density : The number of individuals per square kilometre (km2) at
any given time.
z Birth rate (natality) : The number of live births per 1000 individuals of
population per year. Notes
z Death rate (mortality) : The number of deaths per 1000 individuals of
population per year.
z Population growth rate : The difference between the birth rate and the death
rate.
z Census : The official data of registered number of people in a selected area.
21.4.2 Population growth in India

Did you know that India is the second most populous country in the world, next
to China. India comprises more than 15% of world’s total population. The
population of India was about 24 crores in the year 1901. Except for a slight fall
in 1911-21, the population of India has been steadily increasing for the last 100 years.
As per the census of 2001, as on 1st March 2001, the population of India was
1,027,015,247, i.e. about 102.7 crores. This alarming rate of rise in human
population is a cause of concern. Now in 2014, the population of India is:
Table 21.3 The population of India during last 100 years
Year Approximate population
(in crores)
1901 23.8
1911 25.2
1921 25.1
1931 27.9
1941 31.8
1951 36.1
1961 43.9
1971 54.8
1981 68.5
1991 84.6
2001 102.7
BIOLOGY 71
Reproduction and
Heredity 21.4.3 Factors responsible for population explosion in India
Advancement in agriculture : With the advancement in the agriculture sector, the
availability of food has increased leading to less of starvation and malnutrition.
Advancement in medicine : With the advancement in medicine, various diseases

can be controlled now. This has led to increase in life span. Thus, more and more
Notes people live longer, reach reproductive age and produce more children.
Religious and social customs : Because of prevailing social custom and beliefs
many people do not accept family planning measures, leading to rise in population.
Industrialization : Advancement in industrialization helps in better storage and

distribution of food, more employment opportunities and more prosperity.
Illiteracy : A sizeable number of our population is educated, and yet a large

proportion is still illiterate. They are not aware of the functioning of reproductive
system and hence the consequence of overpopulation.
Economic reasons : Children instead of attending school go to work and increase

the income of the family.
Desire for a male child : Even after so much emphasis on gender equality, because
of patriarchy in many families, the male child is considered to be essential for
continuing the name of the family. The parents want to have at least one son and
in this process they give birth to many children sometimes.
21.4.4 Problems posed by increasing population

The problems posed by increasing population are of two types:
1. Problems posed to large families, and
2. Problems posed to the Country.
1. Problems for large families

A large family having many children suffers many problems such as
(a) Poor health of the mother : Because of frequent pregnancies, the mother may
suffer from ill-health.
(b) Poor housing : More family members need more space. The family may not
be able to afford a good, clean and spacious house.
(c) Economic pressure : The large family will need more resources, leading to
immense economic pressure on the parents and children affecting the quality of
life.
(d) Poor health : The family members may not get enough food, leading to
malnutrition and deficiency diseases. They will require constant medical support.
72 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Also, because of medical facilities being expensive, it may not be possible to Heredity
provide everyone adequate medical support.
(e) Improper education : Proper educational facilities for children may not be
affordable.
Problems Posed to the Country

A high population growth has severe environmental implications like over-crowding, Notes
decrease in per capita income, depletion of food, land, fuel and consumer resources.
Some such problems are listed below:
(a) Urbanization and environmental degradation : Due to increasing population,

farmlands in the rural areas can no longer support additional people. Thus, a
large number of people migrate to urban areas with the hope of finding jobs
and a better life. This leads to an increase in the urban population.
The growth in urban population stresses the urban environment by increasing

the number of squatter settlements, and slums with no proper sanitation facilities,
thus causing air, water and soil pollution beyond permissible limits.
(b) Increasing population and transportation : Increase in population requires

a corresponding increase in the means of transport. Increase in the number of
automobiles as a consequence of phenomenal growth in population has increased
the pollution load (air pollution, water pollution and solid waste pollution).
(c) Increasing population and education : Education is most important for
economic and social upliftment. Although literacy rate is growing, we still have
a very large number of illiterates in the country. The increasing population further
adds up to the problems of providing education to all.
(d) Increasing population, agricultural development and environmental
degradation : In order to meet the food requirement of the ever-increasing
population of the country new agricultural techniques have been adopted. Some
of these have proved to be detrimental to the environment.
(e) Increasing population and food requirements : Increasing population will
need more food. For this purpose new agricultural land has to be created. So,
forests have been cut down for cultivation. Due to deforestation, excessive
irrigation and natural hazards, such as floods are frequent, land is being degraded
and wasteland is increasing. The increased use of fertilizers and pesticides to
boost agricultural productivity has immense adverse effects on land and water
resources of our country. Agricultural land has been extensively polluted due
to pollution from fertilizers and pesticides.
(f) Increasing population and water : The availability of water is limited.
Increasing population needs more water for drinking, bathing, washing etc. Thus,
availability of water is becoming scarce.
BIOLOGY 73
Reproduction and
Heredity (g) Increasing population and depletion of mineral reserves : Our mineral
reserves are limited, once finished they cannot be replenished (i.e. they are non-
renewable). More population means more requirements of minerals, leading to
fast depletion of mineral resources.
(h) Increasing population and depleting energy sources : Energy is needed for
almost all our day-to-day activities whether for cooking, transportation, factories
or at home. Presently we are largely dependent on fossil fuels such as coal and
Notes
petroleum for energy. At the current rate of consumption, our fossil fuel reserves
will be exhausted in a short time.

1. List any four reasons for population explosion in India.
............................................................................................................................
2. What is the inter-relationship between population, environment and development?
............................................................................................................................
3. What is the effect of uncontrolled population growth on us and our nation?
............................................................................................................................
4. How does population growth influence urbanization and environmental
degradation?
............................................................................................................................
5. Relate the indiscriminate increase in population with the standard of living in
our country.
............................................................................................................................
21.4.5 Population control and family planning

It is very necessary to control the overgrowing population. It is necessary to educate
people to accept small family norms and create awareness about population
explosion and its impact on the family, society and the nation. The government has
taken many measures for providing family planning guidance and support, and family
welfare measures.
There are various ways of preventing fertilization and hence to check the increase
of population. Some of these are discussed here.
Education
The most effective method for control of population is to impart education to the
masses about the consequences of population explosion and make them aware of
various ways of fertility control. Education helps to make people aware of the
advantages of a small family and the disadvantages of a large family.
74 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Preventive methods for population control and family planning. Heredity
Following are some methods of birth control

(i) Rhythm method – The period in the menstrual cycle before ovulation phase
is termed ‘safe period’ as no egg is available for fertilization by the sperm. This
method, however, is not reliable.
(ii) Use of condoms in males and diaphragms in females prevent sperms from Notes
meeting the ovulated egg.
(iii) Intrauterine devices such as copper T are inserted in the female body so that
implantation is not possible. This method requires advice and help from the
medical doctor.
(iv) Oral contraceptive pills are tablets which have to be taken as per directions
from a medical practitioner. These pills interfere with ovulation and in turn
prevent fertilization.
(v) Vasectomy and Tubectomy are surgical methods. In males, the vas deferens
through which sperms travel out of epididymis is ligated (tied) by the surgeon
to prevent sperms from going out of the body. This method is temporary and
can be reversed by the surgeon if required. For permanently preventing
fertilization the vas deferens is cut and the open ends ligatured (tied by thread).
Tubectomy is sterilization of the woman by cutting fallopian tubes and ligaturing
them so that ovulated egg cannot pass down for fertilisation.
In case preventive measures fail or if the foetus is found to have a defect, the
foetus may have to be aborted.
Abortion or Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is to remove the
unwanted foetus from the mother’s body. However, it is advised to always seek
professional medical help for MTP.

z A process by which a living organism is able to produce more of its own kind
is known as reproduction.
z In asexual reproduction only one organism is involved, no gametes are produced
and no fertilization takes place. Gemmules are reproductive bodies for asexual
reproduction in sponges.
z In sexual reproduction both male and female gametes are produced and the
process of fertilization takes place. The human reproduce sexually.
z The age of 13-14 years in human males and 11-12 years in human females is
called puberty in human beings. At this age, sex organs get matured and several
secondary sexual characteristics appear in them.
BIOLOGY 75
Reproduction and
Heredity z The male reproductive system consists of a pair of testes, a pair of epididymis,
a pair of vasa differentia, urethra, penis and accessory glands.
z The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries, a pair of Fallopian
tubes, uterus, vagina and external genitalia.
z Testes are extra-abdominal in human males.
z The fixing of the embryo in the uterine wall is called implantation.
Notes
z Placenta is an association between maternal and foetal tissues meant for
exchange of material between pregnant mother and developing foetus.
z Loctation is the production of milk in a mother soon after delivering the baby.
z Twins are of two types—fraternal and identical twins.
z The scientific and statistical study of human population is called demography.

z Advancement in agriculture, medicine, industrialization, religious and social
customs, illiteracy, economic reasons and desire for a male child are some factors
responsible for the unchecked growth of population in India.
z The enormous increase of the population can be controlled by education,
methods.
z In cockroach there are well developed sex organs in males and female as sexes
are separate.
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. Define the following terms.
(i) Demography (ii) Vasectomy (iii) IUD
2. Mention if the following statements are True (T) or False (F) and rewrite the
wrong statements in the correct form.
(i) Fertilization occurs in vagina.
(ii) Oxygen and nutrients diffuse from mother’s blood into foetus’s blood
through amnion.
(iii) Testes produce testosterone hormone.
(iv) Pregnancy in women can be prevented by the method of vasectomy.
(v) Tubectomy involves the cutting and tying of the vas deferens in male.
3. Choose the odd one in each of the following.
(i) ovary; Fallopian tube; ureter; uterus
(ii) epididymis; urethra; vas deferens; uterus
76 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
(iii) Graafian follicle; corpus luteum; Leydig cell Heredity
(iv) amnion; corpus luteum; amniotic fluid; umbilical cord

4. Match the terms of Column I with those of Column II and write down the
matching pairs.
Column I Column II
1. Acrosome (a) Testis Notes
2. Ovulation (b) Luteinizing hormone
3. Villi (c) Spermatozoa
4. Fertilization (d) Progesterone
(e) Placenta
(f) Vagina
(g) Fallopian tube
5. What is reproduction? List tile organs of the human male reproductive system.
6. What is placenta? How is the placenta beneficial to the mother and the foetus?
7. What is the significance of testes being located in scrotal sac outside the
abdomen of human males?
8. Write in a sequence the region through which sperm travels from seminiferous
tubules up to the urethral opening in human males.
9. How can the knowledge of process of reproduction help in reducing population
growth? Give reasons.
10. How does increasing population affect environment?
11. Name the following.
(i) The organ in which the foetus develops in a human female.
(ii) The male gamete in humans.
(iii) The fluid surrounding the developing embryo.
(iv) Stage when menstruation and ovulation stops in females.
(v) The surgical method of contraception in human female.
12. Differentiate between the following.
(i) Implantation and pregnancy
(ii) Graffian follicle and corpus luteum
(iii) Identical twins and fraternal twins
BIOLOGY 77
Reproduction and
Heredity (iv) Birth rate and death rate
(v) Vasectomy and tubectomy
13. Draw the outline of the cross section of the male reproductive system.
(i) Label the following parts.

Notes
(a) testis (b) epididymis
(c) seminal vesicles (d) vas deferens
(ii) Name the hormone produced by the testis.
(iii) Why are sperms produced in large numbers?
(iv) State the function of the seminal vesicles.
14. Write a note on:

(i) Lactation in humans
(ii) Gemmule (iii) Cockroah ovaries
21.1 1. Male 13-14 years; Female 11-13 years
2. Epididymis
3. (i) Testes, epididymis, vas deferens, urethra, penis
(ii) Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina
4. Seminal vesicles, prostate glands, cowper’s glands

5. (a) Stock sperms and provide them nourishment
(b) Secretes an alkaline fluid, thin fluid keeps the sperms alive and helps
them to swim vigorously.
(c) Secretes a white viscous, alkaline secretion that acts as a lubricant.
(d) Inner lining receives, protects and nourishes embryo; contraction of
muscular wall exits baby during birth.
6. Gemmule is a reproductive body for asexual reproduction in sponges.
Gemmules help sponges overome periods of drought and form new
sponges when favourable conditions arise
7. (a) Seminal vesicles store sperms; (b) receives sperms during copulation
(c) generate sperms (d) produce eggs.
78 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
21.2 1. supplies oxygen and food from maternal blood to foetus and transports Heredity
carbon dioxide and excretory waste from foetal blood to the maternal
blood.
2. (i) the fixation of morula in the wall of uterus is called implantation
(ii) Association between maternal and foetal tissue for physiological
exchange, developing embryo is attached to the uterus by a tissue
called placenta. Notes
(iii) Morula : The zygote begins to divide and form a mass of cells called
morula.
(iv) Amnion : From the first few stages of development, the embryo
is enclosed in a sac called amnion.
3. Amniotic fluid
4. Prolactin stimulates synthesis of milk in mammary glands in women soon
after delivering a body.
Oxytocin stimulates uterine contration for child birth and squeezing of
milk in mother for new born infant
5. Colostrum; rich in nutrients, fats and protiens. Provides passive immunity
21.3 1. (i) Advancement in agriculture (ii) Religous and social customs
(iii) Illiteracy (iv) Desire for a male child
2. See text sub-section 21.4.4
BIOLOGY 79
MODULE - 3 Principles of Genetics
Reproduction and
Heredity
22
Notes
PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS
It is a common observation that seeds of mango trees germinate to grow into mango
plants, and dogs give birth to puppies only and not into the young ones of any other
animal. Humans give birth to human beings. The tendency of offsprings to inherit
parental characteristics is termed as ‘heredity’ and the study of science of heredity
and the reasons governing the variation between the parents and their offsprings,
is called ‘Genetics’. Genetics also seeks to answer questions like why two offspring
of same parents look different, why some people have dark, and others have fair
complexion. In other words, why is there variation among individuals of the same
kind. This lesson deals with heredity and the reasons behind the variation among
individuals of the same species. It also includes diagnostic techniques to find out
the bases for types of sex determination, inheritance of blood groups in humans,
hereditary disorders and gives an insight up the human genome as amniocentesis.
OBJECTIVES
z explain the terms heredity and Genetics;
z describe Mendel’s experiments on garden pea and the principles derived;
z define the terms hybridization, alleles, trait, dominance, recessive, homozygous,
heterozygous, genotype, phenotype;
z explain incomplete dominance, polygenic inheritance, pleiotropy and lethal
genes with examples.
z explain the chromosome theory of heredity;
z define and give examples of linkage, crossing over and cris-cross inheritance;
z explain sex determination in honey bees, birds and humans.
z justify mitochondrial inheritance as a case of maternal inheritance;
z describe the human karyotype;
z list and describe the causes and symptoms of some common genetic disorders
e.g. Colour blindness, haemophilia, Down’s syndrome, Turner’s syndrome,
Klinefelter’s syndrome;
80 BIOLOGY
Principles of Genetics MODULE - 3
Reproduction and
z describe the inheritance of Rh factor and explain its significance during Heredity
pregnancy;
z explain inheritance of human blood groups;
z explain the diagnostic technique of amniocentesis and give its significance;
z give a brief idea of genomics and human genome.
22.1 HEREDITY AND VARIATION Notes

Whenever an infant is born in a family, the relatives begin to wonder about the
resemblance of the infant’s eyes, facial features, complexion, colour of hair with
those of the parents, siblings and grandparents. The source of such resemblances
and differences are in the “genes” that are passed down form parents to children
and so on generation after generation. This inheritance of genes is termed ‘heredity’
the study of reasons of heredity is ‘Genetics’. New individuals develop features
according to the genes inherited by them from their parents.
The transmission of characters from one generation to the next, that
is from parents to offsprings is known as heredity.
It is further observed that siblings from same parents are unique and differ from
each other except the identical twins. Such differences are termed variations.
Variation means differences between parents and their offsprings or between
offsprings of same parents or between members of the same population.
Variation in a population is very important. It has survival value for the population.
This is because if the environment changes, some individuals (variants) may be able
to adapt to new situations and save the population from dying out. Variation arises
due to mutation or sudden change in the genes. Variation also arises because genes
get shifted and exchanged during meiosis at the time of formation of gametes, giving
rise to new gene combinations (Recall from lesson 8 on cell and cell division about
chiasma formation and lesson no. 20 on reproduction in animals for gamete
formation and fertilization). At fertilization, there is random mixing of paternal and
maternal chromosomes with different gene combinations. Such a source of variation
which is most common is called genetic recombination.
Heritable Variations generally arise because of mutation
and recombination.
22.2 MENDEL’S EXPERIMENTS ON THE GARDEN PEA AND

PRINCIPLES OF INHERITANCE
Sir Gregor Johann Mendel (1822 to 1884) was Austrian monk who used garden pea
(Pisum sativum) for his experiments on plant breeding and published his results in 1865.
His work, however, was independently rediscovered in 1900, long after Mendel’s death,
by Tschermak, Correns and DeVries. But since Mendel was the first to suggest principles
underlying inheritance he is regarded as the founder or father of genetics.
BIOLOGY 81
Reproduction and
Heredity 22.2.1 Mendel’s Experiments
Mendel designed his experiments in such a way
that a pure tall variety of pea plants could be
crossed to a pure dwarf variety. The anthers
from flowers of tall plants were removed and
their stigmas dusted with pollen from flowers of
dwarf plants. The reverse experiment was also Pollen was
Notes carried out, that is anthers of flowes borne on exchanged
dwarf plants were removed and their stigmas between plants
were dusted by pollen from flowers of tall
plants.
In the following spring, seeds from the new
plants were collected and sown. Mendel found
that all the plants of this generation called first Tall pure-breeding Dwarf pure-
pea plants breeding pea
filial generation or F1 grew to be tall plants. He plants
allowed them to self pollinate. Again he collected
All the seeds formed
the seeds. The following year, after the seeds were collected
had been sown, he found that three quarters of
these plants were tall and the rest dwarf. He Sown the following
year
repeated the experiment several times and found
that the ratio of tall to dwarf plants was 3 : 1
(Fig. 22.1). X self
In this way he tried to cross pea plants differing Allo the progeny
in seven such contrasting characters or traits. grew tall
These were 1. red flowered and white flowered
plants; 2. axillary flowered (flower arising in the
axial of the leaf) and terminal flowered (flower
arising at tip of stalk); 3. yellow seeded versus All the seeds were collected
green seeded; 4. round seeded versus wrinkled Fig. 22.1 Mendel’s experiment with
seeded; 5. green pod versus yellow pod 6. plants tall and dwarf plants.
with inflated pods versus those with constricted
pod and 7. pure tall plants versus pure dwarf
plants. Plants with these contrasting characters
existed in varieties that were ‘self pollinating’ so
that generation after generation they expressed
only one type of feature (Fig. 22.2).
Crosses involving plants differing in the inheritance of one contrasting feature only
are called monohybrid crosses. Mendel also tried crosses involving two contrasting
features, such as tall and red flowered plants crossed with dwarf and white flowered
plants. Such crosses are termed dihybrid crosses.
22.2.2 Mendel’s Principles (laws) of inheritance

Based on the results of his experiments, Mendel postulated the following laws of
heredity.
82 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
1. Law of segregation or purity of gametes. At formation of gametes, the two Heredity
chromosomes of each pair separate (segregate) into two different cell which form
the gametes. This is a universal law and always during gamete formation in all
sexually reproducing organisms, the two factors of a pair pass into different
gametes. Each gamete receives one member of a pair of factors and the gametes
are pure.
Mendel’s factors later came to be known as genes. Notes
Seed shape Seed colour Flower colour Stem length
Long
Round Wrinkled Green Yellow
(RR) (rr) (YY) (yy) Purple (pp) White (pp)
Flower position Short
Inflated Axial Terminal

Constricted Green Yellow
Fig. 22.2 Seven traits studied by Mendel

2. Law of dominance. During inheritance of many traits (e.g. eye colour, flower
colour, seed shape) is controlled by one pair of genes. When the two genes
of a pair are of the same kind (e.g. brown colour of eyes, red colour of flower)
the condition is termed as homozygous. When a pair of chromosomes has the
gene controlling the same feature (flower colour) in two different forms (red
flower gene on one chromosome and white flower gene on another member of
the pair (termed its homologue) the condition is termed heterozygous. The
factors or genes for red and white flower olour are alternative forms of the same
gene, that is, the gene for flower colour. Suh alternative forms of the same gene
are termed as Alleles.
The second law of inheritance maintains that when the two genes of a pair,
represent contrasting characters the expression of one is dominant over that
of the other. Thus if both genes of an allele are for tallness (represented as TT)
BIOLOGY 83
Reproduction and
Heredity that is homozygous or one gene is for tallness and another for dwarfness (Tt),
that is heterozygous, the pea plants will be tall. The opposite of dominant gene is
termed recessive gene. The recessive feature (e.g. dwarfness of the plant) is
expressed only when both the genes of allele are in the homozygous condition (tt).
The law of dominance was found to be true in both monohybrid and
dihybrid crosses in cases of all the seven characteristics studied by Mendel
in the garden pea.
Notes
3. Law of independent assortment meaning whereby that in the inheritance of
two features (each feature controlled by a pair of genes), genes for the two
different features are passed down into the offspring independently (Fig. 22.3)
i.e. the segregation of one pair of factors is independent of the segregation of
the factors belonging to any other pair of factors or allelic pair.
Red Tall White Dwarf
Parents TTRR × ttrr
gametes TR tr
F1 Tt Rr Tall, red (self)
F2 progeny worked out below.
Genes in male and

female gametes TR Tr tR tr
TTRR TTRr TtRR TtRr

TR Tall red Tall red Tall red Tall red
TTRr TTrr TtRr Ttrr

Tr Tall red Tall white Tall red Tall white
TtRR TtRr ttRR ttRr

tR Tall red Tall red Dwarf red Dwarf red
TtRr TtRr ttRr ttrr

tr Tall red Tall white Dwarf red Dwarf red
Fig. 22.3 Dihybrid phenotypic ratio

9 Tall Red : 3 Tall White : 3 Dwarf red : 1 Dwarf white
In Fig. 22.3 results show independent assortment in two pairs of genes. R stands
for red flower colour, r for white flower colour, T for tallness and t for dwarfness.
You would have noticed that the composition of genes termed genotype controls
the outside expression which we can see, that is the phenotype. The ratio of progeny
in the crosses is therefore, the phenotypic ratio.
However, as more and more scientists began to devise genetic experiments, it
became clear that Mendel’s laws do not hold true in all cases. We shall learn about
the deviations from Mendel’s laws such as incomplete dominance, codominance and
polygenic inheritance.
84 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
22.2.3 Reasons for Mendel’s success Heredity
1. Mendel succeeded in postulating laws of inheritane because of his choice
of experimental plant garden pea which has a short life cycle, has self pollinated
bisexual flowers so that cross-pollination is not allowed and the true breeding
behaviour of parents could be maintained. Because of the property of self
pollination in garden pea plants, a large number of pure line of plants with several
pairs of contrasting characters could be obtained in the same field. Notes
2. His selection of traits : All the seven pairs of contrasting characters of pea plants
considered by Mendel in his experiments showed complete dominance that
helped Mendel to postulate the law of dominance and the law of segregation.
3. The factors for all the seven traits selected by Mendel for his experiments were
either present on separate homologous chromosomes or if they were present
on the same chromosome, they were apart so that the factors segregated
independently & were not inherited together so that Mendal failed to discover
linkage and crossing over.
4. Mendel’s methodology: His technique of experimentation also helped him in
discovering the Laws of Heredity :
(i) Homozygous pure line plants with contrasting characters were crossed.
(ii) Self pollination was prevented by removing stamens to bring about cross-
pollination between the desired parents.
(iii) Female plants were dusted with pollen grains from another plant with the
contrasting feature and were tied in a bag to prevent any further
pollination.
(iv) Seeds were collected from plants of different generations and sown in time.
(v) The results of different generations were maintained, and analysed
statistically, by counting the individuals exhibiting different traits.
(vi) He considered the inheritance of one character at a time, then he
considered inheritance involving individuals differing in two contrasting
characters.
(vii) He performed reciprocal crosses and test crosses to confirm the results.
(see section 22.3 for definition of these terms), and formulated the basic
laws of heredity.
22.3 IMPORTANT TERMS IN GENETICS

z Factor : The unit of inheritance and expression of a particular character is
controlled by inheritable units called factor (gene) which are present in pairs in
parental cells and singly in the gametes.
z Gene : A segment of DNA molecule which determines the unit of inheritance
and expression of a particular character.
BIOLOGY 85
Reproduction and
Heredity z Alleles or Allelomorphs : Two or more alternative forms of a gene are called
alleles. For example in pea plant, the gene for producing seed shape may occur
in two alternative forms: smooth (S) and wrinkled (s). Genes for smooth
wrinkled seeds are alleles of each other, and occupy same locus on homologous
chromosomes.
z Trait : is the morphologically or physiologically visible character, e.g. colour
Notes of flower, and shape of seed.
z Dominant trait : Out of the two alleles or allelorrorphs of a trait, the one which
expresses itself in a heterogygous organism in the F1 hybrid is called the dominant
trait (dominant allele) and the one that remains masked in F1 individual but gets
expressed in the next generation (F2), is called recessive. Thus, if the allelic
combination in an organism is Tt, and T (tallness) expresses itself but t
(dwarfness) cannot, so T is the dominant allele, and tallness is dominant on
dwarfness represented by “t’.
z Recessive trait : Out of the two alleles for a trait, the one which is suppressed (does
not express) in the F1 hybrid is called the recessive trait (recessive allele). But the
Recessive allele does express itself only in the homozygous state (e.g. tt).
z Genotype : A class of individuals recognised based on its genetic constitution
and breeding behaviour is called the genotype, e.g., the genotype of pure smooth
seeded parent pea plant is SS and it will always breed true for smooth-seeded
character, but plants having Ss on selfing would give rise to a population
represented by 3 : 1 ratio for smooth seeded plants and wrinkled seeded plants.
z Phenotype : A class of individuals recognised based on outward appearance
of a trait in an individual is the phenotype, e.g. Smooth-seeded shape or wrinkled
shape of seeds represent two different phenotypes.
z Homozygous : An individual possessing identical alleles for a trait is termed
homozygous e.g. SS is homozygous condition for smooth seeded character in
garden-pea.
z Heterozygous : An individual with dissimilar alleles for a trait is termed
heterozygous for e.g. Ss represents the heterozygous condition for smooth
seeded character in garden pea.
z Parent generations : The parents used for the first cross represent the parent
(or P1) generation.
z F1 generation : The progeny produced from a cross between two parents (P1)
is called First filial or F1 generation.
z F2 generation : The progeny resulting from self pollination or inbreeding of
F1 individuals is called Second Filial or F2 generation.
z Monohybrid cross : The cross between two parents differing in a single pair
of contrasting characters is called monohybrid cross and the F1 offspring is the
86 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Monohybrid. The phenotypic ratio of 3 dominants : 1 recessive obtained in the Heredity
F2 generation from the monohybrid crosses by Mendel was mentioned as 3:1
monohybrid ratio.
z Dihybrid cross : The cross in which two parents differing in two pairs of
contrasting characters are considered simultaneously for the inheritance pattern
is called dihybrid cross. The phenotypic ratio obtained in the F 2 generation from
a dihybrid cross is called Mendelian dihybrid ratio (9 : 3 : 3 : 1), and the Notes
F1-individual is called dihybrid (Ss Tt).
z Hybridisation : Crossing organisms belonging to different species for getting
desirable qualities in the offspring.
z Test cross : is the Crossing of the F1 progeny with the homozygous recessive
parent. If F1 progeny is heterozygous, then test cross always yields the ratio
of 1 : 1 between its different genotypes and phenotypes.
z Reciprocal cross : Is the cross in which the sex of the parents is reversed. That
is if in the first cross father was dwarf and mother tall, then in the reciprocal
cross, dwarf parent will be female and tall parent male.

1. Name the founder of genetics and state why he is called so.
............................................................................................................................
2. State one difference between
(i) homozygous and heterozygous individuals
..................................................................................................................
(ii) dominant and recessive traits
..................................................................................................................
(iii) genotype and phenotype
..................................................................................................................
(iv) monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
..................................................................................................................
3. Define heredity and Genetics.
............................................................................................................................
4. Give the monohybrid and dihybrid phenotypic ratios for Mendelian inheritancce.
............................................................................................................................
5. Mention two sources of variation.
............................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 87
Reproduction and
Heredity 22.3 DEVIATION FROM MENDEL’S LAWS INCOMPLETE DOMINANCE
In the four O’clock plant Mirabilis jalapa and Snapdragon or Antirrhinum law of
dominance does not hold good. Thus when a homozygous red flowered plant (RR)
is crossed to a homozygous white flowered plant (rr), all flowers in the F1 are pink
while when F1 plants are self pollinated, the phenotypic ratio in the next generation is
found to be 1 : 2 : 1.
Notes Parents RR × rr
Gametes R, R × r, r
F1 Rr Pink
F2 1 Red : 2 Pink : 1 White
1 RR : 2 Rr : 1 rr
You will find that the heterozygous (Rr) plants have an intermediate colour pink.
You must have also noticed that the genotypic ratio 1 RR : 2 Rr : 1 rr and phenotypic
ratio 1 Red : 2 Pink : 1 white are the same, that is, 1 : 2 : 1.
Multiple alleles and codominance
Height and flower colour in peas and eye colour of humans have only two alleles
(T and t; R and r; B and b (alleles for Brown blue eyes in humans). Most genes,
however, may have more than two alleles or multiple alleles, controlling the same
Trait. An example of multiple alleles is inheritance of blood group in man.
The four blood groups of humans are determined by combination of different alleles.
The alleles IA for A group, IB for B blood group are both dominant. Therefore person
with alleles IA and IB have the blood group AB as both the genes IA and IB are
co-dominant. The gene io when homozygous (ioio) gives the blood group O.
Genotype and phenotype of blood groups in humans are given in Table 22.1.
Table 22.1 Genotypes and Phenotypes of human blood groups
Genotype Blood group
IAIA and IA io A
IB IB and IB io B
IA IB AB
ioio O
Lethal genes
Have you ever seen a yellow mouse? Probably not. The yellow coat colour in mice
is due to the presence of the gene (y) which is also responsible for killing the mouse
in homozygous (yy) condition at the zygotic stage indicating thereby that the mice
88 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
homozygons for dominant “Y” allele (that is, true breeding for yellow oat colour) Heredity
are never borne. Such a combination of genes (y) are termed lethal genes, and the
phenomenon is called lethality. Some lethal genes kill an individual only in the
homozygous condition and are recessive lethals. .
Pleiotropy
While a gene may have multiple alleles and thus give multiple genotypes, one gene
may control several phenotypes. For example the recessive gene for white eye in
Drosophila when present in the homozygous condition affects several other features Notes
such as wing shape and shape of abdomen. Thus, a white eyed Drosophila is also
born with vestigeal wings and curled abdomen.
Polygenic or quantitative inheritance
When a trait (feature or character) is controlled by a single gene representing an
allelic pair it is termed monogenic inheritance. However, many traits or features
are controlled by a number of different genes present at different loci on the same
chromosome or different chromosomes. For example, the height and skin colour
of humans and the kernel colour of wheat results from the combined effect of several
genes, none of which are singly dominant. Polygenes affecting a particular trait are
found on different locion many chromosomes. Each of these genes has equal
contribution and cumulative effect. Three to four genes contribute towards
formation of the pigment in the skin of humans. So there is a continuous variation
in skin colour from very fair to very dark. Such an inheritance controlled by many
genes having additive or cumulative effect in terms of expression of the phenotypic
character, is termed as quantitative inheritance or polygenic (poly meaning or
due to many genes) inheritance.
R1R1R2R2 × r1r1r2r 2
Red White
R 1r 1 R 2r 2
Pink
R1R2 R1 r 2 r1R2 r1r 2
R1R2 R1R1R2R2 R1R1R2r2 R1r1R2R2 R1r1R2r2
Red Dark Pink Dark Pink Pink
R1r2 R1R1R2r2 R1R1r2r2 R1r1R2r2 R1r1r2r2
Dark Pink Pink Pink Light Pink
r1R2 R1r1R2R2 R1r1R2R2 r1r1R2R2 r1r1R2r2
Dark Pink Pink Pink Light Pink
r1r2 R 1r 1 R 2r 2 R1r1r2r2 r1r1R2r2 r1r1r2r2
Pink Light Pink Light Pink White
1 Red : 4 Dark Pink : 6 Pink : 4 Light Pink : 1 White

1. Define : (i) An allele (ii) Codominance (iii) Polygenes (iv) Lethal genes
2. Name the kind of inheritance in terms of expression of
(i) blood groups of humans
.....................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 89
Reproduction and
Heredity (ii) wheat kernel colour ..................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
(iii) human skin colour? ..................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
3. State the phenotypic monohybrid ratio in case of incomplete dominance.
Notes ............................................................................................................................
22.4 CHROMOSOMAL THEORY OF INHERITANCE

Sutton and Boveri in 1902 observed that
Chromosomes from two parents come together in the zygote as a result of the
fusion of two gametes and again separate out during meiosis at the time of
formation of gametes. You have already learnt that chromosomes are filamentous
bodies present in the nucleus and seen only during cell division. Gametes have
half (n) number of chromosomes or are haploid and zygote is diploid or has
(2n) or double the number of chromosomes when compared to chromosome
number in the gametes.
The observations proved that there is a remarkable similarity between the behaviour of
Mendelian factors or genes during inheritance and that of chromosomes during meiosis.
This led Sutton and Boveri to propose ‘chromosomal theory of inheritance’ and
its salient features are as follows.
1. The somatic or body cells of an organism, which are derived by the repeated
division of zygote have two identical sets of chromosomes i.e. they are diploid.
Out of these, one set of chromosomes is received from the mother (maternal
chromosomes) and one set from the father (paternal chromosomes). Two
chromosomes of one type (carrying genes controlling the same set of characters)
constitute a homologous pair. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
2. The chromosomes of homologous pair separate out during meiosis at the time
of gamete formation.
3. The behaviour of chromosomes during meiosis indicates that Mendelian factors
or genes are located linearly on the chromosomes. With progress in molecular
biology it is now known that a chromosome is made of a molecule of DNA
and specific sets of segments of DNA are the genes.
22.5 LINKAGE AND CROSSING OVER
Bateson and Punnett performed a dihybrid cross with true breeding varieties of sweet
pea (Lathyrus sativus) and instead of 9 : 3 : 3 : 1 ratio in F2 generation they got
the ratio 7 : 1 :1 : 7. It means that the characters controlled by the two genes chosen
for the experiment do not follow the principle of independent assortment as
postulated by Mendel. Instead they tend to be inherited together or are linked
together. Thus genes present on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together
and are said to be linked. This phenomenon is called linkage.
90 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
All the genes present on the same pair of chromosomes and with a Heredity
tendency to be inherited together forms a linkage group.
In the above experiment some recombinant type of individuals were also produced.
How did that happen ? They are produced by another phenomenon called crossing over.
Crossing over is the physical exchange of parts of the non sister
chromatids of the chromosomes of a homologous pair (Fig. 22.4).
Notes
Crossing over occurs during prophase I at meiosis I of the time of gamete formation.
The point where crossing over occurs is called chiasma. (plural : chiasmata) See
Fig. 22.3. Linked genes get separated from each other by crossing over.
Because of linkage and crossing over a heterozygous individual can produce four
types of gametes as shown in Fig. 22.4. The figure 22.4 shows linked genes of the
parents and recombinants due to crossing over.
Ist division
Prophase Chromosomes pairing
Late prophase Splitting or separation

into chromatids
Crossing over at chiasma
Chromosomes separate
Anaphase
2nd division
Parental Recombinations Parental
Fig. 22.4 Schematic diagram showing recombination by crossing over
BIOLOGY 91
Reproduction and
Heredity 22.6 CHROMOSOMES AND SEX DETERMINATION
Sex of the unborn individuals is determined in different ways in different kinds of
organisms. You will learn about sex determination in humans, birds and honey bees
in this section.
In some diploid organisms, specific chromosomes have a role in sex determination.
Such chromosomes are called sex chromosomes and the rest of the chromosomes
Notes of a set are called autosomes.
z If sex chromosomes are morphologically similar (i.e. XX) in an individual, the
individual is termed homogametic. Such individuals, produce only one kind of
gametes (containing X). For example : all eggs of the human female contain
an X chromosome and autosomes. So human female is termed as homogametic.
Fig. 22.5 Chromosomal basis of sex determination in humans.
22.6.1 Sex Determination in Human

z Sex chromosomes in males are morphologically dissimilar (i.e. XY). Such
individuals produce two types of gametes (one containing X and the other
containing Y) and are called heterogametic. For example : human male produces
two kinds of sperms, X bearing and Y bearing sperms. When the human egg
is fertilised by an X bearing sperm a girl is born, and if human egg is fertilized
by a sperm having “Y” chromosome, a boy is born (Fig. 22.6). Whether the
unborn will be a male or female is purely a matter of chance and no parent can
be blamed for the sex of the progeny.
22.6.2 Sex Determination in Birds

You have just studied the XX-XY type of sex determination in humans. This type
of sex determination is found in other mammals and most insects. However, the
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Reproduction and
method of sex determination in birds is a little different. In birds both sexes (male Heredity
and female) possess two sex chromosomes but unlike human beings the female has
the heteromorphic morphologically different sex chromosomes (ZW) while the
males bear homomorphic (condition, the sex chromosomes (ZZ). Thus, the females
are heterogametic and produce two types of eggs: A+Z and A+W (‘A’ stands for
autosomes). The male gamete is only of one type: A+Z. This type of sex
determination is called ZW-ZZ type or WZ-ZZ type of sex determination. The letters Notes
Z and W are used to distinguish these types of sex chromosomes from X and Y
chromosomes found in the X-Y type of sex determination.
AA + ZZ
AA + ZZ MALE PARENTS
FEMALE
A +Z
A +W GAMETES
A +Z A +Z
AA + WZ
AA + ZZ AA + ZZ AA + WZ FEMALE
MALE MALE FEMALE
ZW - ZZ Type of Sex Determination in birds AA - Autosomes
22.6.3 Sex Determination in Honey Bees

Honey bees have a unique method of sex determination. In honey bees, fertilised
eggs emerge as females and unfertilised eggs develop into males. Since fertilised
eggs and also females are diploid and unfertilised eggs and males haploid, sex
determination in honey bees is referred to as haplodiploidy-sometimes also called
arrhenotoky.
The sex is determined by the number of sets of chromosomes an individual receives.
The male, which is called a drone, is produced from unfertilized haploid eggs. And
thus, male honeybees contain a single set of chromosomes. The female honeybees,
which are worker bees and queen bees, are produced from fertilized eggs and
therefore are diploid. They contain two sets of chromosomes. In this case, only
females are produced by sexual reproduction.
It is very interesting in honey bees that males have no father and cannot have sons
but have a grandfather and can have grandsons.
22.7 CRIS-CROSS INHERITANCE X-LINKED INHERITANCE

We already know that genes are located on chromosomes. The genes which are
located on X chromosome (sex chromosome), are called sex linked genes. These
genes show cris-cross inheritance as shown in Fig. 22.6.
BIOLOGY 93
Reproduction and
Heredity When a male has a defective sex linked gene located on X chromosome he transmits
the defective X chromosome to his daughter only during reproduction, . The
female who has this gene transmits it to her son and daughter both in equal
probability. So the male passes on his recessive sex linked trait to 50% of his
grandsons through his daughter. The sex linked trait being recessive is not expressed
in female but is expressed in males. Therefore males suffer from the genetic defect
due to the presence of faulty gene on the single X-chromosome while females are
Notes only carriers of these defective genes as they have the other X which masks the
effet of faulty gene. The trait shows up in females only both X chromosomes from
mother and father have faulty gene.
Father × Mother
(Haemophilic) (Normal)
or
(affected)
X hY XX
Daughter (Affected Man) Son Daughter

Xh X × XhY XY XY
(Carrier) (Normal) (Normal)
50% X hY (affected) Note-h the gene of haemophilia

50% XY (Normal) is the sex linked gene
Fig. 22.6 Criss cross inheritance or X-linked sex linked inheritance
This type of inheritance of recessive sex linked character from father to

daughter and then from the daughter to her sons is known as cris-cross
inheritance or sex linked or X-linked inheritance.
Criss Cross Inheritance in humans : Red green colour blindness and Haemophilia
are examples of sex linked inheritance in humans. The defective gene is located on
X chromosome. Thus a single defective gene causes disease in male while two
defective genes (homozygous condition) only can cause the disease in female.
Females in heterozygous condition are apparently normal but actually the carriers
of the disease. Carrier females pass this defective gene to 50% of her sons. The
disease is expressed only in males because male does not have the partners of the
genes on Y Chromosome to mask the effect of the faulty gene. See Fig. 22.7 (a),
and (b).
94 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Heredity
Normal (but carrier)
Woman × Normal man
Parents :
C c C
C c C
Gametes :
Notes
Normal daughter Normal son Normal daughter Colour blind son

(C = gene for normal colour vision and c = gene for colour blindness)
Fig. 22.7 (a) Progeny of carrier female for colour blindness and a man with
normal colour vision.
Parents : (Carrier Xh X female) × (Normal XY male)
Gametes :
Xh X X Y
Progeny : XhX Xh Y XX XY
(Carrier female) (Haemophilic (Normal female) (Normal male)
Male)
Fig. 22.7 (b) Progeny of a haemophilic carrier female and normal male

1. What are genes and where are they located?
............................................................................................................................
2. State the names of the scientists who proposed the chromosomal theory of
inheritance.
............................................................................................................................
3. Define (i) linkage and (ii) crossing over.
............................................................................................................................
4. When does gene exchange through chiasma formation occur between homologous
chromosomes?
............................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 95
Reproduction and
Heredity 5. Why is the human female called the homogametic sex?
............................................................................................................................
6. A colour blind man married a normal woman whose father and mother both had
normal colour vision. Will any of their sons be colour blind? If not why not.
............................................................................................................................
7. With the help of flow chart explain the difference in sex determination in birds
Notes and mammals.
...........................................................................................................................
8. Name an insect in which all males are produced parthenogenetically.
..........................................................................................................................
9. In honey bees “males have no father and cannot have sons but have a
grandfather”. Justify the statement.
...........................................................................................................................
10. Which sex in birds is heterogametic?
............................................................................................................................
11. Why is sex determination in honeybees called haplodiploidy
............................................................................................................................
22.8 MITOCHONDRIAL INHERITANCE AS A CASE OF MATERNAL

INHERITANCE
Apart from the nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts also possess DNA and you
have just learnt that genes are segments of DNA. Till now you have studied that
genes are present on the chromosomes present in the nucleus. Since mitochondria
come into the zygote from the egg, inheritance of mitochondrial DNA is said to
be a case of maternal inheritance.
In fact, certain diseases and therefore the genes responsible for them are due to
defects in mitochondrial DNA and can be traced to the mother’s family.
22.9 HUMAN KARYOTYPE

Human karyotype is the arrangement of human chromosomes in seven groups
according to the types of chromosomes and their size. It is prepared by arranging
chromosomes seen at mitotic metaphase in descending order with the longest pair
of chromosomes drawn first, and the sex chromosomes are drawn the last :
(i) Total no. of chromosomes or 2n = 46 (23 pairs).
(ii) Number of autosomes = 44 (22 pairs).
(iii) Sex chromosomes 2 = X and Y
(iv) Depending on size, location of centromere, and bands obtained by special
staining methods, human chromosomes are grouped into 7 groups, A to G as
shown in Fig. 22.8.
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Sex determination in humans, as you have already learnt is as follows : Heredity
Normal male has 22 pairs of autosomes + one X chromosome and one Y

chromosome
Normal female has 22 pairs of autosomes + two X chromosomes
Presence of Y is necessary for maleness.
Absence of Y chromosomes, makes the individual a female with some defective Notes
characters.
Karyogram
(Female)
X Chromosomes
Karyogram
(Male)
X Chromosome
Y Chromosome
Fig. 22.8 Karyotype showing chromosomes of normal male. Female has the same autosomes
but two X-chromosomes instead of XY
22.10 CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES AND GENETIC DISORDERS

IN HUMANS
Any change from the normal number or structure of chromosomes causes
abnormalities. Following are some examples of human genetic disorders :
1. Mongolism or Down’s syndrome

The individual has 47 chromosomes because of one extra chromosome in the 21st pair
(Trisomy of chromosome 21). The outcome of this defect are the following
characters or features :
z mentally retarded
z have a thick tongue
z and a drooping (false expression of pleasure) face. Fig. 22.9.
BIOLOGY 97
Reproduction and
Heredity The possibility of giving birth to a mongolian child is far greater in pregnant mothers
above the age of forty.
Notes
Fig. 22.9 Mongolism or Down’s syndrome
XX
Fig. 22.10 Man showing Klinefelter’s syndrome
98 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
2. Klinefelter’s syndrome Heredity
Individual is a male with 47 chromosome with one extra X chromosome. (44
autosomes + XXY). Typical features of Klinefelter’s syndrome are :
z Tall, mentally retarded male;
z Sterile and shows breast development or gynaecomastia (gynae : female;
massere : mammary glands). Fig. 22.10.
Notes
3. Turner’s syndrome
Individual is a female with 45 chromosomes and with only one X, chromosome (22
pairs of autosomes +XO). The characteristic features of this syndrome are
z Mentally retarded
z web like skin on neck.
z incompletely developed breasts. Fig. 22.11.
Single X chromosome
Fig. 22.11 A woman suffering from Turner’s syndrome.
4. Colour blindness and Haemophilia (Bleeder’s diseases)

Both these defects are sex linked disorders. (See figures 22.6 and 22.7)
BIOLOGY 99
Reproduction and
Heredity The inheritance is as follows :
Notes
Note : X = normal allele; XC = recessive mutant

Fig. 22.12 Inheritance of colour blindness
See also 22.7
In male, the single X-chromosome is received from the mother.
Hence a defective, gene (for colour blindness or haemophilia) on X chromosome
of the mother, is passed on to the son and expressed as a defect.
The daughter receives one X-chromosome from the mother and the other X from
the father. In a carrier daughter the defective gene received from the mother is
masked chromosome received from normal father by normal allele on the other X
(Fig. 22.12).
Colour blind males are unable to distinguish between red-green colours. In
haemophilia afflicted male, blood does not clot easily and the patient may bleed to
death. Its mode of inheritance is exactly like that of colour blindness.
5. Thalassemia
It is an autosomal disorder in which normal haemoglobin is not synthesised. So,
frequent blood transfusions are required for survival.
The defective gene is recessive and present on an autosome in the heterozygous
Parents may not show the disorder. The child who gets the defective genes ‘from
both the parents (homozygous recessive) suffers from Thalassemia.
6. Sickle Cell Anemia
This is another hereditary abnormality due to mutation of a single autosomal gene
in which red blood corpuscles lose their shape and become sickle shaped because
of defective Haemoglobin. Individuals possessing two defective genes (homozygous
recessive), cannot survive. In the heterozygous individuals, one gene is normal and
so half the number of total red blood corpuscles are normal containing normal
haemoglobin while the others are defective. For heterozygous individuals with sickle
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Reproduction and
cell gene, it is a boon in disguise against malaria for children with one defective Heredity
haemoglobin gene can survive as they are less affected by malarial because the
malarial parasite cannot thrive inside the defective RBCs.
7. Rh factor
Rh factor is an antigen (a protein) present on the surface of red blood corpuscles.
About 15% of all women do not have the gene for Rh antigen. They are Rh-negative.
Men can also be Rh-negative. But the problem which this trait creates is in Rh- Notes
negative women.
A pregnant Rh-negative woman whose husband is Rh + may bear a the child who
may have inherited the Rh + gene from the father. If the foetal blood of the Rh
+ foetus enters mother’s body stream, her immune system produces antibodies
against Rh antigen which may cause minor problems in first pregnancy. Antibodies
remain in the mother’s blood and in the subsequent pregnancies, the mother’s
antibodies against foetal Rh antigen may enter the foetal blood stream and destroy
its red blood corpuscles causing severe anemia which may even be fatal
(erythroblastosis foetalis) for the foetus.
Now-a-days Rh-negative mother of a Rh-positive foetus is treated immediately after
delivery, to destroy Rh antigens in her blood stream. (Fig. 22.13)
Fig. 22.13 The mechanism of Rh inheritance

(a) shows the first pregnancy where the mother is Rh (-) and foetus Rh (+). Antigens
(empty circles) of the foetus stimulate the production of anti bodies (black
blocks) in the mother’s blood.
(b) shows the retention of anti bodies in the mother’s body.
(c) shows the Rh (+) foetus in the womb of the same mother during the second
pregnancy. The anti factors from the mother’s body destroy the infant’s red blood
cells.
22.11 AMNIOCENTESIS
Amniocentesis in a technique by which hereditary disorders due to defects in genes
can be detected. In this technique (Fig. 22.14)
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Reproduction and
Heredity (i) a small sample of amniotic fluid which surrounds the foetus is syringed out.
(ii) This fluid has cells which break off from the skin of the foetus.
(iii) Foetal cells are picked up and cultured.
(iv) Chromosomes in the dividing cells are analysed for genetic defects.
If incurable genetic defects are detected, pregnancy can be terminated.
Notes
It is illegal to use amniocentesis for detecting the sex of the unborn.
Fig. 22.14 Techniques of Amniocentesis
22.12 THE HUMAN GENOME

In the last over hundred years genetics and molecular biology have gone far ahead
and the progress has been very rapid.
You have just read about genetic disorders and today there is hope for cure through
gene therapy. This is because in 2003, most of the genes on human chromosomes
have been mapped or located on the 23(n) chromosomes. The genes responsible
for inheritance of various structural features, that control various enzymes that
catalyse the various biochemical reactions in the body, and genes responsible for
genetic disorders have been located. Genome means genes of a particular
organism on its haploid set of chromosomes and study of genome is Genomics.
Since genes are present in pairs (one inherited from mother and other from the
father), all kinds of genes present in a particular type of organism are present in
its haploid set (n). Thus human genome may be defined as all the genes present
102 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
in the haploid set of chromosomes in humans. There are an estimated 20,000 to Heredity
25,000 genes and 3 billion base pairs in the total human DNA. Each human
chromosome has apart from protein coding genes, regulating base sequences, non
coding DNA, promoter sequences (TATA box) in between genes that code for
proteins. There are genes that code for the production of ribosomal RNA and the
many tRNAs.
It is estimated that only 1.5% of the human genome has protein coding sequences. Notes

1. Why is mitochondrial inheritance treated as a case of maternal inheritance?
............................................................................................................................
2. Into how many groups have human chromosomes been grouped in the human
karyotype?
............................................................................................................................
3. State the chromosomal abnormality in Klinefelters, Turners syndrome and in
Mongolism.
............................................................................................................................

z Heredity means the transmission of characters from parents to offsprings.
z Variation pertains to differences between siblings or members of same species.
z Mendel was the first to explain that heredity involves transmission of certain
factors from reproductive cells of parents to offsprings.
z Hugo de Vries, Correns and Tschermach rediscovered Mendel’s Laws of
inheritance nearly 35 years after Mendel’s death.
z Mendel selected seven varieties of garden pea differing in seven pairs of
contrasting characters.
z According to his ‘law of segregation’ the factors segregate at the time of gamete
formation, and come together after fertilization.
z Mendel’s ‘law of dominance’ states when partents differing in a pair of contrasting
characters are crossed, the factor that expresses itself in the F-1 is called
dominant, and the factor which is masked by dominant factor, is called recessive.
z Law of independent assortment states that the inheritance of factors controlling
one character does not depend on inheritance of any other factor controlling
any other character.
BIOLOGY 103
Reproduction and
Heredity z There are deviations from Mendelian inheritance and these patterns of inheritance
are incomplete dominance, codominanace, multiple alleles, polygenic inheritance
and pleiotropy.
z Sutton and Boveri (1902) proposed the chromosome theory of heredity. It states
that Mendelian factors or genes are located on chromosomes.
z Genes are located on chromosomes in a linear fashion and are held together in
Notes linkage group. Linked genes get segregated through chiasma formation or
crossing over.
z Organisms with separate sexes have a pair of sex chromosomes called sex
chromosomes. In humans, XX are responsible for homogametic female and XY
for heterogametic male. In birds it is the opposite—male is ZZ or homogametic
and female is ZW or heterogametic.
z In honey bees, males arise from unfertilised eggs and are therefore, haploid or
with half the number of chromusomes while females develop from fertilised eggs
and are diploid.
z Human males inherit an X chromosome from female parent and Y from the male
parents. Y chromosome bears genes for maleness.
z Females receive two X chromosomes one each from either of the two parents.
z Any change in normal number and structure of chromosomes of an individual
causes abnormalities.
z A normal karyotype shows 23 pairs of humans chromosomes bearing thousands
of genes, controlling different characters.
z Down’s syndrome patients have 47 chromosomes exhibitting tri-somy of
chromosome 21.
z Klinefelter’s syndrome patient has 44 autosomes and XXY.
z Turner’s syndrome, has 44 autosomes + XO
z Colour blindness and Haemophilia are X-linked and sex-linked disorders.
z Thallessemia and Sickle cell anaemia are due to a single autosomal defective
gene.
z Rh +ve foetus in a Rh negative mother poses problems in which antibodies are
produced in mother’s blood against antigens of the foetus.
z The human genome has been mapped.
z Amniocentesis is a technique for detecting genetic disorder in foetus.
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. State the three Mendel’s laws of inheritance. Which one of these laws is
universal?
104 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
2. Consider a hypothetical case of a cross between a tall plant (TT) and a dwarf Heredity
plant (tt). Work out the phenotypic and genotypic ratios of the F2 progeny if
the cross were to show
(a) dominance (b) incomplete dominance
3. What will be the blood group of the progeny of parents with AB and O groups.
4. Write notes on :
(a) recessive lethal genes (b) pleiotropy Notes
(c) linkage groups (d) mitochondrial inheritance
(e) human karyotype (f) human genome
5. Why do we find so many different complexions among humans?
6. State the chromosome theory of inheritance.
7. Work out the following crosses and mention the phenotypic ratio of their
progeny.
(a) A colour blind man marries a carrier woman
(b) A man with normal colour vision marries a carrier woman.
8. Why is X-linked inheritance termed cris-cross inheritance?
9. Give an account of genetic disorders caused by abnormal chromosomal number.
10. What is amniocentesis? How and for what is it carried out?
11. In what way is chromosomal sex determination of humans different from that
of birds?
12. From which kind of eggs do males and females of honeybees emerge.

22.1 1. Gregor John Mendel, was the first to suggest principles underlying
heredity
2. (i) homozygous = bearing identical alleles controlling a trait;
heterozygous = bearing dissimilar alleles controlling a trait.
(ii) Dominant allele = expressing in both heterozygous and homozygous
conditions.
Recessive = expressing only in homozygous condition.
(iii) Genotype = genetic constitution of an individual, represented with
the help of symbols.
Phenotype = class of individuals recognised based on externally/
internally visible characters.
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Reproduction and
Heredity (iv) monohybrid = cross between two parents differing in a single pair
of contrasting character; dihybrid corss = cross of two parents
differing in two pairs of contrasting characters.
3. Heredity : is the study of transmission of characters from one generation
to next generation.
Variation: Differences between individuals of same species.
Notes
4. Monohybrid ratio = 3 : 1, Dihybrid ratio = 9 : 3 : 3 : 1.
5. Mutation, Recombination.
22.2 1. (i) Alleles are diffrerent forms of a gene.
(ii) Both alleles express as dominant phenotype.
(iii) Many genes controlling same trait.
(iv) Presence of which kind of genes in an individual proves to be fatal?
2. (i) Codominance and multiple alleles
(ii) Incomplete dominance
(iii) Polygenic inheritance
(iv) Polygenic inheritance
3. 1 : 2 : 1
22.3 1. Genes are segments of DNA. They are located in chromosomes.
2. Sutton and Boveri
3. (i) Linkage is the tendency of genes residing on the same chromosome
to be inherited together.
(ii) Breakage and exchange of genes between two chromatids of a
homologous pair is termed crossing over.
4. During prophase I of meiosis
5. Human female produces only one kind of gametes (homo = same)
6. No. Because gene for color blindness on X chromocomes is a recessive
gene so it gets marked by renual gene from mother.
7. Female
8. Because males develop from unfertilised or haploid eggs and females from
fertilised or diploid eggs.
22.4 1. Because mitochondia are inherited from the mother through the ovum.
2. Seven
3. Kline felter : 2n = 47; XXY
Turner : 2n = 45; XO
Mongolism : 2n = 47; Trisomy of chromosome 21
106 BIOLOGY
Molecular Inheritance and Gene Expression MODULE - 3
Reproduction and
Heredity
23
Notes
MOLECULAR INHERITANCE AND
GENE EXPRESSION
A cell contains the nucleus. Nucleus contains chromosomes, Chromosomes bear

genes. Genes carry the hereditary information. A zygote has the information for
development and differentiation of the embryo in its genes. Cells of an individual
have the genes for maintaining their structure and function. What are these genes
and how do they function? Genes are made of segments of the DNA. This lesson
deals with the study of DNA as the genetic material, its structure and functioning
at the molecular level.
OBJECTIVES
z discuss the concept of one gene one enzyme hypothesis;
z give the history of discovery of DNA as geneticc material;
z describe the general structure of DNA by referring to the terms nucleotides,
nucleosides, purincs and pyrimidines;
z list the differences between DNA and RNA;
z mention the various categories of RNA and explain their functions;
z describe the modes of gene transfer, transformation, transduction and
conjugation;
z explain the steps of DNA replication;
z explain the concept of central dogma;
z describe the sequence of steps during transcription and translation during
protein sysnthcsis;
z trace the major steps in regulation of gene expression;
z define house-keeping genes and explain their role;
z categorise various types of mutations;
z define mutagen and list their different categories;
z highlight the useful and harmful effects of mutation.
BIOLOGY 107
MODULE - 3 Molecular Inheritance and Gene Expression
Reproduction and
Heredity 23.1 THE CONCEPT OF THE ONE GENE ONE ENZYME HYPOTHESIS
The British biochemist and physician Archibald Garrod had mentioned in his book
named “Inborn errors of metabolism” that there are inherited genetic disorders such
as phenylketonuria and alkaptonuria which are caused by the absence of particular
enzymes. Beadle and Tatum working with the mutants of the fungus Neurospora
showed that the absence of a gene in a mutant leads to absence of an enzyme in
Notes a metabolic pathway (chain of biochemical reactions) midway. Thus was proposed
that one gene was responsible for the production of one enzyme and this was
called the one gene one enzyme hypothesis. Later, it was found that an enzyme
(a protein) may be made of more than one polypeptide and one gene controlled
production of one polypeptide (chain of amino acids in a protein).
In the following sections you will learn about the nature of the genetic material,
DNA, and its role in the synthesis of proteins. You will also learn about gene
mutation because of which a normal protein is not manufactured in the body and
results in genetic disorders.
23.2 DISCOVERY OF DNA AS THE GENETIC (HEREDITARY)

MATERIAL
That genes, located on chromosomes, are the hereditary material was known to
scientists in the early twentieth century. That genes are segments of DNA became
evident from the work of Griffith on bacterial transformation.
Bacterial transformation
The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae when grown in the lab forms smooth
colonies and when injected into mice kill them. A mutant of this bacterium forms
rough colonies and is harmless to mice. In 1928, Frederick Griffith found that if
the smooth virulent form of Streptococcus is killed and mixed with the harmless
rough form of Streptococcus the latter becomes virulent (killer). This change (or
transformation) of the bacteria from harmless to virulent is termed bacterial
transformation. (Fig. 23.1).
In 1944, Avery, Mcleod and McCarty extracted DNA from the virulent smooth
Streptococcus and mixed it with the non-virulent rough variety. The non-rough
variety became virulent and had a smooth coat. This did not happen when DNA
of the virulent form was digested with the enzyme DNase and then mixed. Thus
it became clear that DNA was the transforming principle.
Later Hershey and Chase in 1952 used T2 bacteriophage, a virus which infects
bacteria for their experiments. They labelled the protein coat of the virus with
radioactive isotope of sulphur 35S. When the virus was introduced into the bacteria,
no radioactivity was found inside the bacteria as the viral coat was left outside. When
they labelled viral DNA with 52P32 or radioactive phosphorus, radioactivity was
found inside the bacteria. It bacame clear that new generations of the virus were
reproduced inside bacteria because of viral DNA (Fig. 23.2).
108 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Heredity
(a) (b) (c)
S strain is encapsulated R strain is nonencapsulated

and virulent and nonvirulent Notes
Heat-killed virulent
S strain
(d)
heat-killed virulent Blood sample from

S strain plus live Mouse dies dead mouse contains
nonvirulent R strain live virulent S strain
Fig. 23.1 Griffith’s bacterial transformation experiment.
These experiments confirmed that DNA is the genetic material and genes are made
of Deoxyribonucleic Acid or DNA.
23.3 STRUCTURE OF DNA, THE GENETIC (HEREDITARY) MATERIAL
23.3.1 Chemical nature of DNA or Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA is a polynucleotide, a macromolecule (macro = large) made of units called
nucleotides.
Each nucleotide consists of three subunits.
(i) a pentose (5 carbon) sugar called deoxyribose
(ii) 4 nitrogenous bases Adenine (A), and Guanine (G) are purine bases and
Thymine (T) and Cytosine (C) are pyrimidine bases
(iii) a phosphate group (PO4) positioned on the sugar (Fig. 23.3)
BIOLOGY 109
Reproduction and
Heredity
Notes
Fig. 23.2 The Hershey Chase experiment
(a) (b)
(Base + Sugar = Nucleoside) (Base + Sugar + Phosphate = Nucleotide)
Fig. 23.3 Component of nucleoside and nucleotide
A base and a sugar combine to form a nucleoside, while it becomes a nucleotide
when a phosphate group gets attached to the nucleoside.
110 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
Base + sugar = nucleoside Heredity
Base + sugar + Phosphate = nucleotide
So there are four nucleotides in DNA formed of sugar and nitrogenous base and
phosphate.
Chargaff’s rule
The four nucleotides are not present in equal amounts in a DNA molecule. But the
amount of purines (A + G) and that of pyrimidines (T + C) is always equal. In other Notes
words, A = T and G = C. This is called Chargaff’s rule.
23.3.2 Physical structure of DNA– The DNA double helix
A DNA molecule is three dimensional and made of two strands helically coiled
around each other. Franklin and Wilkins first showed through X-ray diffraction
studies of DNA that it is a double helix.
In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick were awarded the Nobel Prize for working
out the structure of DNA.
According to the Watson and Crick model
z DNA molecule is a double helix consisting of two strands of DNA
z The arrangement of the two strands is antiparallel, which means that the
sequence of nucleotides goes up in 5′ to 3′ direction in one strand and other
strand comes down in 3′ to 5′ direction. (3′ and 5′ refer to the carbon atom
to which the phosphate group is attached) see Fig. 23.4.
Fig. 23.4a Components of a DNA double helix
BIOLOGY 111
Reproduction and
Heredity
Notes
Fig. 23.4b-c DNA double helix

z The backbone of the helix is made of sugar and phosphate. Nitrogenous bases
are linked to the sugar. (Fig. 23.4a and 23.4b)
z The bases of the two strands are linked by hydrogen bonds.
z Base pairing is very specific as per Chargaff’s rule. Adenine, a purine base always
pairs with thymine, a pyrimdine base. The purine base Guanine pairs with the
pyrimidine, Cytosine. These pairs of bases are called complementary bases.
There are two hydrogen bonds between A and T and three hydrogen bonds between
G and C. A and T are complementary bases and so are G and C.
In the DNA helix, a complete helical turn occurs after 3.4 nm (or 34Å). This
complete turn encloses 10 base pairs. Each base pair lies 0.34 nm (3.4 Å) apart.
The diameter of the double helical DNA molecule is 2.0 nm (Fig. 23.4c).
Watson and Crick model explains well how the two strands of a DNA molecule
may separate at replication and transcription and then rewind.
The hereditary material must be capable of (i) replication (ii) storage
of information (iii) transmission of information (iv) expression of
information and (v) regulation of gene expression.
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Reproduction and
Packaging of DNA in Eukaryotic chromosome Heredity
In the bacteria (prokaryotes), only one double stranded DNA molecule constitutes
the chromosome. Eukaryotes have many chromosomes and also many genes. One
chromosome, however, is made up of one long double stranded DNA molecule.
So how does this long molecule get accommodated in the chromosome seen as small
mircoscopic entities during cell division? Fig. 23.5 shows how a long DNA molecule
is packaged.
Notes
DNA molecule 2 nm
Histone octamer
Nucleosome 11 nm
Solenoid 30 nm
Super coil 300 nm
Super coil 700 nm
Metaphase
chromosome 1400 nm
Fig. 23.5 Packaging of the DNA molecule.

z At intervals DNA molecule is coiled around a “core particle” which is an
octamer, that is made of 8 histone proteins forming a ball like structure.
z Each core particle with DNA around it is called a nucleosome. Under the
electron microscope the eukaryotic chromosome looks like a string of beads
(string being the DNA molecule and beads the nucleosomes).
z The string is then coiled to form a solenoid and the solenoid is coiled again
(supercoiling) ultimately to form the chromosome.
z In this way the long DNA molecule becomes thicker and thicker and shorter
and shorter as shown in the figure.
BIOLOGY 113
Reproduction and
Heredity 23.4 RNA OR RIBONUCLEIC ACID
Apart from DNA, RNA or Ribonucleic acid is the other important nucleic acid
present inside the cell. Table 23.1 gives the differences between DNA and RNA.
Table 23.1 Differences between DNA and RNA
DNA RNA
1. Double stranded molecule 1. Single stranded molecule
Notes
2. Contains deoxyribose sugar 2. contains ribose sugar.
3. Pyrimidine base complementary 3. Pyrimiine base complementary
to Adenine is Thymine to adenine is Uracil No thymine in RNA
4. DNA has only one function, that 4. Many species of RNA such as
is to bear hereditary in formation mRNA, tRNA, rRNA with different
functions. RNA is the genetic material
in retroviruses.
5. DNA can duplicate on its own 5. RNA is synthesized on a DNA template
Functions of various type of RNA

mRNA or messenger RNA
mRNA or messenger RNA is transcribed in the nucleus to carry information for the
protein to be synthesized, from DNA to site of protein synthesis in the cytoplasm.
mRNA is transcribed as a strand of complementary bases of one of the DNA strands
and carries the information for the synthesis of a particular protein or polypeptide.
tRNA or transfer RNA

tRNA or transfer RNA, also called soluble RNA has a clover leaf structure
(Fig. 23.6) with loops. One loop recognises the ribosome, the top loop has an
‘anticodon’ to recognise the codon (triplet nucleotide sequence coding for an amino
acids) on mRNA. tRNA “transfers” the amino acids to their respective positions
during synthesis of protein.
There are many t-RNAs which differ in their anticodon. Each tRNA is specific for
an amino acid and can carry that amino acid to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
The 3’ end of every t RNA ends in the bases CCA and the 5’ end of the tRNA end
in G. Amino acid is carried at 5’ end.
tRNA contains unusual bases like inosine, dihydrouridine etc.
rRNA or ribosomal RNA

rRNA is a component of ribosome which are ribonucleoprotein particles containing
RNA and proteins. rRNA is synthesized from the information in ribosomal genes
in a chromosome. rRNA has a role in protein synthesis
114 BIOLOGY
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Notes
Anticodon
Codon
Fig. 23.6 RNA showing anti codon and codon pairing.
23.5 MECHANISMS OF DNA TRANSFER IN BACTERIA

Bacteria are prokaryotes and possess a single DNA molecule as their single
chromosome. The DNA molecule is double stranded and helically coiled. Among
bacteria, genes may be transferred from one bacterium to the other. DNA transfer
or gene transfer can occur among bacteria by any one of the three processes,
1. Conjugation, 2. Transformation and 3. Transduction
Conjugation
Two bacteria may come together for conjugation. In conjugation, a plasmid
containing a few genes passes from one bacterium into the other. The transfer (also
called horizontal gene transfer) may also happen through a break in the single strand
of the chromosome of donor bacterium and then that broken one strand is
transferred to the recipient bacterium. The single strand left behind in the donor
as well as the single strand donated to the recipient cell then become double stranded
by adding a strand with complementary bases. The transferred DNA gets integrated
into recipient chromosome. This is called recombination. Conjugation occurs
between two strains of bacteria F+ and F–. The transferred DNA is from F+ called
F factor. Since F factor from F+ is integrated into bacterial chromosome, there is
high frequency of recombination, hence the strain is now known as H fr strain.
Transformation
Recall from the earlier part of this lesson (21.2) that DNA from one bacterium may
integrate into DNA of another bacterium as in case of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Transformation is defined as the ability of extracellular DNA to enter a bacterial
cell and recombine with the bacterial genome. The bacterial genome acquires new
properties on account of the foreign DNA that had entered.
Transduction
Transduction refers to transfer of DNA from one bacterial cell into another bacterium
through the agency of a virus (bacteriophage). A phage may undergo lysogeny, that
BIOLOGY 115
Reproduction and
Heredity is the virus enters the bacterium and divides along with bacterial genome. So a
number of viral particles can form. Meanwhile viral DNA integrates and becomes
part of bacterial DNA which is now a new recombinant DNA. Sometimes the viral
genome may become independent and carry host bacterial genes to another new
host bacterium and recombine into its genome. This process of gene transfer is called
transduction.
Notes
1. Expand the abbreviation DNA.
............................................................................................................................
2. Name the scientists who confirmed that DNA was the genetic material in
bacterial transformation.
............................................................................................................................
3. Name the sugar and the nitrogenous bases found in DNA
............................................................................................................................
23.6 DNA REPLICATION

DNA duplicates itself with complete fidelity for passing on genetic information to
the next generation of cells. Replication may thus be defined as a mechanism for
transmission of genetic information generation after generation.
You have learnt in the lesson on ‘cell’ that the cell passes through the cell cycle
and DNA replication or DNA duplication takes place during S-phase.
Mechanism of replicaiton
Replication occurs through the following steps :
1. Unwinding of DNA double helix
The two strands of the replicating DNA molecule separate by the action of the
enzyme Helicase. Topoisomerase enzyme keeps it open. The opened part is the
replicaiton fork as shown in Fig. 23.7a.
Fig. 23.7a Replication fork

2. Synthesis of the primer
Primer is a short RNA molecule of about 5 to 10 bases. It is formed in the
presence of the enzyme primase. The primer provides a 3’-OH group for
attachment of the new DNA strand.
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3. Synthesis of new DNA strand Heredity
The opened strands of DNA form the template. New strands complementary
to template get synthesized. At the replication fork, a new DNA strand begins
to synthesise, attaching itself to the primer, in the presence of the enzyme DNA
polymerase. It begins synthesis from its 5’ end and a DNA strand complementary
to one of the unwound parental DNA strand gets synthesized. The new strand
of DNA continues to be synthesized uninterrupted and is termed as the
Notes
leading strand.
Synthesis of the other new DNA strand
DNA synthesis always takes place along 5’ to 3’ direction. Therefore, the other new
DNA strand gets synthesised in the direction opposite to the leading strand. This
new strand called Lagging strand builds up in small pieces as shown in the figure,
in the presence of enzyme DNA polymerase. Thus, the synthesis of the lagging
strand is discontinuous (Fig. 23.7b). The new pieces of DNA are termed Okazaki
fragments. In the presence of the enzyme ligase and the energy source ATP, the
okazaki pieces get joined together to form a DNA strand
Fig. 23.7b Formation of new DNA strands

z DNA replication is remarkably accurate so that the parental DNA molecule gets
an exact duplicate copy. Any mistake gets chipped and repaired. This is at the
end of DNA replication and is called DNA proof reading.
z After DNA replication, two identical DNA molecules are formed which are
identical to the parent molecule.
z DNA replication is thus semidiscontinuous, that is, one strand of the new DNA
molecule builds up continuously and the other in pieces.
z DNA replication is semiconservative, since in the two new molecules formed,
one parental strand is conserved and the other strand is newly synthesised The
semiconservative mode of DNA replication was experimentally proven by
Messelson and Stahl.

1. In which direction does DNA polymerase proceed to catalyse DNA replicaiton
5′ to 3′ or 3′ to 5′?
............................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 117
Reproduction and
Heredity 2. What is a primer ................ a DNA molecule or an RNA molecule?
............................................................................................................................
3. Name the four enzymes needed for DNA replication.
............................................................................................................................
4. Which enzyme joins the okazaki pieces to form a complete DNA strand?
Notes ............................................................................................................................
23.7 GENES AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS

The genes of an individual is the genotype, and the expression of genes results in
the phenotype. This you have already learnt in the previous lesson. There are
different structural proteins e.g. Haemoglobin in blood, enzymes e.g. pepsin,
almost all of which are proteins. There are carrier proteins in the cell membrane
about which you have learnt in lesson 1, on cell. So there are various proteins and
the information for the formation of these proteins is present in the genes, which
you know are sequences of bases in the DNA molecule.
For the study of protein synthesis you have to first understand the following
1. Central dogma
2. Genetic code
23.7.1 Central Dogma

Genes are in the nucleus and proteins are synthesised in the cytoplasm of the cell.
The transfer of information from genes to the site of protein synthesis
constitutes the Central Dogma. The central dogma operates in the following
sequence. Information flows from DNA (particular gene) to the particular protein
through RNA.
DNA Transcription

Translation
→ RNA  → Protein
For protein synthesis, first the information coded in DNA is copied as a complementary
messenger RNA molecule. This is termed as Transcription. Messenger RNA
carrying information moves out of nucleus into the cytoplasm, attaches to the
ribosomes to translate the information in the form of a protein. This is termed
Translation as shown.
In retroviruses, the genetic material is RNA. Therefore, during protein synthesis it
is first ‘transcribed into a DNA molecule in the presence of the enzyme Reverse
Transcriptase and then the path of central dogma is followed as shown below.
Reverse
 → DNA 
RNA transcription → mRNA 
→ Protein
(genetic material
of retrovirus)
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23.7.2 Genetic Code Heredity
The information for the synthesis of proteins is present in the DNA in a sequence
of nucleotides. This coded information was discovered by Nirenberg, Mathais and
Ochoa.
The genetic code refers to the information in DNA responsible for the amino acid
sequence of a particular protein to be synthesised. The information is coded as
sequence of nitrogen bases in the DNA molecule. The particular gene or fragment Notes
of DNA which carries the code for synthesis of a complete polypeptide (protein)
is termed a cistron.
The genetic code has the following characteristics:
1. Genetic code is a triplet code. This means that sequence of 3 bases called codon
has the information of a particular amino acid. The sequence of codons
determine the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
2. Genetic code is unambiguous, that is a particular codon can code for only one
amino acid.
3. Genetic code is commaless and non-overlapping. This means that it is read

continuously from beginning to end.
4. Genetic code is degenerate. There are 20 amino acids only that form the various
proteins of living beings. But if 3 out of 4 nucleotides (each containing one of
the four bases) form a codon, there can be 43 = 64 codons. Hence more than
one codon codes for a particular amino acid that is, the code is degenerate. In
fact as you can see from the table 23.1 first two bases of the codons for the
same amino acid are common and the third one changes or wobbles. This is
called Wobble hypothesis.
5. The genetic code is read on the transcribed mRNA during protein synthesis.
6. AUG codon, codes for Methionine and is the initiation codon as it is the first
one to be transcribed from a cistron.
7. UAA, UAG and UGA are stop codons and anticodons of one of these three
codons is present at the end of every cistron to terminate protein synthesis.
8. Genetic code is universal and common for almost all organisms on earth.
(Table 23.1).
23.7.3 Transcription in Prokaryotes (Bacteria)
The flow of genetic information from cistronic DNA to mRNA is called Transcription.
It occurs in the following steps–
BIOLOGY 119
Reproduction and
Heredity 1. Cistronic DNA which carries the information for the protein to be synthesised
unwinds in the presence of enzymes helicase and topoisomerase.
2. RNA polymerase begins to catalyse synthesis of mRNA signalled by a protein

called sigma factor.
3. mRNA is synthesised complementary to cistronic DNA and a Rho factor signals

Notes RNA polymerase to complete transcription.
4. The strand of DNA which bears the code for transcription of the specific protein
is called sense strand of DNA opposed to the antisense strand which is not
transcribed. (Fig 23.8)
Fig. 23.8 Transcription in prokaryotes
In Eukaryotes a large molecule of RNA called hn RNA is synthesised in the nucleus

when its sense strand is exposed. Catalysed by enzyme RNA polymerase, hn RNA
is processed to form mRNA which gets a cap at 5’ end and a poly A tail, before
leaving the nucleus.
Processsing of mRNA
hnRNA is large because eukaryotic genes contain coding sequences called exons
and non coding sequences called introns (I) in between exons. Both introns and
exons (E) are transcribed in mRNA. During processing of mRNA, introns are cut
off and exons join to form mRNA.
z A nucleoside (recall from section 23.3) called methyl guanosine comes and
attaches at the 5’ end of mRNA. This is called capping.
z A small piece of RNA having only nucleotides containing the base Adenine is
attached at the 3’ end. This is called the poly A tail.
z The m RNA with cap and tail moves out of the pores in the nuclear membrane.
The process of formation of functional mRNA from hnRNA is termed RNA

processing (Figs. 23.9)
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Notes
Fig. 23.9 Schematic drawing showing transcription and processing of hnRNA in eukaryotes
23.7.4 Translation
A series of events follows transcription in which the language of nucleotides
transcribed (copied) in mRNA is translated into the language of amino acids to
form a protein. These events are
1. Activation of amino acid
2. Formation of mRNA ribosome complex and chain initiation
3. Chain elongation
4. Chain termination
Activation of amino acid

A specific t RNA attaches to specific amino acid in the presence of the enzyme amino
acyl-tRNA synthetase in two steps given below. This requires energy
aminoacyl
Amino acid + ATP 
tRNA synthetase
→ aa ~ AMP + Pi
(Amino acyl (Inorganic
adenylate) phosphate)
aminoacyl
aa~AMP + tRNA 
tRNA synthetase
→ aa ~ tRNA + AMP
(Amino acid attached
to its tRNA)
Formation of mRNA ribosome complex and chain initiation

z mRNA binds to small ribosomal subunit
BIOLOGY 121
Reproduction and
Heredity z Larger subunit of ribosome attaches to complete the ribosome.
z The mRNA ribosomal complex contains two codons so that at a time two amino
acids can be accommodated in the ribosome.
z In the presence of some proteins called initiation factors methionine (an amino
acid is carried to the mRNA ribosome complex and enters at the A site in the
large subunit of ribosome. Recall that tRNA has an anticodon a sequence of
Notes three bases complementary to the codon for methionine.
Chain elongation
The second amino acid is carried by its tRNA to the ribosome according to the
second codon on at the P site in large ribosomal unit. Peptidyl transferase enzyme
then helps to establish a bond between the first two amino acids. The first amino
acid loses its tRNA which moves out. Ribosome then moves over the m-RNA
towards 3’ end. The dipeptide made of the two amino acids shifts towards 5’ end
such that the second amino acid occupies the A site with methionine attahed to it.
The third amino acid then enters through P site carried by its tRNA according to
third codon. In the presence of peptidyl transferase, a peptide bond is formed
between second and third amino acids and tRNA of second amino acid becomes
free. In this way the peptide chain is synthesized. (Fig. 23.10).
Growing polypeptide chain
Ribosome
Fig. 23.10 Translation of mRNA Polysome assembly
z Polysome assembly
When mRNA has shifted ahead such that about ten amino acid long peptide is
synthesised, a second ribosome attaches to form ribosome mRNa complex. Thus
at one point of time a number of ribosomes are seen attached to mRNA one
molecule of the polypeptide continues synthesis in each ribosome till the
termination codon is reached (Fig. 23.10).
Chain termination
When the stop codon on mRNA is reached, the polypeptide is synthesised. It leaves
the ribosome and the ribosome dissociates into its two subunits.
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1. What is central dogma in molecular Biology?

............................................................................................................................
2. Which molecule is synthesised during transcription?
Notes
............................................................................................................................
3. What is a codon? What is meant by ‘code is degenerate’?
............................................................................................................................
4. Where in the cell does translation occur?
............................................................................................................................
5. Name the three types of RNA that participate in protein synthesis.
............................................................................................................................
23.8 HOUSE KEEPING GENES

In multicellular organisms, all cells contain all genes but only those genes function
which are required to be active. In other words the expression of genes is regulated
by switching on and switching off genes when required.
Certain genes, however, bear the code for proteins needed in the cell all the time.
These are the genes needed for survival and maintenance of the cells and need to
be expressed all the time. Such genes which are expressed all the time in all cells
are termed housekeeping genes. Inducible genes are the genes which are switched
on when a particular substance is present in the environment. Repressible genes
are those which are shut off in the presence of a specific substance in the
environment.
23.9 REGULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION

In Prokaryotes, the Lac-operon is an excellent example of control of gene
expression in prokaryotes (bacteria). It is an inducible system and is switched on
in the presence of the substrate lactose. Enzymes for metabolising lactose are
galactosidase, permease and transacetylase and genes that code for them get
switched on. In the absence of lactose, they remain switched off.
Jacob and Monod received the Nobel prize for showing that bacterium Escherichia
coli has a set of genes forming an “operon” which regulate expression of genes
coding for enzymes needed to breakdown lactose. The operon includes certain genes
lying close together on the chromosome next to the regulator gene i, and includes
promoter gene p which RNA polymerase identifies at the time of transcription;
operator gene, o which switches on structural genes z, y, a coding for the enzymes,
Galactosidase, Permease and Transacetylase.
BIOLOGY 123
Reproduction and
Heredity The working of the operon system is given in Fig. 23.11a-b.
In absence of the substrate lactose
Part of DNA of
i p o z y a the E.coli
Notes
mRNA
No transcription
Regulator protein
Fig. 23.11a Lac operon switched off
Regulator protein blocks o, RNA polymerase cannot find p and z, y, a remain

switched off.
In the presence of lactose

RNA Polymerase
i p o z y a
mRNA
Permease
Regulator protein
Transacetylase
attached to
Lactose � galactosidase
Act on lactose and lactose metabolised

into glucose and galactose
Fig. 23.11b Lac operon switched on
Regulator protein is attracted to lactose, o site opens; RNA polymerase finds
promoter; genes z, y, a switched on, transcription begins and the three enzymes are
synthesized inside the cell.
The above is an example of inducible system. Repressible systems are also found
in prokaryotes.
Gene regulation in eukaryotes is more complex, Gene expression can be regulated
at level of transcription or processing of hnRNA into mRNA or at translation or
post translation. (Fig. 23.12).
124 BIOLOGY
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DNA
Transcriptional
control
Primary transcript
RNA processing
control
Notes
mRNA
Nucleus
mRNA
Translational mRNA degradation

control control
Protein
Protein activity
control
Inactive protein
Cell membrane
Fig. 23.12 Levels of gene control in eukaryotes
A heritable change in the structure, content and organization of the genetic material
that can be passed down to the next generation is termed mutation. Mutation may
occur in one gene when it is termed point mutation or may affect a number of
genes on a part of chromosome when it is termed chromosomal mutation.
Chromosomal mutation
Involves a number of genes. It is of two types, (1) Change in number of
chromosomes and (2) Change in structure of chromosomes.
The number of chromosomes in individuals of a species is fixed. For example humans
have 2n = 46 chromosomes. But sometimes one or more chromosomes may be lost
or added and such a change in number is termed Aneuploidy when 2n = 45 or 2n
= 47 is found is an individual. Sometimes the whole set of chromosomes may be
duplicated so that instead of 2n, an individual way possess 3n or 4n chromosomes.
This is polyplocdy.
Chromosomal change in structure is also termed as chromosomal aberration. It
is of four types 1. Deletion, in which a piece of a chromosome may be lost. 2.
Inversion, a piece of a chromosome breaks off and rejoins in the reverse direction.
3. Duplication A part of the chromosome may get represented twice and 4.
Translocation a piece from another chromosome may get attached.
BIOLOGY 125
Reproduction and
Heredity Genes mutation or Point Mutation
A change which affects only one gene is called gene mutation or point mutation.
You already know that gene is a segment of DNA and is made of a sequence of
nucleotides. Whenever one nucleotide is changed within a gene, it may cause a
change in the phenotype.
Gene mutation is of the following types :
Notes
1. Transition : When a purine base is replaced by another purine base or
a pyrimidine base by another pyrimidine
ATGCATGC → AGGC AGGC
2. Transversion : When a purine base is replaced by pyrimidine base and
similarly a pyrimidine base by a purine
ATGC ATGC → ATGT ATGC
3. Frameshift : Sometimes due to loss or gain of one nucleotide the reading
frame of the genetic code for an entire protien changes
CAT CAT CAT CAT → CAT ATC ATC ATC
when C gets lost after CAT
4. Missense : A change in the genetic code due to replacement of a
nucleotide (base) may give rise to a different protein e.g.
sickle cell haemoglobin.
5. Nonsense : If a genetic code changes such that it becomes a stop codon
mid way, no protein is formed e.g.
GAAGAAGAA → GAAUAAAA
synthesis stops as UAA in stop condon
6. Silent : When the changed nucleotide does not bring about any
phenotypic change because it also codes for same amino
acid.
Mutagens
Agents that cause mutation in the genetic material are called mutagens. Mutagens
belong to two categories
1. Radiations : x-ray, UV rays, α radiations.
2. Chemical : Mustard gas, Actinomycin D

1. Name the components of an operon.
............................................................................................................................
2. What is mutation? When is a mutation called a transition mutation?
............................................................................................................................
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3. Why is “silent mutation” called so? Heredity
............................................................................................................................
4. What are mutagens?
............................................................................................................................
5. Name a chemical which causes mutation in the heredity material.
............................................................................................................................
Notes
z One gene was found to be responsible for the production of one enzyme, and
this was called one gene one enzyme hypothesis.
z The transformation of the bacteria from harmless to virulent is termed bacterial

transformation.
z DNA is a polynucleotide, made up of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of

three subunits (i) deoxyribose sugar (ii) any one of 4 nitrogenous bases
(Adenine, Guanine, Thymine and cytosine (iii) a phosphate group.
z RNA is the other important nucleic acid present inside the cell. RNA has pentose
sugar ribose and base uracil instead of cytosine. Many species of RNA such as
mRNA, tRNA, rRNA have different functions.
z Transformation means the ability of extracellular DNA to enter a bacterial cell

and recombine with the bacterial genome.
z Transduction refers to transfer of DNA from one bacterial cell into another
bacterium through the agency of a virus.
z Replication may be defined as a mechanism for transmission of genetic

information generation after generation.
z The transfer of information from genes to the site of protein synthesis constitutes
the central dogma.
z The information for genetic coded was discovered by Nirenberg, Mathair and
Ochoa.
z The flow of genetic information from cistronic DNA to mRNA is called

transcription.
z A single triplet (three bases) is called codon.
z Mutation is a sudden change in genes or chromosomes resulting in alteration

of protien/phenotype.
BIOLOGY 127
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TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. How did Hershey and Chase prove that DNA is the hereditary material?
2. Explain (i) Transduction and (2) Lysogeny
3. Describe the Watson and Crick model of DNA.
Notes 4. Explain how replication takes place.
5. Write a note on Central Dogma
6. State the properties of the genetic code.
7. Explain transcription in Eukaryotes and processing of hnRNA.
8. What do you mean by regulation of genes?
9. Explain how the lac operon gets switched on in the presence of lactose in E.coli.
10. Name three levels at which regulation takes place in a eukaryotic cell.
11. Write notes on :
(i) Types of mutations
(ii) Okazaki fragments
(iii) Chain termination during translation.

23.1 1. Deoxyribonucleic acdi
2. Avery, Mcleod and McCarty
3. Deoxyribose, Adenine, Guanine, Thymine, Cytosine
23.2 1. In 5’-3’ direction
2. RNA molecule
3. Helicase, DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, Topoisomerase
4. DNA ligase
23.3 1. The transfer of information from genes to the site of protein synthesis
constitutes the central dogma.
2. Cistronic DNA
3. Sequence of three bases in the genes.
4. Nucleus
5. mRNA, tRNA, hnRNA
23.4 2. A heritable change in the structure, content and organization of genetic
material when in a DNA sequence a purine is replaced by purine and
pyrimidine is replaced by pyrimidine.
3. A silent mutation ina gene does not bring about a change in the synthesis
of the coded protien.
128 BIOLOGY
Genetics and Society MODULE - 3
Reproduction and
Heredity
24
Notes
GENETICS AND SOCIETY
You have already learnt that genetics is the science of heredity and variation. After
Mendel’s work was rediscovered in 1900, genetics progressed very rapidly in the
20th century. Today we find many applications of the knowledge of genetics in the
fields of agriculture, medicine and forensic science. Some technologies related to
genetics such as gene cloning, recombinant DNA technology, DNA fingerprinting,
raising genetically modified crops will be dealt with in this lesson. Biopiracy,
biosafety and biopatents related to GMOs and Bt crops have also been touched upon
OBJECTIVES
z highlight human curiosity and consciousness for healthy progeny;
z define the term gene cloning;
z explain the usefulness of gene bank;
z enumerate the various steps of recombinant DNA technology in a sequence;
z define genetic engineering and mention its utility;
z define transgenic organism, explain the steps in its production and cite
examples of transgenic animals, plants and microbes;
z critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of growing Bt crops;
z describe steps of polymerase chain reaction and mention its (PCQ) use;
z list the steps of DNA fingerprinting and mention its usefulness;
z explain the term genomics;
z justify the importance of genetic counselling.
z express concern regarding biosafety and awareness regarding biopiracy and
biopatents
BIOLOGY 129
MODULE - 3 Genetics and Society
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Heredity
24.1 GENETICS THROUGH AGES
The history of genetics can be traced to prehistoric times and can be classified into
three eras as given below :
Early ideas
Primitive art such as drawings in ancient tombs and caves, bones and skulls show
that human activities included selecting, breeding and domesticating plants and
Notes
animals. Between 8000 and 1000 BC, horses, camels oxen and dogs had been
domesticated. Between 7000 to 5000 BC corn, rice, wheat and datepalm were being
cultivated.
Between the 17th and 19th century many theories regarding inheritance had been
proposed but could not be proved. These were epigenesis, preformationism,
blending inheritance and pangenesis. But this clearly shows that humans were
always curious to know how traits are passed down the generations.
Modern Genetics
Gregor Johann Mendel, whose principles (laws) of inheritance you have learnt in
earlier lessons of the unit is regarded as the founder of modern genetics. Between
1902 and 1904, the chromosome theory of inheritance was accepted and
chromosomes, which could actually be seen under the microscope during cell
division were regarded as the ‘bearers of hereditary characters (genes)’. Mutations
were recognised as source of genetic variation.
With the acceptance of Darwin’s theory of natural selection, geneticists studied the
inheritance of traits in populations (Population genetics).
Molecular Genetics
By the mid 20th century, DNA was established as the genetic material and structure
and chemical nature of DNA was understood [recall the double helical structure of
DNA as proposed by J. Watson and F. Crick]
The central dogma of molecular biology holds that genetic information resides in
DNA, but its expression is in the form of proteins which are synthesized according
to genetic information carried by mRNA from DNA.
In the last two decades of the twentieth century more has been understood about
the nucleic acid molecules and protein molecules and also about the genetics of
bacteria. The knowledge gained has led to the invention of technologies of genetic
engineering, gene cloning, organismal cloning, DNA finger printing. Even more
recent are the fields of genomics and bioinformatics. The entire genetic make up
(genome) of an organism can now be cloned, sequenced and functions of the various
genes explored. Knowing the human genome has opened up the possibilities for
handling genetic disorders through gene therapy.
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24.2 GENE CLONING AND GENE BANK
The term clone is a collective term for genetically identical individuals. You have
probably heard about the sheep named “Dolly”, which possessed the same genes
as did her mother as she was cloned from her mother.
In the Roslin Institute in Scotland, Ian Wilmut cloned “Dolly” the sheep Notes
from Dolly’s mother in 1996. The nucleus from a cell from Dolly’s mother’s
udder (mammary glands) was introduced into the egg of another ewe
(female sheep) whose nucleus was removed. This cell divided to give more
cells which formed an embryo that could be implanted into the uterus of
another ewe (surrogate mother).
The production of large quantities of identical genes is called gene cloning. Since
any gene is a segment of DNA having a particular sequence of the four nitrogen
bases (A, T, G, C), multiple copies of a particular gene may be obtained by means
of recombinant DNA technology, popularly known as genetic engineering. You
will learn more about genetic engineering later in this lesson.
Gene bank
Various clones of bacteria carrying the desired genes in their DNA can be stored
and preserved at very low temperatures for their future use, in a gene bank. A gene
bank or a gene library or a DNA library is, thus, a collection of bacterial or
bacteriophage (virus) clones. Each clone carries specific DNA segment (gene) from
another organism. For example, human gene coding for the hormone insulin may
be inserted through genetic engineering into a bacterium. When the bacterium
multiplies it forms a clone of bacteria carrying the gene for insulin and may be
preserved in the ‘gene bank’. Thus, clones from a gene bank may be used for
producing large quantities of certain enzymes, hormones and vaccines.

1. Name any two recent techniques in genetics.
............................................................................................................................
2. Define gene cloning
............................................................................................................................
3. What is a gene bank ?
............................................................................................................................
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Heredity
24.3 RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY
One of the major applications of genetics is in “genetic engineering” which is also
called recombinant DNA technology. In this technique the desired gene which is
a DNA segment carrying a particular sequence of nucleotides, is added to the DNA
of another organism (usually a bacterium) with the help of a transferring agent or
vector. The modified DNA molecule carrying DNA from two different sources is
Notes called recombinant DNA or rDNA. The joining of two pieces of DNA is termed
DNA splicing (Splicing in Latin means marriage).
The steps in the production of rDNA is as follows (Fig. 24.1) :
z The desired piece of DNA is cut from the cells (e.g. human cells) with the help
of enzymes called restriction endonucleases or restriction enzymes. These
enzymes are found in different bacteria. They recognise specific nucleotide
sequences in a DNA molecule and cleave (cut) them.
z The same restriction enzyme cuts the same specific nucleotide sequence in a
plasmid. A plasmid is a ring shaped DNA molecule present in a bacterium. It
is not part of the chromosome of the bacterium. It is used as a vector for
transferring the foreign DNA into the host cell.
z The desired DNA fragments are then mixed with the cleaved plasmids. These
plasmids pick up the foreign DNA pieces with the same base sequence to replace
their lost parts. These become the recombinant plastids and the DNA is rDNA
or recombinant DNA
z The recombinant plasmids are now introduced into or mixed with their bacteria
which pick up the recombinant plasmids.
z The r-plasmids in the bacteria multiply along with the host bacteria. Soon a clone
of bacteria with rDNA is obtained. Such a bacterial clone containing copies
of the desired gene can be preserved for future use. For example, as already
mentioned, human insulin gene can be inserted into bacterial plasmid and insulin
obtained from the bacterial clone when needed.
Fig. 24.1 Major steps in genetic engineering.

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24.4 IMPORTANCE OF GENETIC ENGINEERING Heredity
Genetic engineering or rDNA technology can be used for various purposes:

z To manufacture important compounds like vaccines, hormones, vitamins,
antibodies etc. The production of these substances is by inserting genes
responsible for them in the bacteria and then getting clones of these bacteria
to produce the desired substances.
z To manufacture enzymes used for making cheese. Notes
z To breakdown pollutants through recombinant bacteria (bioremediation).
z To clone particular genes with the help of rDNA technology and build up a gene
bank or a gene library.
z To use rDNA for gene therapy for curing genetic disorders.
z To raise useful plants (transgenic plants) resistant to herbicides (chemicals used
to kill weeds) or insect pests by inserting genes in the plants through rDNA
technology.

1. What is the popular term for recombinant DNA technology?
................................................................................................................
2. What is meant by DNA splicing?
................................................................................................................
3. What is a plasmid and why is it called a vector for genetic engineering?
................................................................................................................
24.5 TRANSGENIC MICROBES, PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Also called genetically modified organisms (GM organisms), transgenic organisms
contain in their genetic make up, foreign genes, that is, genes from another species
or another kind of organism. Transgenics are raised through recombinant DNA
technology.
24.5.1 Transgenic microbes
Bacteria are easiest to be genetically modified by adding foreign gene into their
plasmids through rDNA technology as you have already learnt in this lesson.
Transgenic bacteria with insulin gene and human growth hormone gene have been
cloned to provide these hormones for human use.
Other uses of transgenic bacteria are in decomposing pollutants and extracting
metals such as copper and gold.
24.5.2 Transgenic plants
Some genetically modified plants are herbicide and pest resistant. A genetically
modified tobacco plant contains a gene from the firefly and emits green light.
BIOLOGY 133
Reproduction and
Heredity Bt CROPS
Bt crops are genetically modified crops and are therefore also called transgenic
crops. The name Bt crops is because the transgene or the foreign gene is transferred
into the crop by the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
The transferred gene or transgene is not harmful to the host crop into whose
genotype the gene has been added. It codes for a protein called cry protein.
Notes The bacteria Bt lives in the soil. In its genotype there is a gene called cry gene which
produces an insecticidal (insect killing) protein. A Bt crop produces this protein.
When an insect pest eats the Bt crop, cry protein is converted into a toxic substance
by the enzyme present in the stomach of the pest. This toxic substance kills the pest.
The cry gene has been isolated and transferred into many crops, eg cotton, maize,
brinjal, tomato and tobacco and tested in the fields. They are resistant to insect
attacks. Use of Bt crops reduces the need for spraying insecticides to kill insect
pests. Insecticides are harmful to humans and other animals.
However, Bt crops can only be cultivated after permission from Government of India,
under Environment Protection Act (EPA). This is because entomologists worry that:
z Since Bt crops make the toxin throughout their growing season, pests may
evolve which are Bt resistant
z Non-target species like the butterflies may die if they feed on Bt pollen.
z Genetically modified crops may be harmful for the environment as they may pass
the gene into a close relative plant which may be useless for humans but
perpetuate as super weeds.
24.5.3 Transgenic animals
The gene for growth hormone from cattle have been inserted through genetic
engineering to produce large fish, pigs and some other animals.
Transgenic goats can produce a blood clotting protein in their milk. This may be
useful for children suffering from disorders such as haemophilia in which blood does
not clot.
Genetic engineering offers a wide scope for transferring genes from one
organism to another, such as plants to microbes, animals to microbes. Such
gene transfers are not possible by other techniques like hybridisation.
However, rDNA technology is not without problems. One danger is that
accidentally or intentionally pathogens may be produced and misused as in
biological warfare. Hence strict guidelines have been laid down for research
in genetic engineering.
24.5.4 Biosafety
There is public concern about possible hazards of using genetically modified (GM)
organisms as food. You already know that a GM organism is one that contains genes
134 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
from another species. For example, Bt brinjal, a GM brinjal has genes added to Heredity
genome of brinjal from another species by genetic engineering which helps it to
protect itself from one of its pests. The salmon fish has been genetically modified
by adding a more active salmon growth hormone gene.
But the concern is about safety of GM foods to humans and other animals and also
to the environment. Hence, in early 2000, several countries agreed to a Biosafety
protocol by which the safety of using GM foods is first ascertained before using Notes
them. In our country, Department of Biotechnology, in compliance with rules of
Environment Protection Act (EPA) has to be consulted granting permission for
research and use of any GM organism only after testing its safety to humans, other
animals and the environment.
24.5.5 Biopiracy
Piracy means theft. Biopiracy means patenting or exploiting a biological resource
of another country without being authorised or giving adequate compensation. For
example, a rich developed country may patent a bioresource such as medicinal plant
or traditional knowledge regarding a bioresource of a developing country. Sometimes
a useful biomolecule extracted from a plant growing in another country may be
patented and used for commercial benefits. Even genes from foreign plants and
animals may be patented, eg U.S granted a patent for the germplasm of basmati
rice grown in India.
24.5.6 Biopatent
A patent is an official document. Possession of this document permits the holder
to use or sell his/her invention. The duration of a patent is 20 years and the patent
holder has to obtain a license on certain reasonable terms and conditions. The Indian
Patent Act (1970) provides patents for invention to be used as food, medicine/ drugs,
alloys, semiconductors etc. In India, duration of patent is for 14 years except for
food and pharmaceuticals which is only for 7 years.
The patent is granted to the inventor so that the invention is not used by others
for commercial purposes. A patent may be granted for (i) an invention or discovery
(ii) improvement of an earlier invention (iii) process of generating a patent (iv) a
concept or design.

1. Use the example of Bt crops to state importance of transgenic crops.
............................................................................................................................
2. What is a cry protein?
............................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 135
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Heredity 3. Exploiting a biological resource of another country without being authorised is
called ................
4. When and why was the biopatent act adopted in India?
............................................................................................................................
5. What is the duration of a patent for pharmaceutical products in India?
............................................................................................................................
Notes
24.6 POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION
You have learnt in the lesson no 22, that DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible
for DNA replication or making a copy of a DNA molecule.
In the technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA polymerase
enzyme is used repeatedly for making
many copies of a small fragment of
DNA. Thus polymerase chain reaction
or PCR helps in making many copies of
a small amount of DNA.
The steps in PCR are,
z Double helical DNA molecule is
heated so that it breaks up into two
strands
z Primers are added and the DNA is
cooled.
z DNA polymerase is added and in its
presence the two single strands
acquire complementary strands and
so two molecules of the DNA are
formed. (Fig. 24.2). Fig. 24.2 Polymerase chain reaction
These steps are repeated to get multiple copies of DNA. These days DNA
polymerase from a bacterium living in hot springs called Taq polymerase is used
in PCR machines. DNA amplified by PCR can be used for various techniques.
24.7 DNA FINGER PRINTING

Like our fingerprints, the repeated sequences in our DNA are unique. You must
have heard that the police lifts fingerprints from the scene of crime to identify the
culprit in case of rape, theft or murder.
In 1984, Alec Jeffreys, a geneticist invented a technique which could distinguish the
DNA of a person from that of another and called this technique genetic fingerprinting
or DNA fingerprinting. This technique is now used for scientific investigation of
crime. For example identifying correctly the accused in rape or murder or to solve
paternity disputes (find out who the actual father of a child is).
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DNA fingerprinting can be done from very small amounts of DNA which are taken Heredity
out of a tiny drop of blood, semen, hair follicle,
tooth pulp etc. picked up from the scene of
crime. The steps in the technique are:
z DNA is isolated from blood, semen etc.
z Its quantity is increased through PCR Notes
z The lengths of these DNA pieces vary

from person to person because of certain
repeated sequences of nucleotides in DNA
which vary.
z The DNA pieces are separated from each

other according to size and charge with the
help of a technique called electrophoresis. Blood stain
z The pattern as you can see in the figure Suspects

given below is unique for each person.
Fig. 24.3 DNA fingerprinting (Match
In a crime, there may be three or four suspects. and see that culprit is suspect No : 3)
Their DNA fingerprinting is carried out and compared with that of the DNA picked
up from the scene of crime. The one that matches the DNA print of one of the
suspects is the actual culprit. (Fig. 24.3).
24.8 GENOMICS
Genome is a collective term for a full set of genes in an organism. Genes are paired
and so genome means all the genes present in a haploid (n) set of chromosomes.
Genomics is the analysis of the genome data, that is, finding out the functional
nucleotide sequences (genes) in the DNA of an organism.
Fig. 24.4 Karyotypes showing Chromosomes of (a) male, and (b) female humans
BIOLOGY 137
Reproduction and
Heredity The genome of E. coli bacterium, the yeast Saccharomyces and some other kinds
of organisms is already known e.g. Arabidopsis Drosophila.
Gaucher's disease Familial colon cancer

A chronic enzyme deficiency One in 200 people has this gene of
occurring frequently among those who have it, 65% are likely to
AID
Notes (adrenoleukodystrophy)
Ashkenazi Jews develop the disease
Nerve disease portayed in movie
Lorenzo's Oil
Retinitis pigmentose
Progressive degeneration
Neurofibromatosis, type 2 of the retina
Tumors of the auditory nerve and
tissues surrounding the brain Huntington's disease
Neurodegenerative disorder
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis tending to strike people in their
(Lou Gehrig's disease) 40s and 50s
Fatal degenerative nerve ailment
Familial polyposis
ADA immune deficency of the colon
Severe suscepubility to infections. Abnormal tissue growths
First hereditary condition treated by frequently leading to cancer
gene therapy Spinocerebellar ataxia
Familial Destroys nerves in the brain
hyperchloesterolemia and spinal cord, resulting in
Extremely high cholesterol loss of muscle control
Amyloidosis Cystric fibrosis
Accumulation in the tissues of an Mucus fills up the lungs,
insoluble fibrillar protein interfering with breathing
Breast cancer One of the most prevalent
5% to 10% cases genetic disease in the U.S.
Multiple exostoses
Polycystic kidney disease A disorder of cartilage
Cysts resulting in enlarged kidneys and bone
and renal failure Malignant melanoma
Tumors originating in the skin
Tay-Sachs disease Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2
Fatal hereditary disorder Alzheimer's disease Tumors in endocrine glands and other tissues
involving lipid metabolism Degenerative nerve
often occurring in Ashkenazi Sickle-cell anemia
disease marked by Chronic inherited anemia, primarily affecting
lews and French Canadians premature senility blacks, in which red blood cells sickle or form
Retinoblastoma crescents, plugging arterioles and capillaries
PKU
A relatively common tumor of the (phenylketonuria)
eye, accounting for 2% of childhood
malignancies An inborn error of metabolism that
frequently results in metal retardation
Fig. 24.5 Human genome showing location of some defective genes.
The human genome has been mapped in 2003. Humans have 23 pairs of
chromosomes (2n = 46) and the human genome has 3 ×109 nucleotide base pairs
and if the sequence of nucleotides (genes) is known, it will be possible to pinpoint
(i) defective genes (as shown in the figure in the box) and (ii) identify genes for
correction of genetic disorders (gene therapy) and genetic counselling.
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Heredity
24.9 GENETIC COUNSELLING
You have earlier learnt about dominant and recessive genes. If a child receives a
dominant gene from one parent and its recessive from the other parent (heterozygous
condition) the recessive gene does not express itself. Recessive genes get expressed
only when they are in the homozygous condition, that is, both genes of a pair
inherited from the parents are recessive.
Notes
You can probably appreciate why marriages between closed relations (termed
consanguineous marriage) are discouraged. Being related, both parents may pass
down the defective gene which may be present in a family. Most defective genes
that cause genetic disorders are recessive. When both genes of a pair in the child
are defective, the child is born with a genetic disorder. So if a couple wishes to
know the chances of their child getting a particular disorder present in their family,
they have to go to a genetic counsellor. Genetic counselling means advise given
regarding a genetic disorder so that the couple knows whether to have any more
children if their first child is suffering from a genetic disorder. The genetic counsellor
has a very good knowledge of human genetics and can predict the chances of a
genetic defect in a family.
The pattern of inheritance of a particular trait

(feature) among humans is identified by the
method of pedigree analysis. Pedigree is a
diagrammatic representation of relationships
showing a particular trait in a family. The genetic
counsellor prepares a pedigree chart and can
then advise accordingly. See the pedigree
chart (Fig. 24.6) and study the squares and Fig. 24.6 Pedigree chart
circles as explained.
1. Define genome.
............................................................................................................................
2. What is genomics?
............................................................................................................................
3. What is the use of genomics?
............................................................................................................................
4. Why should a genetic counsellor have good knowledge of genetics?
............................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 139
Reproduction and
Heredity 5. Expand the abbrenation PCR.
............................................................................................................................
6. Why is the tehnique DNA fingerprinting named so?
............................................................................................................................
Notes
z From prehistoric times, humans have had a curiosity to know how traits
(features) are inherited.
z Domestication of animals and cultivation of crops like rice, wheat, maize and
date palm can be traced to earlier then 5000 BC.
z Modern genetics began after Mendel’s laws of inheritance were accepted. Soon
after it become clear that genes are carriers of hereditary features and they are
present on chromosomes. That genes mutate also became known.
z The last fifty to sixty years have been an era of Molecular Genetics when it was
confirmed that DNA is the genetic material and the mechanism of DNA
replication and protein sysnthesis in a cell were discovered.
z In the last few years, many techniques such as rDNA technology, DNA
fingerprinting have been put forth.
z Gene cloning means producing and preserving desired genes in a clone of
bacteria through recombinant DNA technology. A gene bank is one where several
clones of bacteria carrying different desired foreign genes (for example genes
of humans) are preserved for future use of products of these genes.
z Genetic engineering, also called recombinant DNA technology uses specific
restriction endonuclease from different bacteria to cut genes, that is, particular
DNA sequences from DNA molecules of an organism (e.g. humans) and similar
sequences from plasmids and join the foreign DNA to the plasmid and introduce
the plasmid with foreign DNA into its host bacterium and raise a bacterial clone.
z Genetic engineering is useful for creating genetic libraries, gene therapy and
genetically modified organisms.
z Genetically modified organisms are also called transgenics. Transgenic microbes,
plants and animals carry in their genetic make up, gene or genes of another kind
of organism. Transgenic bacteria are used for extracting metals and decomposing
pollutants. Transgenic plants are herbicide and pest resistant. Transgenic animals
are larger in size and transgenic goats may carry a human gene responsible for
a particular protein which is then released in its milk.
z PCR or polymerase chain reaction is a technique to make many copies of a small
amount of DNA.
140 BIOLOGY
Reproduction and
z DNA fingerprinting is a technique to identify the DNA of a particular person. Heredity
It is used to scientifically investigate a crime and identify the real criminal.
z Genomics is the analysis of a complete set of genes found in an organism. The
complete set of genes is called a genome.
z Genetic counselling is the advise given by an expert on the chances of an unborn
baby getting a genetic disorder.
Notes
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. Name the three eras in the history of genetics.
2. Define gene cloning. What is the usefulness of a gene bank?
3. Give the various steps of recombinant DNA technology.
4. What are the benefits of genetic engineering?
5. What are transgenics? Give examples of a transgenic microbe, plant and
animal.
6. Define genomics
7. Draw and explain a pedigree chart.
8. What is genetic counselling and why is it important?
9. What is DNA fingerprinting? Justify that it is the foolproof tecnique for sorting
out paternity issues.
10. List the steps of Polymerase chain reaction.
11. What are Bt crops? What are the benefits and fearns related to their use?
12. Write notes on (i) Biopatent (ii) Biopiracy and (iii) Necessity for a biosafety
protocol.

24.1 1. Genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning,
DNA fingerprinting (any two).
2. A technique of producing many identical copies of a particular gene.
3. A collection of all the genes of any human or genes of any other
organisms in various clones of bacteria.
24.2 1. Genetic engineering.
2. Joining of two pieces of DNA belonging to different species.
3. Plasmid is a separate round piece of DNA found in bacteria. It is used
to carry desired gene from a particular organism into bacteria.
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Reproduction and
Heredity 24.3 1. Transgenic crop like Bt crops reduce the need for use of insecticides
which are toxic to humans and other animals.
2. Due to worries of (i) Bt crop evolving resistance (ii) non target species
feeding on Bt crops may die (iii) production of super weeds.
3. Cry protein produced by Bt crop causes toxicity or poisoning when it
enters the pest stomach killing the pest
Notes 4. Biopiracy
5. 1970
6. 20 years
24.4 1. Collective term for the full set of genes of an organism.
2. Science of analysis of genes in the DNA of an organism relating each
gene to its function.
3. Helps to identifying defective genes so that correction may be possible
by gene therapy.
4. Because the counsellor has to advise regarding the possibility of genetic
disorder in the next generation.
142 BIOLOGY
MODULE - IV
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
25 Principles of Ecology
26 Conservation and Use of Natural Resources
27 Pollution
28 Nutrition and Health
29 Some Common Human Diseases
Principles of Ecology MODULE - 4
Environment and
Health
25
Notes
PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY
Earth is the only planet in the solar system that supports life. This is because of
the three physical systems on it that is, soil, water and air which provide material
essential for life. All the living beings differ from each other but they are all
interdependent and interact with each other as also with, their environment directly
or indirectly. In this lesson we study the earths own life support system, the
organisational levels of living beings and their characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
z define environment, ecology and biosphere;
z list the various components of the environment;
z name the biotic and abiotic components of the environment;
z mention the various levels of organisation of life.
z define terms related to environment or ecology like habitat, niche, population
community, an biome.
z discuss inter-relationship between plants and animals in an ecosystem;
z describe food chain and food web;
z trace the path of energy flow through the food chain;
z differentiate between food chain and food web;
z pinpoint the position of human beings in a food chain;
z define biome;
z list the various biomes and their characteristics (flora and fauna);
z describe the biogeochemical cycles such as Carbon, Phosphorus and water
cycles.
BIOLOGY 145
MODULE - 4 Principles of Ecology
Environment and
Health 25.1 ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY AND BIOSPHERE
25.1.1 Environment
The term environment denotes all the physical, chemical and biotic conditions
surrounding and influencing a living organism. Favourable environmental conditions
are required to sustain life on earth.
Notes The environment can be divided into two main components : Non Living and Living
1. Abiotic or Non-living components include the physical (climatic), edaphic
(nature of soil) and chemical. For example temperature, light, pressure, humidity,
precipitation, wind, mineral elements of soil and composition of air. Some of
these environmental factors serve as resources (air, soil and water) while others
act as regulatory factors (light, temperature and pressure etc).
2. Biotic or Living components include All living organisms found in the
environment including plants, animals and microorganisms.
25.1.2 Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the relationship and interactions between
organisms and their environment. The term ecology is derived from a Greek word
Oekologie where “oikos” meaning “household”and “logos” means “the study of”.
25.1.3 Organisation of Life

Various levels of organization exist in the living systems starting from the molecules
such as DNA (genes) to the whole biosphere. The levels of organization are as
follows :
Genes → Cell → organ → organism → Species Population → Community →
Ecosystem → Biome → Biosphere
25.1.4 Levels of biotic organizations show direct impact of the environment

z An organism is a self reproducing system capable of growing and maintaining
itself and is directly influenced by the surrounding environment.
z A population is an assemblage of similar organisms belonging to the same
species, living together at one place at a given time. A population always lives
a specific place known as its habitat. Habitat is thus the physical environment
in which an organism lives. The environment provides for its needs. For example,
the environmental requirement of an elephant would be a forest and not the
ocean. Many different species with similar requirements may share a habitat. For
example, a single ocean as a habitat may support a whale, a sea-horse, seal,
phytoplankton, sea weeds and many other kinds of organisms. Forest, ocean,
river etc. are some examples of ‘habitat’ which in common language are the
146 BIOLOGY
Environment and
‘addresses’ of organisms. The features of the habitat can be represented by its Health
structural components (Fig. 1), namely:
1. Space
2. Food
3. Water
Notes
4. Cover or Shelter
Earth has four major habitats-(1) Terrestrial (2) Freshwater (3) Estuarine (where
rivers meet the ocean) and (4) Oceanic. The human gut is the habitat of a tapeworm
and the rotting log, a habitat of a fungus.
Food
Space Shelter
Water or
cover
Fig. 25.1: Structural components of a habitat
Niche and Organism

In nature, many species occupy the same habitat but they perform different functions.
The functional characteristics of a species in its habitat is referred to as “niche”.
While habitat of a species is like its ‘address’ (i.e. where it lives), niche can be thought
of as its “profession” (i.e. activities and responses specific to the species). The term
niche means the sum of all the activities and relationships of a species by which
it uses the resources in its habitat for its survival and reproduction.
A niche is unique for a species (Fig. 25.2) while many species may share the same
habitat. No two species in a habitat can have the same niche. This is because, if
two species occupy the same niche they will compete with one another until one
is displaced. For example different species of insects may be pests of the same plant
but they can co-exist as they feed on different parts of the same plant that is because
their niches are different (Fig. 25.3).
BIOLOGY 147
Environment and
Health
Goat Ant, insect
Grass
Notes Fruit
Fox Hen
Cow Lion
Fish
Crab
Whale
Oyster snail
Fig. 25.2: The ecological niche of human being
Another such example is the vegetation of the forest. The forest can support a large
number of plant species as they occupy different niches: the tall trees, the short trees,
shrubs, bushes and grasses. Their heights vary and they differ in their requirements
for sunlight and nutrients and so they can all survive together (Fig. 4)
Lacebug
Shoot
moth
larva
Serpentine
leaf miners
Root-feeding white grub

Fig. 25.3: Different species of insects feeding on different parts of the same plant
148 BIOLOGY
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Notes
Fig. 25.4: Stratification a Tropical Rain Forest (Forest Ecosystem)

The most important resources available in the niches of animals are food and shelter
while in case of plants, they are moisture and nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen).
Adaptation
Every organism is suited to live in its particular habitat. You know that coconuts
are adapted for growing in water while a camel is adapted for life in the desert.
An adaptation is thus, “the appearance or behaviour or structure or mode of
life of an organism that allows it to survive in a particular environment”.
Presence of gills and fins are examples of adaptation of fish to aquatic habitat. In
aquatic flowering plants, absence of wood formation and highly reduced root system
are adaptations to aquatic environment. Adaptations can be observed in structure
or behaviour or physiology of an organism. Adaptations have a genetic basis and
have been evolved and perfected through the evolutionary process.
Following are examples of basic adaptations that help animals and plants to survive
in their respective environments.
z Shape of bird’s beak suited to the kind of food it needs to procure. (Fig. 25.5a)
z The thickness or thinness of fur depends on the elimate in which the animal lives.
z Presence of feathers and wings in birds for movement in air.
z Presence of thorns on leaves and stems for protection, from herbivores

(Fig. 25.5b).
A long thin beak is useful for
pulling worms out of mud
The strong beak of parrot is

useful for curshing nuts
This flat beak helps in feeding on
fish, insects and plants in water
(a) (b)
Fig. 25.5: (a) Adaptation in the types of beaks in birds: The beaks of different birds are
adapted for feeding on different kinds of food (b) Plant with thorns for protection
BIOLOGY 149
Environment and
Health
1. Name the various levels of organizations.

............................................................................................................................
2. Define the term ecology.
Notes ............................................................................................................................
3. What are the three physical systems that support life on earth?
............................................................................................................................
4. Name the major components of the environment.
................................................................................................................
5. Enumerate the various physical factors of the environment
................................................................................................................
6. Why is habitat called the address of organisms and its niche ‘the profession’?
Justify.
................................................................................................................
7. What do we mean by ‘fins are an adaptation of fish to aquatic life’? Explain.
................................................................................................................
Species
If you bring the sunfish from two different ponds and put them together in one pond,
they can interbreed. So both the populations of sunfish belong to one species. A
species is defined as a group of organisms which can interbreed and reproduce
successfully. These organisms may be separated in space and time into smaller
groups called populations. For example human populations live in different
geographical areas but all belong to the species, Homo Sapiens.
25.4 POPULATION
‘Population’ is defined as a group of freely interbreeding individuals of the
same species present in a specific geographical area at a given time.
A population has traits of its own which are different from those of the individuals
forming the population. For example (i) An individual is born and dies but a
population continues. Population may change in size depending on birth and death
rates of the population. (ii) An individual is either female or male, young or old
but a population has a sex ratio which means, the ratio of male to female in the
population which also has (iii) age structure, which means the various age groups
into which the population may be divided.
The characteristics of any population depends on the following factors.
(i) density of the population, (ii) natality (birth rate), (iii) mortality (death rate), (iv)
dispersal, (v) biotic potential (vi) age distribution (vii) dispersion and (viii) growth form.
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Environment and
Density: The number of individuals per unit area at a given time is termed Health
population density which may vary from time to time and place to place.
For example, you may notice more plant and animal species in the garden during
the monsoon season.
Density of a particular organism in a region is determined by selecting random
samples from an area of particular dimension (size) called quadrat from that region.
Notes
In case of large mobile animals like tigers, leopards, lions, deer etc, the density may
be determined by counting individual animals directly or by the pugmarks (foot
imprints) left by the animals in a defined area (Fig. 25.6).
Wolf Hyaena
Pugmark of a cat Lion
Fig. 25.6: Pugmarks (Foot prints of soft padded feet) of wild animals
Counting of human population is called census and is carried out by the Indian
government every 10 years. In census however each individual is physically counted.
Birth Rate or Natality: The rate at which new individuals are born and added to
a population under given environmental conditions is called natality.
In case of humans, natality or birth rate is usually expressed in terms of births per
thousand per year.
Death Rate or Mortality: Loss of individuals from a population due to death under
given environmental conditions is called mortality.
Mortality rate in human population may be expressed in terms of number of persons
dead per thousand per year.
Dispersal: The movement of individuals of a population out of a region on a
permanent basis is termed emigration. Immigration refers to the movement of
individuals into a new area. Dispersal includes both emigration (going away
permanently from an area) and immigration (influx of new individuals into the area).
The density of a population thus basically depends on four factors: (i) natality,
(ii) mortality, (iii) immigration and (iv) emigration (Fig. 25.7)
BIOLOGY 151
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Natality (+) Density (–) Mortality
Notes
Emigration (–)
Fig. 25.7: Parameters of population.
Age distribution: Natural populations include individuals of all age groups. Age
distribution refers to the proportion of individuals of different age groups in
a population.The population may be broadly divided into three age groups:
z pre-reproductive group: comprising of juvenile individuals or children,
z reproductive group: consisting of individuals capable of reproduction ,
z post-reproductive group: contains aged individuals who are incapable of
reproduction.
A rapidly growing population will usually contain a large proportion of individuals
in the reproductive age group; a stationary population (where there is no increase
or decrease in population) contains an even distribution of all age groups, and a
declining population contains a large proportion of old or individuals of post-
reproductive age.
Sex ratio: Sex ratio is an important aspect of population. It refers to the ratio
between female and male individuals in a population.
Population Growth
The growth, stability or decline
in number of individuals in a
population is influenced by its
relationship with the
environment. Populations have
characteristic patterns of growth
with time, which is depicted by
population growth curves. Two
basic forms of population
growth curves can be identified:
(i) ‘J’shaped growth curve
(ii) ‘S’ shaped or sigmoid
growth curve.
Fig. 25.8
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The ‘J’ shaped growth curve is typical of the species which reproduce rapidly and Health
which are greatly affected by seasonally fluctuating environmental factors such as
light, temperature and rainfall. In this type of curve, population density increases
rapidly in exponential (geometric) progression (total number doubles at regular
intervals of time). This type of exponential growth occurs in nature when a
population has abundant supply of resources. After reaching a peak there is a
sudden crash or decline due to environmental or other factors. Such type of growth
Notes
may be exhibited by insect populations which show explosive growth during the
monsoon season and then abruptly disappear at the end of the season.
S-shaped curve or sigmoid growth curve has a lag phase, growth phase and a stable
phase as shown in the figure, when few organisms occupy a hitherto unoccupied
area reproduction occurs after some time (lag phase). Natality and mortality remain
small. When growth phase begins, rapid increase in size of population occurs as
there is plenty of food and no competition. Eventually, food or water or some source
(e.g. nutrients in soil for plants) becomes limiting and population enters stable phase
(plateau). Natality and mortality then become almost equal.

1. A population with equal number of births and deaths will show:
(a) Acceleration phase of growth (b) Plateau phase
(c) Exponential growth phase (d) Initial phase of growth
2. When population reaches carrying capacity:
(a) Mortality rate = Birth rate (b) Mortality rate > Birth rate
(c) Mortality rate < Birth rate
3. Human population shows:
(a) S-shaped growth curve (b) J-shaped growth curve
(c) Z-shaped growth curve
z Biological community refers to the populations of different species occupying

a common place of living. For example all the living organisms in a pond belong
to one community. A biological community along with its nonliving environment
of energy and matter makes an ecosystem (Fig. 25.9). Ecosystem can range in
size from a puddle of water to a stream or a patch of wood to entire forest
or desert.
The study of groups of organisms in relation to their environment is called

synecology.
BIOLOGY 153
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A thin layer on and around the earth which sustains life is called biosphere. Life
exists in the diverse forms of living organisms. All these living organisms of the
biosphere are directly or indirectly dependent on one another as well as on the
physical components of the earth. The three physical components of the earth are
atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere (air, land and water).
Notes The atmosphere is a gaseous envelope surrounding the earth’s surface, It is made
up of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and many other gases in very small amounts.
Hydrosphere is all the water supply to the earth which exists as liquid, vapour or
frozen form of fresh and salt water.
Lithosphere comprises the soil and rock of the earth’s crust.
Recently the term ecosphere is being used more commonly. It is used to denote
biosphere (living components) along with its three abiotic components –atmosphere,
hydrosphere and lithosphere of the earth as one entity (unit).
Ecosphere = Biosphere + Lithosphere + Hydrosphere + Atmosphere)
25.3 ECOSYSTEM
Ecosystem is a self sustaining unit of nature. It is defined as a functionally
independent unit (of nature) where living organisms interact among themselves as
well as with their physical environment. In nature two major categories of
ecosystems exist : terrestrial and aquatic.
Forests, deserts and grasslands are examples of terrestrial ecosystem.
Ponds, lakes, wet lands and salt water are some example of aquatic ecosystem. Crop
lands and aquarium are the example of man made ecosystems.
The interaction between the living organisms and their environment can be studied
in a puddle of water or a hole in a tree, which are very small ecosystems or in large
ecosystems such a forest, river or ocean. Irrespective of their sizes all ecosystems
share many common characteristics. Let us study moderate sized pond ecosystem
to understand its structural and functional components.
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Respiration
Solar energy Notes
CO2
CO2
O2 O2
H2O
H2O
Translocation
Feeding
Producer Nutrients
Nutrients
Abiotic
Elements Decomposition
Dead remains
Decomposers
Consumer
Excretory wastes
Fig. 25.10: Components of an ecosystem.
In the Fig. 25.2 (pond ecosystem), you can see that it is a shallow body of water.
Sun’s light can penetrate into it. It has sediment as a substrate at the bottom that
is a source of nutrition for living organisms. The living organisms in it are small
floating plants, submerged vegetation and rooted plants. There are animals of various
sizes ranging from microscopic to large fishes. All these components of the pond
ecosystem can be arranged to give it a definite structure.
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Sun energy
Zooplanktons
Notes (Herbivores)
Phytoplanktons
(Producers) Primary consumers
Rooted vegetation Cattail
(Producers) Lotus
Muskgrass (Carnivores) Secondary consumers
(Secondary carnivoures)
Tertiary consumers
Sediment
Basic Inorganic and
organic compounds
Bottom forms
Bacteria and Fungi (Herbivores)
(Reducers) primary consumers
Fig. 25.11: Pond ecosystem
25.3.1 Structure of Pond Ecosystem

Abiotic Components
1. Physical or climatic regime : Pond receives solar radiation, which provides
it heat and light energy to sustain life.
(a) Light : In case of shallow ponds with clear water sun light can penetrate
up to the bottom . In deep ponds penetration of light depends on the
transparency of water The amount of dissolved/suspended particles,
nutrients and number of animals and plants determine the transparency of
water and control the penetration of light in it.
(b) Temperature : Heating effect of solar radiation leads to diurnal (day and
night) or seasonal temperature cycles. In the tropical regions there are not
much temperature variations. At higher latitudes there are remarkable
seasonal temperature variations.
2. Inorganic substances : These are water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium
and a few other elements like sulphur or phosphorus depending on the location
of the pond. O2 and CO2 are in the dissolved state in water. All animals and
plants depend on water for their food and exchange of gases.
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3. Organic compounds : The commonly found organic matter in the pond is amino Health
acids and humic acids and the breakdown products of dead animal and plant
tissues. They are partly dissolved in water and the remaining are accumulated
in sediment.
Biotic Components
Notes
1. Producers or Autotrophs : They synthesize food for all the heterotrophs of
the pond. They are of the following two types.
(a) Floating plants (b) Rooted plants
(a) Floating plants : They are called phytoplankton (“phyto”- plants,

“plankton” - floating.) for example, Spirogyra, Ulothrix, diatoms and
Volvox.
(b) Rooted plants : These plants occur in concentric layers from periphery
to the deeper zones. Some examples of rooted plants are Typha bulrushes,
Sagittaria, Hydrilla, Rupia, Chara.
2. Consumers or Heterotrophs : Animals, which feed directly on autotrophs (e.g.

insect larvae, tadpole, snails) or on other animals (sunfish and bass)
3. Decomposers : They are distributed in the whole pond but are most abundant
at the bottom of the pond in the sediment e.g. bacteria and many different types
of microbes.
25.4 ECOSYSTEM : STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
You have already learnt that ecosystems are capable of persisting as independent
units of nature. In the following part of the lesson you will learn about the structure
and functions of ecosystem. Interaction between biotic and abiotic components
results in a physical structure characteristic of each type of ecosystem. The important
structural features are species composition (types of plants and animals) and
stratification (vertical and horizontal distribution of various species occupying
different levels). Another way of looking at the structural components is through
food relationships of producers and consumers. Several trophic levels exist in the
ecosystem. These feeding relationships can be studied as food chain, food web and
standing crops. These structural components function as a unit and produce certain
functional aspects of ecosystem. Some of these aspects are :
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Tertiary Fourth trophic level

Consumer Man, lion
(Top carnivore)
Secondary Third trophic level Birds, fishes,

Consumer (Carnivore) wolf
Notes
Primary Second trophic level Zooplankton, grasshopper

Consumer (Herbivore) and cow
Primary First trophic level

Phytoplankton, grass, trees
Producer (Plants)
Diagrammatic representation of trophic levels in an ecosystem
25.4.1 Species Composition

A community is an assemblage of many populations that are living together at the
same place and time. For example a tropical forest community consists of trees,
vines, herbs and shrubs along with large number of different species of animals.
This is known as species composition of tropical forest ecosystem. Each ecosystem
has its own species composition depending upon the suitability of its habitat and
climate. If you compare animal and plant populations of a forest they are entirely
different from those of a grass land. Not only are the types of species different in
these two ecosystems but even their total number and biomass varies. A forest
ecosystem supports much larger number of species of plants and animals than a
grassland. The total number and types of species in a community determine its
stability and ecosystem balance (ecosystem equilibrium).
25.4.2 Stratification
The vertical and horizontal distribution of plants in the ecosystem is called
ecosystem stratification. You would have observed that the plants are of different
heights in forests. Tallest trees make the top canopy. This is followed by short trees
and shrubs and then the forest floor is covered with herbs and grasses. Some
burrowing animals live underground in their tunnels or on the roots of the plants.
Each layer from the tree top to the forest floor has its characteristic fauna and flora.
This is termed as vertical stratification of forest ecosystem. On the other hand desert
ecosystem shows low discontinuous layers of scant vegetation and animals with
some bare patches of soil showing a type of horizontal stratification.
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25.4.3 Food Chain Health
Transfer of food from the plants (producers) through a series of organisms with
repeated eating and being eaten is called a food chain e.g.
Grasses → Grasshopper → Frogs → Snakes → Hawk/Eagle
1 2 3 4 5
1. Each step in the food chain is called trophic level. In the above example grasses
are first and eagle represents the fifth trophic level. Notes
2. Some more examples of food chain are given in Fig. 25.13.
Grassland Pond Forest

P = Producers H = Herbivores C = Carnivores
Fig. 25.13: Some examples of food chain.
Three important features that you can note in these chains are :
z Weaker organisms are attacked by the stronger organisms
z Number of organisms is reduced at each higher level but the size of organisms
is increases.
z The number of steps in a food chain is limited to 4-5.
A. A food chain consists of the following trophic levels :
(i) (Producers) Autotrophs : They produce food for all other organisms of the
ecosystem. Autotrophs represent the first trophic level. They are largely green
plants they convert inorganic substances by the process of photosynthesis into
food (organic molecules) in the presence of sun light. The total rate at which
the radiant energy is stored by the process of photosynthesis in the green plants
is called Gross Primary Productivity (GPP). This is also known as total
photosynthesis. A part of the gross primary productivity is utilized by the plants
for their own metabolism, maintenance and reproduction. Energy required for
all these functions is produced by the process of respiration. The remaining
is stored by them as Net Primary, Productivity (NPP) and is available to the
heterotrophs or consumers, (The next trophic level)
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Health GPP = NPP + R or GPP – R = NPP
Productivity in the biological system is a continuous process but it is different
in different ecosystems.
(ii) Primary consumers Herbivores : These are animals which feed directly on
the plants. They are first level consumers and therefore they are also known
as primary consumers and make the second trophic level in the food chain e.g.
grasshopper in the above example. Other examples are insects, birds, rodents
Notes and ruminants. Herbivores are capable of converting energy stored in the plant
tissue into animal tissue and therefore they are also known as key industry.
They can digest high cellulose diet.
(iii) Secondary consumer Carnivores : Carnivores are the animals that feed on
other animals or its tissues. Therefore they are secondary, tertiary or quaternary
level consumers. Frog is secondary level consumers as it feeds on herbivorous
grasshopper. Snake is tertiary level consumer since it consumes other carnivore
that is frog. Frog, snake, dog, cat and tiger are all carnivores. Generally the
size of the carnivore/ increases at each trophic level.
(iv) Decomposers : They make up the final trophic level in a food chain.
Decomposers are the organisms that feed on dead organic matter called detritus
of all the trophic levels and help in recycling the nutrients. Examples of
decomposers are bacteria, fungi, mites, millipedes, earthworms, nematodes,
slugs, crabs and molluscs.
Special feeding groups (Consumers)
(i) Scavengers : These are the animals that feed on the dead plants and animals.
e.g. termites and beetles feed on the decaying wood, and many marine
invertebrates. Vultures, gulls and hyena are other examples of scavengers.
(ii) Omnivores : Omnivores consume both plants and animals as source of their
food e.g. human beings. Some of the omnivores like the red fox feeds on berries
small rodents as well as on dead animals. Thus it is a herbivore, carnivore and
also a scavenger.
(iii) Parasites : They live and feed on/in other living organisms called host.
Parasites not only feed on their host but they also cause lethal or nonlethal
disease in it.
B. Position of human beings in the food chain ; Human beings are consumers
and may occupy
Primary, secondary or tertiary levels. Vegetarian people are ‘primary consumers;
when they consume small fish chicken or goat meat they are ‘secondary’
consumers and when they consume big fishes they are ‘tertiary’ consumers. Can
you explain why big fishes feed upon small fishes and other smaller aquatic
animals?
25.4.4 Food Web
In nature the food chains are not isolated sequences but they are interconnected
with one another. A net work of food chains which are interconnected at various
trophic levels of the food chain to form a number of feeding connections is called
a food web. In a food web one trophic level may be connected to more than one
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food chain. A snake can feed on frog or rat or any other small rodent. In the figure Health
given below sunfish consumes zooplanktons as well as bloodworms.
Solar Radiations
Phytoplanktons
Notes
Adult
Zooplanktons Bloodworms Insect
Sunfish
Adult insect Predaceous Terrestrial

dipterran Bass
emerge out Insect
Man
Fig 25.14: Simple food web in a pond ecosystem.( modified from Odum)

1. Define an ecosystem.
............................................................................................................................
2. What are the main components of an ecosystem?
............................................................................................................................
3. Give reason, why are decomposers necessary in an ecosystem?
............................................................................................................................
4. What is the role of decomposers in nature?
............................................................................................................................
5. Why are plants called autotroph and animals called heterotrophs?
............................................................................................................................
6. Give one example of food chain.
............................................................................................................................
7. Name the trophic level frog belongs to.
............................................................................................................................
8 Snake can be both a secondary as well as tertiary consumer Justify.
............................................................................................................................
25.4.5 Energy flow through an ecosystem

The energy enters into the ecosystem in the form of solar radiation and is converted
into food (plant biomass) by the producers. Food stored by the plants and their
biomass (matter) is the chemical form of energy. From the producers this chemical
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Health form of energy passes through various trophic levels in the food chain. This process
of transfer of energy through various trophic levels of the food chain is known as
flow of energy.
All the functions of ecosystem depends on the flow of energy through it. In figure
25.5, boxes represent the trophic level and the pipes depict the energy flow in and
out of each trophic level. The quantity of energy flowing through the successive
trophic levels decreases as indicated by the reduced size of the boxes and thickness
Notes of pipes in the figure. This is because all the energy entering at each trophic level
is not used for production of biomass due to the following two reasons.
z Firstly a part of the energy (not utilized) as and lost as heat.
z Secondly a part of it is used up by the organisms and lost as heat for their own
metabolism through the process of respiration.
If herbivores consumes 1000 kcal. of plant energy in the form of food, only 100
kcal. is converted into herbivore tissues, and 10 kcal. into first level carnivore and
only 1 kcal into second level carnivore. This is known as 10% law (or ecological
rule of thumb) where by only 10% of the energy is transferred to the next higher
trophic level.
NU NU
NU NU NU
Sun light
Autotroph Primary Secondary Decomposers
Herbivores
carnivores Carnivores
R R R
Light reflected R R
10,000 kcal 1000 kcal 100 kcal 10 kcal
NU = Not utilized R = Respiration

Fig. 25.15: Energy flow in a ecosystem. Boxes indicate the standing crop biomass and
pipes indicate the energy flowing
The entire process of energy flow can be summarized in the following four steps:
z The flow of energy in an ecosystem is always linear or one-way.
z At every step in a food chain the energy received by the organism is also used
for its own metabolism and maintenance. The left over is passed to next higher
trophic level. Thus energy flow decreases with successive trophic levels.
z It follows the ecological thumb rule of 10%.
z The number of steps is limited to four or five in a food chain for the transfer
of energy.
25.4.6 Ecological Pyramids

Standing crop is the amount of biomass or energy present in different trophic levels
at any given time. This is another important characteristic of an ecosystem. It can
be expressed in terms of
z biomass,
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z number or Health
z total energy fixed at each step at each trophic level.

These three parameters give a definite trophic structure to the ecosystem. It is
represented with the producers at the base and the subsequent trophic levels as the
tiers. This gives a gradually sloping pyramidal shape.
This graphical representation of the standing crop expressed as number, biomass
or energy is called pyramid of number, pyramid of biomass and pyramid of energy Notes
respectively. Collectively they are known as ecological pyramids. Some examples
of pyramids are given below :
Bitomass (mgm–3 )
Individuals (number ha–0.1 )
Energy flow (Kcal m–2 year–1 )

Bitomass (gm–2 )
Fig. 25.16: Ecological Pyramids (P = producer; C1 Herbivores; C2 Primary carnivores; C3

secondary carnivores)

1. What can be the maximum number of steps in a food chain?
............................................................................................................................
2. Why is energy flow linear in ecosystem?
............................................................................................................................
3. Define : (a) biomass (b) pyramid of number.
............................................................................................................................
4. What is meant by community stratification?
............................................................................................................................
25.5 TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS – NATURAL AND HUMAN MODIFIED

You have already learnt about the components, structure and functions of an
ecosystem. Now you can easily identify and study a few ecosystems around you.
Ecosystems are classified as natural and human modified depending upon whether
they are fully dependent on the solar radiation and other natural sources of energy
or on fertilizers and fossil fuels. Natural ecosystems are such as ponds, lakes,
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Health meadows, marshlands, grasslands, desert and forests. They are our natural resources
and provide us food, fuel, fodder and medicines. Human modified ecosystem are
made and managed by human beings for their better living. Urban ecosystem, rural
ecosystem, agro-ecosystems, aquaculture and spaceship aquarium terrarium, are
some examples of the human modified ecosystems.
BIOTIC INTERACTIONS IN ECOSYSTEMS
Notes The biological community in an area or ecosystem is a complex network of
interactions.
The interaction that occurs among different individuals of the same species is called
intraspecific interaction while the interaction among individuals of different
species in a community is termed as interspecific interaction.
Interactions between organisms belonging to the same trophic level often involve
competition. Individuals of a population may compete for food, space and mates.
For example if a mouse has been eaten by a cat, other cats competing for this
resource would have one less mouse to prey on. The snake another predator of the
mice would also have fewer mice to eat during the night if the cat has succeeded.
Direct competition, though, between the cat and snake is not much as they prey
at different times. They also eat a variety of different foods. So competition may
be intraspecific as well as interspecific.
Interspecific relationship may be direct and close as between a lion and deer or
indirect and remote as between an elephant and a beetle. This is because interactions
between two species need not be through direct contact. Due to the connected nature
of ecosystems, species may affect each other through intermediaries such as shared
resources or common enemies. Specific terms are applied to interspecific interactions
depending upon whether the interaction is beneficial, harmful or neutral to
individuals of the species. The various possible interactions between two species
are given in Table 1
Table 1: Possible biological interactions between two species
S.No. Type of interaction Result of Effects of interaction
one species
on the other
I. Negative Interactions
(i) Amensalism 0 One species is inhibited while the
other species is unaffected
(ii) Predation + Predator-prey relationship: one
species (predator) benefits while
the second species (prey) is harmed
and inhibited.
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(iii) Parasitism + Beneficial to one species (parasite) Health
and harmful to the other species
(host).
(iv) Competition 0 Adversely affects both species
II. Positive Associations
(i) Commensalism + 0 One species (the commensal Notes

benefits, while the other species
has neutral Interactions)
(i) Neutralism 0 0 Neither species affects the other(the

host) is neither harmed nor inhibited
(ii) Mutualism + + Interaction is favourable to both

species
III. Neutral Interactions
(i) Neutralism 0 0 Neither species affects the other
+ = beneficial; – = harmful; 0 = unaffected neutral
Interactions may be of various kinds
1. Amensalism: This is a negative association between two species in which one

species harms or restricts the other species without itself being adversely affected
or harmed by the presence of the other species. Organisms that secrete antibiotics
and the species that get inhibited by the antibiotics, together form example of
amensalism. For example the fungus called bread mould or Pencillium produces
penicillin, an antibiotic, which inhibits the growth of a variety of bacteria.
Pencillium benefits apparently by having greater availability of food when in the
competition bacteria are removed.
2. Predation: In this type of interaction, predator captures, kills and eats an animal
of another species called the prey. The predator naturally benefits from this
relationship; while the prey is harmed. Predators like leopards, tigers and
cheetahs use speed, teeth and claws to hunt and kill their prey.
3. Parasitism: In this type of interaction, one species is harmed and the other
benefits. Parasitism involves small sized organisms or parasites living in or on
another living species called the host from which the parasite gets its nourishment
and often shelter.
The parasite is benefited and the host is harmed. Many organisms like, bacteria
and viruses are parasites of plants (Fig. 10a) and animals (Fig. 10b). Plants like
dodder plant (Cuscuta) (Refer again to Fig. 10a) and mistletoe (Loranthus) are
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parasite, many bacteria, fungi, and viruses are common parasites of humans.
Notes
(a) (i)
(ii)
Dodder, a parasitic plant is eating up a bush Dodder, a leafless parasitic plant,
growing on the leaf of a grass tree
(b) Ascaris lumbricoides infections. A mass of large round worms from a human infestatic
Fig. 25.16: Parasite-host relationship (a) Plant parasite: Dodder (Cuscuta) plant is a parasitic
weed that obtains moisture and nourishment by attaching to a green, living plant.
(b) Animal parasite: Ascaris or round worms are internal parasites
found in the human intestine
4. Competition: This is an interaction between two populations in which both
species are harmed to some extent. Competition occurs when two populations
or species, both need a vital resource that is in short supply. The vital resource
could be food, water, shelter, nesting site, mates or space. Such competition can
be: (i) interspecific competition-occurring between individuals of two different
species occurring in a habitat and (ii) intraspecific competition-occurs between
individuals of same species.
Intraspecific competition occurs between members of the same species and so
it is very intense.
5. Commensalism: In this relationship one of the species benefits while the other
is neither harmed nor benefited. Some species obtain the benefit of shelter or
transport from another species. For example sucker fish, remora often attaches
to a shark by means of its sucker which is present on the top of its head. This
helps remora get protection, a free ride as well as a meal from the left over of
the shark’s meal.The shark does not however get any benefit nor is it adversely
affected by this association. Another example of commensalism is the relationship
between trees and epiphytic plants. Epiphytes live on the surface of other plants
like ferns, mosses and orchids and use the surface of trees for support and for
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obtaining sunlight and moisture.The tree gets no benefit from this relationship Health
nor are they harmed.
6. Mutualism: This is a close association between two species in which both the
species benefit. For example the sea anemone, a cnidarian gets attached to the
shell of hermit crab for benefit of transport and obtaining new food while the
anemone provides camouflage and protection by means of its stinging cells to
the hermit crab (Fig. 11).
Notes
Fig. 25.17: Sea anemone, attached to a shell inhabited by a hermit crab

However, some examples of mutualism are such that the interacting species can no
longer live without each other as they depend totally on each other for survival.
Such close associations are termed symbiosis. An example of such close mutualistic
association is that of termite and their intestinal flagellates. Termites can eat wood
but have no enzymes to digest it. However, their intestine contains certain flagellate
protists (protozoans) that have the necessary enzymes to digest the cellulose of the
wood eaten by termites and convert it into sugar. The flagellates use some of this
sugar for their own metabolism while enough is left for the termites. Both termite
and flagellates cannot survive without each other. Another familiar example of
symbiosis is seen in pollination of flowers where flowering plants are cross pollinated
by the bees which benefit by getting nectar from the plants. Both cannot survive
without the other.
1. Fill in the blanks

(a) The relationship between two organisms where one receives benefits at
the cost of other is known as ................
(b) A group of several species living together with mutual tolerance or
adjustment and beneficial interactions in a natural area is known as
.................
(c) A force that acts against maximum population growth is .................
(d) Association between insect polinated flowers and pollinating insect is an
association termed as ................
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Health 25.6 BIOMES
When you travel long distances in a train from one part of the country to the other
you enjoy watching outside. Your train passes through the thick forests, grasslands
deserts, croplands and some times mountains. If you look at the earth from a distance
it shows beautiful kaleidoscopic patterns. All these patterns are because of the
different types of plants that grow in these regions. The plant growth is determined
Notes by physical, edaphic and geographical characteristics of a place. These are the natural
broad biotic zones of the biosphere called, Biomes. Each biome is characterized
by uniform life form of vegetation such as grass, desert plants, deciduous trees or
coniferous trees. A Biome is a large ecosystem which is embracing the large land
scape, characterised by specific flora and fauna. Biomes can be classified as :
A. Terrestrial : These are the biomes found on land e.g„ Tundra, forest, deserts,
grasslands
B. Aquatic. These are the biomes found in water. These can be :
(i) Fresh waters, such as pond, lake and river
(ii) Marine as oceans, shallow sea
25.6.1 Terrestrial Biomes

A. Forests : Forests are one of the largest plant formations, densely packed with
tall and big trees. Forests are of many different types, depending on the climatic
regime in which they are found. Three main forest types are:
1. Tropical rain forests
2. Temperate deciduous forests
3. Boreal or north coniferous forests
1. Tropical Rain (Evergreen) Forest : These are in the tropical region of very
high rain fall. Such forests are well developed over the western coast of India
and North eastern Himalayas and scattered in south east Asia, west Africa and
north cost of South America.
Main characteristics
z Temperature and light intensity are very high
z Rain fall is greater than 200 cm. per year.
z Soil of these regions is rich in humus,
z The rate of turnover of the nutrients is very high leading to high
productivity and have highest standing crop and biomass.
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z The vegetation includes broad evergreen trees of about 200 feet like Health
bamboos, ferns, shrub etc. Epiphytes and woody wines (liannas) are also
abundant. Many tree species show buttresses (swollen stem bases) and
leaves with drip tips.
These forests have rich invertebrate and vertebrate fauna. Snails, centipedes,
millipedes and many insect species are common near the forest floor. Rhacophorus
(flying frog), aquatic reptiles, Chameleon and many birds are common in these
Notes
forests. Mammals of these forests are sloths , monkeys, ant eaters, leopards,
jungle cats and giant flying squirrels.
2. Temperate Deciduous Forests : Trees of deciduous forests shed their leaves
in autumn and a new foliage grows in spring. They occur mostly in northwest,
central and eastern Europe, eastern north America, north China, Korea, Japan,
far eastern Russia and Australia.
Climate : These forests occur in the areas of moderate climatic conditions such
as
z Annual rainfall is 75 to 150 cm
z Winter lasts for four to six months.
z Temperature ranges between 10 to 20°C.
z Soil is brown and rich in nutrients.
Flora and fauna : Commonly found trees in this ecosystem are oak, birch
heath, chest nuts, pitch pine, cyprus. Invertebrate fauna comprises green oak
moth, bark beetle, green flies, aphids, sapflies, moths and butterflies. Prominent
grazers are grass eating rodents, deer and bison. Rodents play a very important
role in these forests. They feed on the seeds, fruits and leaves of the trees and
consume much more food than the large sized grazers. Common carnivores in
temperate forests are wild cat, wolves, foxes, tawny owl and sparrow hawk.
Black bear, raccoons and skunks are the omnivorous animals of these forests.
3. Coniferous forests : Coniferous forests are also known as Taiga or Boreal
forests. They extend as a continuous belt across north America and north Eurasia
below the arctic tundra. In the Himalayas, these are distributed above 1700 to
3000 metre altitude. They also occur at high altitude below the alpine tundra
and tree line.
Climate : Climate is cold.
z Long and harsh Winters is for more than six months. Mean annual
temperature is below 0°C,
z Soil is poor in nutrients and acidic in nature.
Flora and fauna : Coniferous forests are characterized by conifers
(gymnosperms). They are evergreen, drought resistant and woody. In many
species the canopy is cone shaped. The common species of trees of these forests
are Spruce, fir and pine trees. The productivity is much less than other
BIOLOGY 169
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Health ecosystem. There are very few animals in these forests. The herbivores are red
squirrel, deer, goat, mule, moose etc. The carnivores are timber wolves, lynxes,
wolverine, weasels mink and bear. Some common birds are cross bill, thrushes,
warblers, flycatchers, robin and sparrow.
B. Grasslands
Notes Distribution : Grasslands are dominated by the grasses. They occupy about 20%
of the land on earth’s surface. They occur in both tropical and temperate regions
where environmental conditions are better than that of the desert but rainfall is not
enough to support the growth of trees. Grasslands represent an ecotone (a zone
in between two ecosystems) and are found between forest on one side and deserts
on the other. They are subjected to greater variation of temperature, moisture, wind
and light intensity of the sun.. Grasslands are known by various names in different
parts of the world. For example they are called prairies, steppes, savannas and
pampas.
Tropical grasslands are commonly called Savannas. They occur in eastern Africa
South America, Australia and India. Savannas form a complex ecosystem as they
contain grasses with groups of trees. Soil of grassland is rich and fertile.
Flora and fauna : Grasses are the dominating plants with scattered drought resistant
trees in the tropical grasslands. Trees are less than 10 m in height. Animals are much
reduced in grasslands because there is no shelter. The large herbivores of this biome
are bison, proghorn (North America) wild horse, ass, saiga (Eurasia) , zebra and
antelope (South Africa). Carnivores are quite small in number and size They are
coyotes, weasels, badgers foxes and ferrets . Hawks, lark sparrows, warblers, Great
Indian Bustard and peafowl are the common birds found in grassland. Grasslands
are very rich in reptilian and insect fauna.
C. Deserts
Distribution : Deserts are waterless barren regions of the earth. They occupy about
one-seventh of the land on earth’s surface. Deserts form an extreme condition in
sequence of ecosystems with respect to the climatic condition . They occur in two
belts that encircle the northern and southern hemispheres roughly centered over the
tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Sahara deserts of Africa are the largest Indian Thar
deserts are an extensions of Sahara deserts through Arabian and Persian deserts.
Climate:
z Annual rain fall is very little. It may be less than 25 cm per annum. At some
places if it is high it is unevenly distributed.
z Temperature may be very high in subtropical deserts and very low in cold deserts
e.g. Ladakh.
z Winds have high velocity.
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Flora and fauna : Cacti, Acacia, Euphorbia and prickly pears are some of the Health
common desert plants. Desert animals are insects, reptiles, and burrowing rodents.
Desert shrew, fox, kangaroo, wood rat, rabbit, armadillo are common mammals in
desert. Camel is known as the ship of the desert as it can travel long distances without
drinking water for several days.
D. Tundra
The word tundra means a “barren land” since they are found in those regions of Notes
the world where environmental conditions are very severe. There are two types of
tundra arctic and alpine.
Distribution
z Arctic tundra extend as a continuous belt below the polar ice cap and above
the tree line on the northern hemisphere. It occupies the northern fringe of
Canada Alaska, European Russia, Siberia and island group of arctic ocean.
z Alpine tundra occur at high mountain peaks above the tree line. Since
mountains are found at all latitudes therefore alpine tundra show day and night
temperature variations
Climate
z A permanently frozen subsoil called permafrost is found in the arctic and
antarctic tundra. The summer temperature may be around 15°C and in winter
it may be as low as –57°C in arctic tundra A very low precipitation of less than
400 mm per year
z A short vegetation period of generally less than 50 days between spring and
autumn frost
z Productivity is low
Flora and fauna : Typical vegetation of arctic tundra is cotton grass, sedges, dwarf
heath, willows birches,and lichens. Animals of tundra are hurepian reindeer, musk
ox, arctic hare, caribous, lemmings and squirrel. Their body is covered with fur for
insulation, Insects have short life cycles which are completed during favourable
period of the year.

1. Define alpine tundra ecosystems.
............................................................................................................................
2. Give two examples of plants of tundra.
............................................................................................................................
3. Give two common characteristics of tundra and desert biome.
............................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 171
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Health 4. Names of three main types of forests.
............................................................................................................................
5. Where are savannas found?
............................................................................................................................
6. What are deciduous trees?
............................................................................................................................
Notes
25.6.2 Aquatic Biomes
Aquatic ecosystems are constituted by water bodies . Water covers about one third
of the earth’s surface. Origin of life took place in aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, these
ecosystems make an important component of our biosphere. Aquatic ecosystems
are classified on the basis of salinity into following two types:
1. Freshwater 2. Marine
1. Fresh Water Ecosystem
Water on land which is continuously cycling and has low salt content is known as
fresh water. The study of fresh water ecosystem is known as limnology. Fresh waters
are classified into two types:
(i) Standing or still water (Lentic) e.g. pond, lake, bogs and swamps.
(ii) Running water (Lotic) e.g.. springs, mountain brooks, streams and rivers.
Commonly found flora in ponds and lakes include

(i) Phytoplankton (freely floating microscopic plants) such as algae, diatoms
(ii) Floating plant : Pistia, water hyacinth, Lemna, Azolla
(iii) Rooted plant : Hydrilla, Vallisnaria, trapa and water lily.
The common animals in ponds and lakes include

(i) Zooplankton (freely floating microscopic animals) such a protozoans and
crustaceans;
(ii) Actively swimming fishes, frogs, tortoises.
(iii) Bottom dwellers like hydra, worms, prawns crabs, snails.
(iv) Birds such as herons, water fowls and ducks occurs in and around water.
Wetlands are between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem They show an edge effect
and form a ecotone. Ecotone is a transitional zone between two ecosystems.
Examples of wet zone are swamps, marshes and mangroves.
2. Marine Ecosystem
Distribution : Marine ecosystem covers nearly 71 % of the earth’s surface with
an average depth of about 4000 m. Fresh water rivers eventually empty into ocean.
Salinity of open sea is 3.6 percent and is quite constant Sodium and chlorine make
172 BIOLOGY
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up nearly 86 percent of the sea salt and the rest is due other elements such as sulphur, Health
magnesium, potassium and calcium
Temperature : The range of temperature variation is much less in sea than on the
land although near the surface it is considerable from –2°C in antarctic ocean to
27°C in the warmer waters of pacific ocean. In the deeper layers temperature is
constant at about 2°C.
Light : The light reaches upto a certain depth only. Deeper regions are permanently Notes
dark.
Pressure : Pressure increases with depth in oceans. It is 1 atmosphere near the
surface and 1000 atmosphere at greatest depth.
Tides : The gravitational pulls of the sun and the moon cause tides in oceans. At
the time of full moon and new moon tides are high and are called spring tides.
At quarter moon the tides are exceptionally low and are known as low tide or neap
tides
Flora and fauna : Life in the oceans is limited but its biodiversity is very high as
compared to terrestrial ecosystems. Almost every major group of animals occur
somewhere or the other in the sea. except for insects and vascular plant which are
completely absent in marine ecosystem.

1. What are plankton?
............................................................................................................................
2. Name two phytoplanktons and two bottom dwellers in fresh water ecosystem.
............................................................................................................................
3. What is the maximum pressure in ocean.
............................................................................................................................
4. Give an example of (a) wet land (b) lotic type of ecosystem.
............................................................................................................................
25.7 ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION

Biotic communities are dynamic in nature and change over a period of time. The
process by which communities of plant and animal species in an area are
replaced by another over a period of time is known as ecological succession.
Both the biotic and abiotic components are involved in this change. This change
is brought about both by the activities of the communities as well as by the physical
environment of that particular area.
The physical environment often influences the nature, direction, rate and optimal
limit of changes. During succession both the plant and animal communities undergo
BIOLOGY 173
Environment and
Health change. There are two types of successions (i) Primary succession and (ii) Secondary
succession.
Primary Succession
Primary succession takes place over bare or unoccupied areas such as rock outcrop,
newly formed deltas and sand dunes, emerging volcano islands and lava flows as
well as glacial moraines (muddy area exposed by a retreating glacier) where no
Notes
community has existed previously. The plants that invade the bare land, where soil
is initially absent for the first time are called pioneer species. The assemblage of
pioneer plants is collectively called pioneer community. A pioneer species generally
shows high growth rate but short life span (Fig 8)
Primary succession is much more difficult to observe than secondary succession
because there are relatively very few places on earth that do not already have
communities of organisms. The community that initially inhabits a bare area is called
pioneer community. The pioneer community after some time gets replaced by
another community with a combination of different species. This second community
gets replaced by a third community. This process continues sequence-wise in which
a community is replaced by another community.
Bare rock Lichens Small Perennial Grasses, shrubs, Shade-tolerant

annual herbs, shade-intolerant trees trees
plants, grasses
lichens
Ploneer stages Intermediate stages Climax community
Fig. 25.18: The orderly sequence of primary succession
Each transitional (temporary) community that is formed and replaced during

succession is called a stage in succession or a seral community (Fig. 9). The
terminal (final) stage of succession forms the community which is called climax
community. A climax community is stable, mature, more complex and long lasting.
The entire sequence of communities in a given area, succeeding each other, during
the course of succession is termed sere (Fig 9).
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Annual Grasses Shrubs Spruces Spruces Chestnut Chestnut Black Tulip

walnut poplar
Notes
weeds and other
perennials
Oak Oak
Pines Immature Maple
oaks
Plowed 1–2 years 2–20
Hickory Hickory
field pioneer years Intermediate Stage
Climax Community
200 years (variable)
Fig. 25.19: Secondary succession on land

The animals of such a community also exhibit succession which to a great extent
is determined by plant succession. However, animals of such successional stages
are also influenced by the types of animals that are able to migrate from neighbouring
communities. A climax community as long as it is undisturbed, remains relatively
stable in dynamic equilibrium with the prevailing climate and habitat factors.
Succession that occurs on land where moisture content is low such as on bare rock
is known as xerarch. Succession that takes place in a water body, like ponds or
lake is called hydrarch.
Secondary Succession
Secondary succession is the development of a community which forms after the
existing natural vegetation that constitutes a community is removed, disturbed or
destroyed by a natural event like hurricane or forest fire or by human related events
like tilling or harvesting land.
A secondary succession is relatively fast as the soil has the necessary nutrients as
well as a large pool of seeds and other dormant stages of organisms.

1. What does the following sequence represent:
Blue green algae → Crustose lichens
↓
shrubs ← mosses ← Foliose lichens
↓
Dicotyledonous trees
BIOLOGY 175
Environment and
Health (a) Ecological succession
(b) Genetic drift
(c) Phylogenetic trend
(d) A food pyramid
2. A community which starts succession in a habitat is:
Notes
(a) Pioneer community
(b) Social community
(c) Biotic community
(d) Ecosere
3. In ecological succession, beginning from pioneer and ending in climax community,
the biomass shall
(a) decrease
(b) increase and then decrease
(c) decrease and then increase
(d) Increase continuously
25.7 BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES

You have already learnt that living organisms required several chemical elements
for their life processes. There may be used as part of their structural component
or as parts of enzymes which influence various life processes unlike energy which
flows unidirectionally, nutrients are continuously exchanged between the organisms
and their physical environment.
(“Bio” - living, “Geo” - rock, “Chemical” - element). The cycling of the nutrients
in the biosphere is called biogeochemical or nutrient cycle. It involves movement
of nutrient elements through the various components of an ecosystem. There are
more than 40 elements required for the various life processes by plants and animals.
These elements are continuously cycling in the ecosystem through the biogeochemical
cycles and the planet earth has no input of these nutrients. The nutrients (matter)
from the dead remains of organisms are recovered and made available to the
producers by decomposers. Thus the nutrients are never lost from the ecosystems.
176 BIOLOGY
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A. Carbon cycle Health
Atmospheric carbon dioxide is the source of all carbon in both living organisms as
well as in the fossils (used as fossil fuel). It is highly soluble in water. Oceans also
contain large quantities of dissolved carbon dioxide and bicarbonates.
The carbon cycle Fig. 25.17 comprises the following processes

Notes
Photosynthesis
Terrestrial and aquatic plants utilize CO2 for photosynthesis. Through this process
the inorganic form of carbon is converted into organic matter in the presence of
sunlight and chlorophyll. The carbon dioxide is thus fixed and assimilated by plants.
It is partly used by them for their own life processes and the rest is stored as their
biomass which is available to the heterotrophs as food.
Respiration
Respiration is a metabolic process reverse of photosynthesis in which food is

oxidized to liberate energy (to perform the various life processes) and carbon dioxide
and water. Thus the carbon dioxide of the atmosphere is recovered through this
process.
Decomposition
After the death of the organisms the decomposers break down the remaining dead
organic matter and release the left over carbon back into the atmosphere.
Combustion
Fossil fuel such as crude oil, coal, natural gas or heavy oils on burning releases
carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Forests make a large
amount of fossil fuel. Fossil fuel is product of complete or partial decomposition
of plants and animals as a result of exposure to heat and pressure in the earth’s
crust over millions of years.
Forests also act like carbon reservoirs as carbon fixed by them cycles very slowly
due to their long life. They release CO2 by forest fires.
BIOLOGY 177
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Health Impact of human activities
Carbon dioxide is continuously increasing in the atmosphere due to human activities
such as industrialization, urbanization and increased use of automobiles. This
increase in atmospheric CO2 is bading to green house effect and global warming.
Notes
Fig. 25.18: Carbon cycle
(Arrows indicate the processes of the carbon cycle and compartments are the sites of these
processes or the store houses of carbon in the reservoir pool and ecosystem)
B. Water cycle
This is also known as hydrologic cycle. You have already studied that earth is a
watery planet of the solar system but a very small fraction of this is available to
animals and plants. Water is not evenly distributed throughout the surface of the
earth. Major percentage of the total water on the earth is chemically bound to rocks
and does not cycle. Out of the remaining, nearly 97.3% is in the oceans and 2.1%
exists as polar ice caps. Thus only 0.6% is present as fresh water in, the form of
atmospheric water vapors, ground and soil water. The ice caps and the water deep
in the oceans form the reservoir.
Solar radiation and earth’s gravitational pull are the main driving forces of water
cycle.
Evaporation, condensation and precipitation are the main processes involved in
water cycle these processes alternate with each other
Water from oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and soil surface evaporates by sun’s
heat energy. Plants also transpire huge amounts of water through their leaves. Water
remains in the vapour state in air and forms clouds, which drift with the wind. Clouds
meet with the cold air in the mountainous regions above the forests and condense
to form rain, which falls due to gravity.
178 BIOLOGY
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Notes
Fig. 25.8 Water cycle

On an average 84% of the water is lost from the surface of the oceans by
evaporation. While 77% is gained by it from precipitation. The remaining 7% of
the ocean evaporation is balanced by water run off through the rivers from the land.
C Phosphorus Cycle
We all know that phosphorus is a necessary and important constituent of the
protoplasm in the living organisms. The reservoirs of phosphorus are the rocks or
other deposits that have been formed in the past geological ages. The erosion of
these deposits release phosphates in the ecosystem. However, much of it escapes
into the sea where part of it is lost to the deep sediments and some of it deposited
in the shallow marine sediments. Plants take up inorganic phosphate as orthophosphate
ions. Animals (consumers) that feed on these plants in turn take up phosphate from
them. After the death of the plants and animals, the decomposers act on them and
the phosphate is returned in the ecosystem in the dissolved form. The excreta of
the animals also return some phosphorus to the cycle. Bones and teeth of animals
are resistant to weathering and this accounts for some loss of phosphorus. Sea birds
play an important role in bringing back phosphorus to the cycle through their guano
deposits. Marine fishes also return some of the phosphorus to the cycle. A study
of phosphate cycle reveals that the return of phosphate to the cycle is inadequate
to compensate the loss. It is human beings who have hastened the rate of loss of
phosphorus.
BIOLOGY 179
Environment and
Health (Protoplasm)
Plants Animals
Bacteria
he sm
nt la
sis
Sy otop
Pr
Phosphate rocks, Phosphatising
Guano deposits Bacteria
Fossil, Bone
Notes deposists,
Volcanic apatite
Excretion
Erosion
Bones and Teeth
Marine birds
and Fish
Dissolved
Phosphates
Shallow marine sediments
Loss to deep sediments

PHOSPHORUS CYCLE
Fig. 25.9 Phosphorus Cycle

1. Define nutrient cycle.
............................................................................................................................
2. Where are the bulk of nutrient stored in an ecosystem?
............................................................................................................................
3. Name the nutrient cycle where atmosphere acts as the main reservoir.
............................................................................................................................
4. List any two human activities that have led to increase in atmospheric CO2.
............................................................................................................................
5. Name the reservoirs for water cycle.
............................................................................................................................
6. How do humans affect the phosphorus cycle?
............................................................................................................................
7. How do the sea birds contribute to the phosphorus cycle?
............................................................................................................................
180 BIOLOGY
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z Earth is the only planet to support life. Earth provides soil, water and air to
support it.
z Environment is defined as the physical, chemical and biotic conditions that
surround and influence on living organisms. Notes
z The abiotic components of environment are temperature, light, humidity,

precipitation, wind minerals and the composition of air.
z Biotic components include plants, animals and microorganisms.
z Ecology is defined as the study of relationship between organisms and their
environment. Ecology deals with various form of interaction between the
organisms and their environment.
z The levels of organisation in the living system starting from genes to community.
z The three physical components of earth are atmosphere, lithosphere and
hydrosphere.
z Ecosystem is defined as functionally independent unit of nature where living
organisms interact among themselves as well as with their physical environment.
z Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are the two categories of natural ecosystems.
Croplands and aquarium are the examples of artificial ecosystem.
z Light, temperature, inorganic and organic compounds constitute the abiotic
components of ecosystem whereas produces consumers and decomposers are
its biotic components.
z These biotic components of ecosystem interact with each other to give a physical
character. These represent structural features of an ecosystem to an ecosystem.
z The important structural features of an ecosystem may be represented by its
species composition, stratification, food relationship (trophic level food chain
an food web).
z The structural components interact in a unit and produce certain functional
aspects of an ecosystem such as productivity, energy flow and nutrient cycle
etc.
z Humans occupy both primary and secondary levels of consumers.
z Transfer of food from the plants (producers) through a series of organisms with
repeated eating and being eaten is called food chain.
z A network of a connected food chains interrelated form a food web.
BIOLOGY 181
Environment and
Health z The process of transfer of energy through various trophic levels of the food chain
is known as flow of energy.
z The quantity of energy flowing through the successive trophic level decreases.
This is because a part of the energy is lost as heat and a part of energy used
by the organism for its metabolism.
z Only 10% of the energy that enters the trophic level is transferred to the next
Notes trophic level. This is known 10% law. The flow of energy in an ecosystem
is always linear.
z The number of trophic level in a food chain is limited in number (4 or 5).
z The graphical representation of standing crop expressed as number biomass or
energy is called pyramid of number. Pyramid of biomass and pyramid of energy
respectively. These are collectively known as ecological pyramid.
z A biome is a large ecosystem which is embracing the large landscape. Each biome
is characterised by a specific flora and fauna.
z The cycling of the nutrients in the biosphere is called biogeochemical or nutrient
cycle. Carbon cycle and water cycle are two such example.
z Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and combustion are the important
processes in carbon cycle.
z Evaporation, condensation and precipitation are the important processes in
water cycle.
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. What are the three physical life support systems on the planet earth?
2. Name the various biotic and abiotic components of the environment
3. Give differences between natural and human modified ecosystem
4. Why is the number of trophic levels restricted to four or five in a food chain?
5. Give only two differences between fresh water and marine biome.
6. What will happen if all the floating animals are removed from a lake ecosytem?
7. What are the benefits of natural ecosystems?
8. Give two differences between energy flow and biogeochemical cycle in an
ecosystem.

25.1 1. Ernst haeckel
2. Genes → Cell → Organ → Organism → Population → Community
3. Study of animals and plants in relation to their habit and habitat.
4. Atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere
182 BIOLOGY
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25.2 1. (i) Abiotic (ii) Biotic Health
2. light, temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure and soil profile

3. Helps in recycling of nutrients in the environment.
4. Plants are capable of capturing solar energy and transforming it into food
energy. Thus they produce their own food. Animals depend upon plants
or other animals for food as they cannot produce their own food. Notes
25.3 1. Ecosystem is a unit to study ecology/functionally independent unit to
stud. The interrelation between biotic and abiotic components.
2. Main components
Biotic Abiotic
(Producers) light
Consumers Temperature
Decomposers Inorganic substances
organic compounds
3. to breakdown products of dead animals and plants tissue.
25.4 1. Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Hawk/eagle
2. Secondary level consumer
3. Snake can feed on a rat and then it is a secondary consumer. It can also
feed on a frog and then it is a tertiary consumer.
25.5 1. Upto five (5)
2. Energy from solar radiation is fixed in the form of food by the producer.
This energy is passed on to the consumers of different trophic level. At
each trophic level energy is used by the member for metabolism and only
left over energy is passed on each trophic level (10%).
3. See text
4. Vertical and horizontal distribution of plants in the ecosystem.
25.6 1. Its an ecosystem that occurs high mountain peak above the tree line.
Environmental conditions are very severe and show day and night
temperature variation.
2. Cotton grass, sedges, dwarf leath, willows, birches and lichens (any two).
3. 1. both of them have very harsh climatic conditions.
2. Scarce vegetation.
BIOLOGY 183
Environment and
Health 4. 1. Tropical rain forest temperature.
2. Deciduous boreal or north.
3. Coniferous rain forest.
5. Eastern Africa, South America, Australia and India (any two).
6. Trees which shed their leaves in autumn and grow new foliage during
spring.
Notes
25.7 1. Free floating microscopic organisms
2. diatoms, algae, prawn, crabs, snail (any two)
3. 1000 atmosphere
4. (a) swamps, marshes and mangroves (any one)
(b) streams, rivers, springs (any one)
25.8 1. Movement of nutrient elements through the various components of an
ecosystem is called nutrient cycle.
2. In the Reservoirs pool
3. Gaseous cycle
4. Industrialization, urbanization, increased used of automobiles (any two)
5. Polar ice caps and water present deep in the oceans.
184 BIOLOGY
Conservation and Use of Natural Resources MODULE - 4
Environment and
Health
26
Notes
CONSERVATION AND USE OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
Nature provides us with the basic needs for our survival such as food, shelter,
clothes, etc. We use air, water, soil, minerals, coal, petroleum, animals, plants etc.
in our daily life ? But do you ever think, how long these precious materials of nature
will last ? The growing population, rapid industrialisation and– urbanisation have
created heavy demand on natural resources. This lesson deals with means of
conservation of natural resources through prevention of resource ever exploitation
and sustainable development.
OBJECTIVES
z explain the term natural resources;
z familiarise with the traditions practised in India for conservation of nature;
z describe the reasons for degradation of natural resources and suggest measures
to prevent these;
z define biodiversity and describe the need to conserve biodiversity;
z list the various endangered species of animals and plants;
z state the various environmental laws passed to conserve the natural resources;
z explain sustainable development and justify its need; and
z describe the various conventional as well as non-conventional sources of
energy.
26.1 NATURAL RESOURCES

The term “natural resource” means any thing that we use from our environment
to achieve our objective. For example, we require bricks, cement, iron, wood etc.
to construct a building. All these items are called resources for construction of
building. A resource can be defined as ‘any natural or artificial substance,
energy or organism, which is used by human being for its welfare. These
resources can be two types:
BIOLOGY 185
MODULE - 4 Conservation and Use of Natural Resources
Environment and
Health (a) Natural resources
(b) Artificial resources.
All that nature has provided such as soil, air, water, minerals, coal, sunshine
(sunlight), animals and plants, etc., are known as natural resources. The resources,
which have been developed by human beings during the growth of civilization, are
called artificial resources. For example, biogas, thermal electricity, plastics. These
man-made resources are generally derived from some other natural resources. For
Notes
example, plastics from the natural resource, petroleum.
26.1.1 Classification of Natural Resources
The air we breathe and the light we get from the sun are available in unlimited
quantity. But what about coal, forest, and petroleum? The stock of these resources
is limited and is depleting day by day.
Resources
Natural Artificial
(e.g. coal) (e.g. electricity)
Exhaustible Inexhaustible
(Petroleum) (e.g. solar energy, wind, rainfall, tidal energy)
Renewable Non-renewable
(e.g. wind, water, forests) (e.g. coal, petroleum, iron, biological species)
z Inexhaustible Resources
The resources which cannot be exhausted by human consumption are called
inexhaustible resources. These include energy sources like solar radiation, wind
power, water power (flowing streams) and tidal power, and substances like sand,
clay, air, water in oceans, etc.
z Exhaustible Resources
On the other hand, there are some resources, which are available in limited quantities
and are going to be exhausted as a result of continuous use. These are called
exhaustible resources. For example, the stock of coal in the earth is limited and
one day there will be no more coal available for our use.
z Renewable Resources
Some of the exhaustible resources are naturally regenerated after consumption and
are known as renewable resources. e.g. Forest trees and plants that make a forest
may be destroyed but new ones gow in their place. But if forest is totally cut down
to get land for constructioni of buildings, it is lost forever. Some other examples
are fresh water, fertile soil, forest (yielding wood and other products), vegetation,
wildlife, etc.
z Non-renewable Resources
The resources, which cannot be replaced after the use, are known as non-renewable
Resources. These include minerals (copper, iron etc.) fossil fuels (coal, oil etc.).
Even wildlife species (rare plants and animals) belong to this category.
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1. Given below are certain wrong statements. Identify the mistake and write the
correct statement below each.
(i) Plastic is a natural resource.
.................................................................................................................. Notes
(ii) Forest is an exhaustible non-renewable resource.
..................................................................................................................
(iii) The exhaustible resources, which are not replaced after consumption are
known as renewable resources.
..................................................................................................................
2. Classify the following under the three respective categories of natural resources:
Air, iron, sand, petroleum, wind, clay, fish, forest, gold, pearls.
Inexhaustible Renewable Non- renewable
......................... ......................... .........................
......................... ......................... .........................
26.2 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Consumption of natural resources is increasing with growing population. With the
increasing industrialisation and urbanisation, we need to conserve natural resources
for thier destruction will also upset the ecological balance.
Conservation is the proper management of a natural resource to prevent its
exploitation, destruction or degradation.
Conservation is the sum total of activities, which can derive benefits from natural
resources but at the same time prevent excessive use leading to destruction or
degradation.
26.2.1. Need for Conservation of Natural Resources

We know that nature provides us with all our basic needs but we tend to over exploit.
If we go on exploiting nature, there will be no more resources available in future.
Hence there is an urgent need to conserve nature for the following reasons. Some
of the needs are :
z to maintain ecological balance for supporting life.
z to preserve different kinds of species (biodiversity).
z to make the resources available for present and future generations.
z to ensure survival of human race.
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Health 26.2.2. Coservation of Natural Resources and Traditions of India
The need for conservation of natural resources was felt by our predecessors and
in India, there was a tradition of respecting and preserving nature and natural
resources. Natural resources were conserved in the form of sacred groves/forests,
sacred pools and lakes, sacred species etc e.g. the river ganges. In our country the
conservaton of natural forests is known from the time of Lord Ashoka. Sacred
forests are forest patches of different dimensions dedicated by the tribals to their
Notes
deities and ancestral spirits. Cutting down trees, hunting and other human interferences
were strictly prohibited in these forests. This practice is widespread particularly in
peninsular, central and eastern India and has resulted in the protection of a large
number of plants and animals. Similarly, several water bodies, e.g., Khecheopalri
lake in Sikkim was declared sacred by people, thus, protecting aquatic flora and
fauna. Worshipping certain plants like banyan, peepal, tulsi etc. has not only
preserved them but also encouraged their plantation. History recalls numerous
instances where people have laid down their lives for protecting trees.
Recent Chipko movement in India is one of the best examples. This movement was
started by women in Gopeshwar village in Garhwal in the Himalayas. They stopped
the felling of trees by hugging them when the lumbermen arrived to cut them. This
saved about 12000 square kilometers of sensitive water catchment area. Similar
movements also occurred in some other parts of the country.
1. Why should we conserve natural resources? State any two reasons.

(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
2. Given below are certain incomplete words. Complete them by taking clues from
the statement given below for each. Each blank space represents one letter only.
(i) __ __ __ p k __
(A movement started by women to stop the felling of trees by hugging
them)
(ii) T__ __ __ i
(A sacred plant worshipped in India)
(iii) Kh __ ch __ __ pa__ __ i
(A lake in Sikkim that was declared sacred by the people)
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26.3 SOIL Health
Soil is a very important natural resource and an abiotic component of the

environment. Soil is the uppermost layer of earth’s crust, which supports growth
of plants. It is a complex mixture of (i) mineral particles (formed from rocks), (ii)
humus (organic material formed from decaying plant remains), (iii) mineral salts,
(iv) water, (v) air, and (vi) living organisms (larger ones like earthworms and insects
and microorganisms like the bacteria and fungi).
Notes
Humus
A brown or black organic substance consisting of partially or wholly
decayed vegetable or animal matter that provides nutrients for plants and
increases the ability of soil to retain water.
Soil is both a renewable as well as non-renewable resource.
z Soil is renewable because its productivity can be maintained with fertilizers and
manures rich in humus.
z If the soil has been removed from a certain place by erosion, it is practically
non-renewable because formation of new soil may take hundreds and thousands
of years.
26.3.1. Soil Erosion
Erosion literally means “to wear away”. You might have noticed that in summer,
when wind blows it carries away sand and soil particles. Similarly flowing water
removes some amount of soil along with it. This removal of top layers of soil by
wind and water is called soil erosion. The top layers of soil contain humus and
mineral salts, which are vital for the growth of plants. Thus, erosion causes a
significant loss of humus and nutrients, and decreases the fertility of soil.
26.4.2. Causes of soil Erosion
There are several causes of soil erosion.
(a) Natural causes; and
(b) Anthropogenic causes (human generated causes)
(a) Natural Causes of Soil Erosion
Erosion of soil takes places due to the effect of natural agents like wind and water.
High velocity winds over lands, without vegetation, carry away the loose top soil.
Similarly in areas with no or very little vegetation, pouring raindrops carry away
the soil.
(b) Anthropogenic Causes of Soil Erosion
Besides the natural agents, there are some human activities, which cause soil erosion.
Let us know about them.
1. Deforestation: If the forests are cut down for timber, or for farming purposes,
or construction then the soil is no longer protected from the effect of falling
rains. Consequently, the top soil is washed away into the rivers and oceans.
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Health 2. Poor farming methods: Improper tillage and failure to replace humus after
successive crops and burning the stubble. The short, stiff stalks of grain or hay
remaining on a field after harvesting of weeds reduce the water-holding capacity
of the soil. So the soil becomes dry and can be blown away as dust.
3. Overgrazing: Overgrazing by flocks of cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep leave
very little plant-cover on the soil. Their hooves make the soil dry and soil can
Notes
be blown away easily.
26.4.3 Conservation of Soil

Soil conservation means checking soil erosion and improving soil fertility by
adopting various methods.
1. Maintenance of soil fertility: The fertility can be maintained by adding manure
and fertilizers regularly as well as by rotation of crop.
2. Control on grazing: Grazing should be allowed only on specified areas.
3. Reforestation: Planting of trees and vegetation reduces soil erosion.
4. Terracing: Dividing a slope into several flat fields to control rapid run of water.
It is practised mostly in hilly areas.
5. Contour ploughing: Ploughing at right angles to the slope allows the furrows
to trap water and check soil erosion by rain water.
1. How do the following cause soil erosion?

Wind : ______________________
Overgrazing : ______________________
Water : _______________________
2. Match the items of column A with those of Column B.
Column-A Column-B
(i) Terracing (a) Decayed vegetable or animal matter
(ii) Erosion (b) Cutting down forests
(iii) Deforestation (c) Practised in hilly areas
(iv) Humus (d) To wear away
26.4 WATER – A PRECIOUS RESOURCE

Water is essential for survival of all living organisms. It is the most important
component of all life forms and necessary for sustaining life. Water also regulates
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climate, generates electricity and is also useful in agriculture and industries. Health
About 97% of the water on earth is saline in nature, found in seas and oceans.
The remaining 3% is fresh water, most of which is stored in ice caps and glaciers,
and just about 0.36% is distributed in lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. as ‘fresh water’.
Sea water supports marine life and contributes to the production of fish and sea
foods and several other commercial products (iodine, agar, coral, pearls, etc.). Fresh
water is needed by humans for their personal use (drinking, cleaning, sewage Notes
disposal), It is also used by other animals, in agriculture, and in industries. Fresh
water is a renewable resource as it is continuously being produced through
hydrological cycle (evaporation, condensation and precipitation). A from lesson 24.
Fig. 26.1 Hydrological cycle
26.4.1.Degradation of Water
With increase in population and industrial growth, water is being degraded day by
day. The main reasons for the degradation of water are:
1. to meet the need of increasing population, surface water (water from ponds,
lakes, rivers, etc) and ground water are overdrawn, depleting volume of water.
2. sewage i.e., waste water from domestic and municipal use makes fresh water
unfit for use by human beings and animals.
3. waste water, from all industries flows down into the surface water bodies and
ground water bodies and they get polluted.
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Health 4. agricultural wastes containing manures, fertilizers and pesticides enter the water
bodies and degrade the quality of water.
5. the continuous decrease of ground water level along coastal regions often cause
movement of saline sea water into freshwater wells, thus, spoiling their water
quality.
26.4.2. Conservation of Water
Notes Conservation and management of water are essential for the survival of mankind,
plants and animals. This can be achieved adopting the following methods:
1. Growing vegetation in the catchment areas, which will hold water in the soil
and allow it to percolate into deeper layers and contribute to formation of ground
water.
2. Constructing dams and reservoirs to regulate supply of water to the fields,
as well as to enable generation of hydroelectricity.
3. Sewage should be treated and only the clear water should be released into the
rivers.
4. Industrial wastes (effluents) should be treated to prevent chemical and thermal
pollution of fresh water.
5. Judicious use of water in our day-to-day life.
6. Rainwater harvesting should be done by storing rainwater and recharging
groundwater.

1. Why do we consider fresh water as a renewable resource?
............................................................................................................................
2. Give three methods of water conservation.
............................................................................................................................
26.5 BIODIVERSITY
When we observe our surroundings, we find different types of plants, ranging from
small green grasses to large trees, large variety of animals, from tiny insects to human
beings and many other big animals. Besides these there are micro-organisms in the
soil, air and water that we can’t see through our naked eyes. These varieties of plants,
animals and microbes together form the biological diversity or biodiversity of your
surroundings.
So biodiversity can be defined as the flora and fauna i.e. variety of all plants,
animals and microbes of a region.
26.5.1 Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is essential for maintenance of ecosystem. It maintains gaseous
composition of atmosphere, controls climate, helps in natural pest control, pollination
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of plants by insects and birds, soil formation and conservation, water purification Health
and conservation, geo-chemical cycles etc.
Some of the uses of biodiversity are given below :
z Food : All kind of food is derived from plants and animals.
z Drugs and Medicines : Around 25% of drugs are obtained from plants e.g. quinin
used for treatment of malaria is obtained from Cinchona officinalis. All
antibiotics are derived from microbes. Notes
z Cultural and Aesthetic value : You enjoy watching butterflies, animals, birds and
flowers. Eco-tourism is a source of income.
z Religious values : Plants like tulsi, peepal, banyan and animals like cows, ox,
elephant are worshiped.
z Biodiversity conservation is essential for maintenance of ecosystem.
z It is also required for disposal and pollinaiton in plants, formation and
conservation of soil and purification and conservation of water.
Hot Spots of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is not uniformly distributed across the geographical regions of the earth.
Certain regions of the world are very rich in biodiversity. We call such areas as “mega
diversity zones”. We also refer to them as “hot-spots”. For example, India accounts
for only 2.4 % of the land area of the world; but it contributes approximately 8%
species to the global diversity due to existence of such pockets. The hot spots are
the richest and the most threatened reservoirs of biodiversity on the earth. The
criteria for determining an area as a hot spot are:
(i) The area should support >1500 endemic species,
(ii) It must have lost over 70 % of the original habitat
Twenty-five biodiversity hot spots have been identified in the world. These hot spots
are characterized by supporting exceptionally high biodiversity.
Among the 25 hot spots of the world, two are found in India namely Western Ghats
and the Eastern Himalayas. These two areas of the country are exceptionally rich
in flowering plants, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and some species of mammals.
The eastern Himalayan hot spot extends to the north – eastern India and Bhutan.
The temperate forests are found at an altitude of 1780 to 3500 m. Many deep and
semiisolated valleys are exceptionally rich in endemic plant species.
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15
8
14 20
Notes 19
3 25
2 18
21
11
5 6 10 16
1 9 17
25 4 23
7 13
12 22
24
1. Tropical Andes, 2. Mesoamerica, 3. Caribbean, 4. Brazil's Atlantic Forests, 5. Chico/Darien/

Western Equador, 6. Brazil's Cerrado, 7. Central Chile, 8. California Floristic Province,
9. Madagascar, 10. Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests of Tanzania/Kenya, 11. West African Forests,
12. Cape Floristic Province, 13. Succulent Karoo, 14. Mediterranean Basin, 15. Caucasus,
16. Sundland, 17. Wallacea, 18. Phillipplnes, 19. Indo-Burma, 20. South Central Chaina,
21. Western Ghats/Sri Lanka, 22. Southwest Australia, 23. New Caledonia, 24. New Zealand,
25. Polynesia/Micronesia.
Fig. 12.1a: The terrestrial biodiversity hot spots
CASE STUDIES
There are many amongst us humans who are motivated to solve societal problems,
however difficult. There are several success stories of which three are mentioned
below regarding water management in water starved areas:
Case Study 1
Rajasthan for many years suffered as ‘land without water’. Geared by an urge to
solve the water crisis, Rajinder Singh, a devout follower of Mahatma Gandhi and
Jaiprakash Narayan, gave up a lucrative job to serve the people. With the help of
villagers, he dug ‘johads’, which means ‘dug out ponds’ as water conservation
structures where rain water began to collect year after year. Rajendra Singh’s
initiative worked wonders and today there are 3500 ‘people made’ water conservation
structures and no water scarcity.
Case Study 2
In Gandhigram, a coastal village in Kutch district, the villagers had been facing a
drinking water crisis for the past 10 to 12 years. The groundwater table had fallen
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below the sea level due to over extraction and the seawater had seeped into the Health
ground water aquifers. The villagers formed a village development group, Gram
Vikas Mandal. The mandal took a loan from the bank and the villagers contributed
voluntrary labour (Shramdan). A check dam was built on a nearby seasonal river,
which flowed past the village. Apart from the dam, the villagers also undertook a
micro-watershed project. Due to these water retention structures, the villages now
have sufficient drinking water.
Notes
Case Study 3
Rainwater harvesting – another success story: The area surrounding the River
Ruparel in Rajasthan is a good example of proper water conservation. The site
receives very little rainfall, but proper management and conservation have ensured
water availability throughout the year. The water level in the river began declining
due to extensive deforestation and agricultural activities along the banks and, by
the 1980s, a drought-like situation began to spread. Under the guidance of local
people, the women living in the area were encouraged to take the initiative in
building johads (round ponds) and dams to hold back rain water. Gradually, water
began coming back as proper methods of conserving and harvesting rainwater were
followed. The revival of the river has transformed the ecology of the place and the
lives of the people living along its banks.
26.5.2. Threat to Biodiversity

Though biodiversity is so important for our survival, we are destroying it knowingly
or unknowingly. It is under threat due to the following reasons:
(i) Destruction of habitat by cutting down trees, filling up the wetland, ploughing
of grassland or burning a forest.
(ii) Population explosion has increased demand for food and shelter. It has led
to culture of single crop (monoculture) that will result in disappearance of
some other crops.
(iii) Industrialisation and urbanisation has changed and destroyed the natural
habitat of plants and animals.
(iv) Pollution of soil, air and water changes the habitat quality and may reduce
or eliminate sensitive species.
(v) Mining activities add to the pollution of air and water and threaten the survival
of the animals in the nearby areas.
(vi) Construction of dams, roads and railways destroys huge patches of forests,
grassland etc. thus, disturb the biodiversity.
(vii) Indiscriminate killing of animals for different purposes has resulted in their
reduction.
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Health (viii) Introduction of exotic/foreign species in an area threaten the survival of
existing natural biodiversity; e.g., water hyacinth clogs rivers and lakes and
threatens the life of many aquatic species in our country.
26.5.3 Conservation of Biodiversity
There are two basic strategies for conservation of biodiversity:

Notes
(i) In-situ conservation
(ii) Ex-situ conservation
(i) In-situ (on site) conservation includes the protection of plants and animals
within their natural habitats or in protected areas. Protected areas are areas of
land or sea dedicated to protection and maintenance of biodiversity. For example:
e.g., National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, etc.
(ii) Ex-situ (off site) conservation is the conservation of plants and animals outside
their natural habitats. These include Botanical Gardens, Zoo, Gene Banks, DNA
Banks, Seed Banks, Pollen Banks, Seedling and Tissue Culture etc.

1. Some of the following words/terms are related to conservation of biodiversity
and some are threat to biodiversity. Identify the points relating to conservation
by mentioning ‘C’ and threat to biodiversity by mentioning ‘T’ against the points.
(i) Wildlife sanctuaries (......................)
(ii) Population explosion (......................)
(iii) Industrialisation (......................)
(iv) Zoo (......................)
(v) Tissue culture (......................)
(vi) Pollution (......................)
26.6 ENDANGERED SPECIES

You have already learnt about the various reasons due to which our biodiversity
is under constant threat. You also learnt about the strategy to protect the biodiversity.
Let us know about some of the plants and animals which have already become extinct
or are going to be extinct from the earth surface.
The species, which have already disappeared, are called the extinct species and the
phenomenon of disappearance is known as extinction. Another category of species
called endangered species are those which have been reduced in number to a
critical level and facing a high risk of extinction in the near future.
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The World Conservation Union, formerly International Union for the Conservation Health
of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has enlisted endangered plants and animals
in the Red Data Book. Few endangered plants and animals are listed below:
Endangered Animals Endangered Plants
1. Asiatic Lion, 1. Pitcher plant
2. Green sea turtle, loggerhead turtle, 2. Indian belladona
3. Tortoise 3. Orchids Notes
4. Marsh crocodile and gharial 4. Nilgiri Lily
5. Tiger 5. Ginkgo biloba (Maiden hair tree)
6. Rhinoceros
7. Asiatic Elephant, Indian Python
8. Great Indian Bustard, butterflies
26.7 WILDLIFE
Now we shall learn about an important resource of nature called wildlife. At home
you may have a pet dog or a cat, even some of you may have cows, buffalos, sheep,
goats etc. In your garden you may grow different types of vegetables and flowering
plants. In addition to these, there are other plants and animals, which are not
cultivated by you. The plants, animals and microorganisms other than the
cultivated plants and domesticated animals constitute wildlife.
Animals and plants living in their natural habitat constitute wildlife. Wildlife forms
an important resource as it plays a major role in maintaining ecological balance. It
is used in research as experimental material and also used for recreational purposes.
Like other resources it is also facing severe threat. So it should be conserved and
maintained for the use of future generation.
26.7.1 Need for Conservation of wildlife
Wildlife needs to be conserved for :
z maintaining ecological balance for supporting life.
z preserving different kinds of species (biodiversity).
z preserving economically important plants and animals.
z conserving the endangered species.
26.7.2 Methods of Conservation of Wildlife

After knowing the need for conservation of wildlife, let us discuss how to conserve
it. We can protect it by adopting various means, like:
z Establishing biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries.
z Afforestation (Tree planting programme).
z Special schemes for preservation of threatened species.
z Improvement of natural habitats of wildlife.
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Health z Educating people about the need and methods of conservation of wildlife.
z Formulation of Acts and Regulations to prevent poaching (killing animals) for
sports and money.
Wildlife week is being observed in India in the month of July every year
since 1955. It aims at creating awareness among people about the
importance of wildlife and to highlight the conservational and management
Notes needs of wildlife.

1. What is Red Data Book?
............................................................................................................................
2. Define the term Wildlife.
............................................................................................................................
3. Below are certain incomplete words. Complete them by taking clues from the
statement given below for each. Each blank represent the letter only.
(i) A __ __ or __ __ __ at __ on
(Tree planting programme)
(ii) Be __ __ ado __ __ a
(An endangered Indian plant)
(iii) Rh __ no __ __ r __ __
(An endangered animal)
26.7.3 Wildlife Reserves in India

Many National Parks and Sanctuaries have been established to preserve wildlife in
their natural environment. Some of them are given below along with the important
species found in these.
z Kaziranga sanctuary (Assam) – one-horned rhinoceros
z Manas sanctuary (Assam) – wild buffaloes
z Gir forest (Gujarat) – lions, chital, sambar, wild bears
z Kelameru bird sanctuary (Andhra) – pelicans and marine birds
z Dachigam sanctuary (Jammu and Kasmir) – Kashmir stags, Himalayan tahr, wild
goats, sheep, antelopes
z Bandipur sanctuary (Karnataka) – Indian bison, elephants, langurs
z Periyar sanctuary (Kerala) – elephants, barking deer, sambar
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z Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) – tiger, leopards, wild dogs Health
z Similipal National Park (Orissa) – mangroves, marine turtles lay eggs
z Bharatpur bird sanctuary (Rajasthan) – ducks, herons
z Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal) – tigers, barking deer, sambar, wild bear,
rhesus monkey
z Jaladpara sanctuary (West Bengal) – rhinoceros
Notes
26.7.4 Agencies Dealing with Conservation of Wildlife
There are various agencies both at national and international levels which take care
of conservation of wildlife. Some of them are given below
(i) Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL) advises state government on wildlife
protection.
(ii) Constitution of India includes forest and wildlife protection.
(iii) World Wildlife Fund for nature (WWF) : It is an international organisation
formed in the year 1961 and is engaged in protection of wildlife. India became
a member of it in 1969 and has its headquarter in Mumbai. It has supported
the well-known “Project Tiger”.
(iv) International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources
(IUCN), World Conservation Union (WCU) is engaged in protection of
wildlife and their habitats.
(v) Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is an
international organisation to check trade products from endangered animals.
India became a party to CITES in 1976.
26.8 LEGISLATION FOR CONSERVATION

Various acts and laws have been passed in Indian constitution for conservation of
natural resources. Some of them are:
z Environment Protection Act, 1986
z Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
z National Forest Policy, 1988
z Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and amended in 1991

1. Expand the following.
(i) WWF .........................................................................................................
(ii) CITES .......................................................................................................
(iii) IUCN .........................................................................................................
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Health 2. Match the items of column A with those of Column B.
Column – A Column – B
(i) Periyar sanctuary (a) Rajasthan
(ii) Kanha National Park (b) Orissa
(iii) Similipal National Park (c) Uttaranchal
Notes (iv) Bharatpur bird sanctuary (d) Kerala
(v) Corbett National Park (e) Madhya Pradesh
26.9 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

However, these industries, factories, cities, towns, roads, railways, dams etc. for
development, the governors of all countries build have replaced the natural habitats
of plants and animals. Natural resources have been dedpleted gradually and a day
will come when many natural resources will not be available for our future
generation. So it is high time to think about maintaining a balance between
environment and development so that both present and future generations can derive
proper benefits out of these resources. This can only be achieved by the process
of sustainable development.
Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present
generation and conserves resources for the future generation.
Sustainable development should include –
z reducing excessive use of resources and enhancing resource conservation.
z recycling and reuse of waste materials.
z scientific management of renewable resources, especially bio-resources.
z planting more trees.
z green grassy patches to be interspersed between concrete buildings.
z using more environment friendly material or biodegradable material.
z use of technologies, which are environmental friendly and based on efficient use
of resources.

1. A and B are two friends. In their daily life both have different opinion on certain
matters. Considering the necessity of sustainable development give your
suggestions in the given space.
A says - Polythene bags should be used to carry vegetables.
B says – Jute bags should be used to carry vegetables.
Who is right and why?
............................................................................................................................
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2. Mention any two activities which will help in sustainable development. Health
............................................................................................................................
26.10 ENERGY RESOURCES

We have always been using different forms of energy obtained from various sources
for our daily activities like cooking, heating, ploughing, transportation, lighting, etc. Notes
For example, heat energy required for cooking purpose is obtained from firewood,
kerosene oil, coal, electricity or cooking gas. LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) We
use animal power (horse, bullock, etc.) for transportation and for running minor
mechanical devices like the Persian wheel for irrigation or for running a “kolhu”
for extracting oil from oilseeds. Different forms of these energies are obtained from
various sources. We will discuss about them in detail.
26.10.1 Types of Energy Sources
There are two main categories of energy sources:
(i) Conventional Sources of Energy, which are easily available and have been
in usage for a long time.
(ii) Non-Conventional Sources of Energy, that are other than the usual, or that
are different from those in common practice.
The table 26.2 below summarises the list of both the above categories of energy
resources.
Table 26.2 Various types of energy sources
Sources of Energy
Conventional Energy Non-Conventional Energy
Conventional Non- Conventional z Solar Energy

renewable Energy Renewable Energy z Hydel Energy
(Mostly fossil fuels found under (Mostly non-fossil z Wind Energy
the Ground) fuels seen above the
z Nuclear Energy
Ground)
Examples: Coal, Oil, Natural gas z Hydrogen Energy
etc. Examples: Firewood,
Cattle Dung, Farm z Geothermal Energy
Vegetable Wastes, z Biogas
Wood charcoal, etc
z Tidal Energy
z Bio-fuel
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Environment and
Health 26.10.2 Conventional Sources of Energy
Conventional sources of energy have been in used since ancient times. Most
important among them are the fossil fuels.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are the fossilised remains of plants and animals, which over millions of
years have been transformed into coal, petroleum products and natural gas.
Notes
Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel. It is widely used for combustion in cooking
and industrial activities. There are different types of coal products such as coal gas,
coal tar, benzene, toluene, etc., which are used for various purposes.
Oil and Natural gases are formed from plants and animals which once lived in the
tropical seas. Oil (or petroleum) is a source of countless products. Apart from petrol,
diesel and other fuels, petroleum products include lubricants, waxes, solvents, dyes,
etc. Petroleum reserves are supposed to last for another 100 years or so.
Natural gas is often found with petroleum. The gas mainly contains methane. Apart
from serving as fuel in several industries, it is being increasingly used as domestic
fuel in many countries including India. United States of America is the largest
producer as well as consumer of natural gas.
Now-a-days in big cities and towns it is being supplied through pipelines which is
called Piped Natural Gas (PNG). The natural gas is also used as a fuel to run vehicles.
It is known as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). It is accepted as an economical
and less polluting fuel for transport.
The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the common cooking gas used in Indian
homes. It is a mixture of propane and butane gases kept under pressure in liquid
form, but they burn in gaseous form. This gas is made available in a specific container
for domestic as well as industrial uses. It is a byproduct of petrolium refineries

1. Coal is a non-renewable source of energy whereas wood charcoal is renewable.
Why ?
............................................................................................................................
2. How are the following useful in our day to day life?
(i) CNG ..........................................................................................................
(ii) PNG ..........................................................................................................
(iii) LPG ...........................................................................................................
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Environment and
3. A and B are two friends. In their daily life both have different opinion on certain Health
matters. Considering the necessity of sustainable development give your
suggestions in the given space.
A says – Coal should be used as a fuel to cook our food
B says – LPG should be used as a fuel to cook our food.

Notes
Who is right and why?
............................................................................................................................
26.10.3 Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

We have already learnt known about conventional sources of energy, whether
renewable or non-renewable (coal, oil, etc.), which are fast depleting and will not
last long. Therefore, greater utilisation of non-conventional sources of energy (solar,
wind, hydro, geothermal, etc) will have to be used.
1. Solar Energy
Solar energy is the ultimate source of all energy on earth. Firewood, coal, oil or
natural gas are the products of plants and other organisms, which had used solar
energy for the synthesis of organic molecules during photosynthesis. Even today
it will turn out to be the most important answer to problems of energy except nuclear
energy. The solar energy has the following advantages:
(i) It is abundant
(ii) It is everlasting
(iii) It is available almost
everywhere.
(iv) It is free from political barriers.
Various technologies in which solar
energy can be, and is being utilised
are as follows:
(i) Solar cookers
(ii) Solar hot water systems
(iii) Solar dryers (used for drying
crop yields)
(iv) Solar air heaters
(v) Solar kilns Fig. 25.2 Solar battery that can run a water pump or
put to any other use.
BIOLOGY 203
Environment and
Health (vi) Solar desalination systems
(vii) Solar batteries (Fig. 26.2).
2. Hydel /Hydro Energy

The generation of electricity by using the force of falling water is called hydro-
electricity or hydel power. It is cheaper than thermal or nuclear power. For its
Notes generation dams are built to store water, which is made to fall to rotate turbines
that generate electricity.
3. Wind Energy
Wind as an energy can be utilised in our daily life by converting it into mechanical
energy. This mechanical energy is used to generate electricity, raise water from wells
and rivers for irrigation and other purposes. Windmills have been in use since early
times to provide power for grinding grains. It is also used for grain cutting and
shelling. In India a large number of windmills are being constructed on the sea beach
and hilly areas. (Fig. 26.3).
Fig: 26.3 Windmill
Minimum wind speed required for operating the windmill is 7 km/hour. A windmill
can draw water upto a maximum depth of 55 feet and the output is 4000-9000 litres
(of water) per hour.
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Environment and
4. Tidal Energy Health
Tidal energy is one that is produced by making the use of water movement from
a high tide to a low tide. Ocean waves and tides can be made to turn a turbine and
generate electricity. Areas where rivers flow into the sea experience waves and tides
and electricity can be generated there. It has much potential. As you know we have
a large coastline and major river systems in our country, electricity can be generated
on a large scale from waves and tides. Notes
5. Nuclear Energy
Radioactive elements like uranium and thorium disintegrate spontaneously releasing
large quantities of energy. This energy can be trapped to produce electricity. 25%
of world’s thorium reserve is found in our country, which can be utilised to generate
electricity. Most advanced countries have nuclear power stations. We too have some
in India, for example, Tarapur (Maharashtra), Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Narora
(Uttar Pradesh), Kota (Rajasthan). Approximately 3% of India’s electricity comes
from nuclear power and about 25% is expected to come by 2050.
Installation costs of nuclear power stations are very high, but maintenance costs
are relatively low. If not carefully maintained, these also have an inherent risk of
causing radioactive pollution.
6. Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen is the primary fuel for the hydrogen based fuel cells and power plants.
Power can be generated for industrial, residential and transport purposes by using
hydrogen.
7. Geothermal Energy
This is the energy derived from the heat in the interior of the earth. In volcanic
regions, springs and fountains of hot water called “geysers” are commonly found.
These eruptions of hot steaming water can be used to turn turbines and produce
electricity in geothermal power plants. In this method cold water is allowed to seep
through the fissures in the rocks till it reaches the hot rocks in the lower layers.
Water gets heated and gets converted into steam which forces out to the surface
to be used in power generation. Besides the superheated steam of hot springs can
also generate electricity. There are 46 hydrothermal areas in India where the water
temperature normally exceeds 150 degree centigrade. Electricity can be generated
from these hot springs.
8. Biogas
Another form of non-conventional energy is biogas. It is produced by the microbial
activity on cattle dung in a specially designed tank called digester. A mixture of water
and cattle dung is poured in this digester where anaerobic decomposition takes place
and biogas is generated. This gas contains 55 – 70 percent methane, which is
BIOLOGY 205
Environment and
Health inflammable and it is generally used as cooking gas and for generation of electricity.
The “waste” left in the tank after the generation of biogas is used as manures. Thus,
biogas plant provides us both the fuel and the manure. Biogas plants are becoming
very popular in rural India.
There are two types of biogas plants:
(a) Family type gas plants- These are small and are used individually by a family.
Notes
(b) Community type gas plants- These are large and are used by larger rural
populations.
9. Bio-fuel
You know it very well that fossil fuels have been the main source of energy for
transportation and industries for more than a century. Their rapid consumption has
depleted the reserves of fossil fuels. Their fast depletion and non-renewable nature
has sent an alarm to look for alternative fuel. Among the fuels, consumption of liquid
fuels is the highest. So there are attempts to identify potential plant species as sources
of liquid hydrocarbons, a substitute for liquid fossil fuels. The hydrocarbons present
in such plants can be converted into petroleum hydrocarbons. This liquid hydrocarbon
is the bio-fuel and the plants producing it are called petro-plants. The plant species,
Jatropha curcus is the most suitable one, which yields bio-diesel. The Indian Oil
Corporation is carrying out experiments for preparation of bio-diesel from various
vegetable oils extracted from rice bran, palm, karanjia, sunflower etc.
Advantages of Bio-diesel
Bio-diesel has several advantages; some of them are given below-
z It is an agriculture based fuel substitute.
z It can be made from both vegetable oil and animal fats.
z It can be used without major modifications in engines.
z It does not need separate infrastructure for storage and delivery.
z Handling bio-diesel is safer.
z Planting of Jatropha curcus will utilise wasteland in our country.
z It’s combustion emits less carbon monoxide, sulphates, unburnt hydrocarbons
and particulate matters, thus reduces air pollution.
26.10.4 Conservation of Energy Sources

We have already leant about the different types of sources of energy and how they
are useful to us. Now you think about your daily activities and the types of energy
you are using in each activity. Make a list of the sources, which produce these
206 BIOLOGY
Environment and
energies. Everyday you and your family members are using four to five sources of Health
energy. Similarly other people, industries and different establishments are using
energy everyday. The demand for energy is increasing day-by-day and exploitation
of the energy sources is on the rise. Thus, energy sources are depleting gradually.
There is an urgent need to conserve energy, else adequate energy will not be available
in future. Some methods to conserve energy are:
z Minimise exploitation of non-renewable energy resources. Notes
z Emphasis on use of renewable sources of energy.
z Stop wastage of energy.
z Creating awareness among people regarding wise and judicious use of energy.
z Make more use of bio-mass based energy.
1. Why do we consider sun as the best source of energy?

............................................................................................................................
2. What is meant by ‘radioactive pollution’?
............................................................................................................................
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy?
............................................................................................................................
4. The following table contains the different sources of energy and their uses. Put
a tick mark under the source against the appropriate use(s).
Geothermal Bio gas Bio-diesel
(i) Generation of Electricity
(ii) Fuel for Cooking
(iii) Fuel for Vehicles
5. Mention any three ways of conservation of electric energy at your home.
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
(iii) ..................................................................................................................
BIOLOGY 207
Environment and
Health
z Any natural or artificial substance, energy or organism, which is used by human

being for its welfare is called a resource. Two types of resources are, (a) Natural
resources; and (b) Artificial resources.
Notes z Natural resources are classified into (i) inexhaustible- air, water (in oceans), solar
energy etc. and (ii) exhaustible- soil, forest, fresh water, minerals, fossil fuels,
etc. Exhaustible resources may be non-renewable such as metals fossil fuels, and
renewable such as water, wood, natural pastures, forests, etc.
z Conservation is the sum total of activities, which can derive benefits from natural
resources but at the same time prevent excessive use leading to destruction or
neglect.
z Soil is the uppermost layer of earth’s crust, which supports growth of plants.
It is both a renewable and non-renewable resource.
z Water is the most important component of all life forms. It regulates climate,
generates electricity and is also useful in agriculture and industries. With increase
in population and industrial growth, water is degraded day by day. Conservation
and management of water are essential for the survival of mankind, plants and
animals
z The variety of all plants, animals and microbes of a region is termed biodiversity.
Biodiversity is essential for maintenance of ecosystem.
z Though biodiversity is important for our survival, it is under threat due to the
various human activities. So we should protect biodiversity by strategies like,
(i) In situ conservation, and (ii) Ex situ conservation.
z The endangered species are those, which have been reduced in number to a
critical level and facing a high risk of extinction in the near future.
z The plants, animals and microorganisms other than the cultivated plants and
domesticated animals constitute wildlife. Wildlife forms an important resource
for maintaining ecological balance. Conserve it by establishing biosphere
reserves, national parks and sanctuaries etc.
z Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present
generation and conserves it for the future generation.
z There are two main categories of energy sources: (i) conventional sources of
energy; and (ii) non-conventional sources of energy. Conventional sources of
energy may be (a) conventional non-renewable energy (Mostly fossil fuels
found under the ground like coal, oil and natural gas etc.); and (b) Conventional
renewable energy (firewood, cattle dung, charcoal etc.)
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z The Non-Conventional Energy includes Solar energy, Hydel energy, Wind Health
energy, Nuclear energy, Hydrogen energy, Geothermal energy, Biogas energy,
Tidal energy, Bio-fuel, etc.
z The demand for energy and exploitation of the energy sources is increasing day-
by-day. Energy sources are depleting fast. There is an urgent need to conserve
energy; else adequate energy will not be available in future.
Notes
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. Define conservation.
2. What is meant by soil erosion?
3. Define the term biodiversity.
4. State the meaning of sustainable development.
5. Mention any two methods of conservation of energy resource.
6. Why should wildlife be conserved?
7. Why is soil considered as both renewable and non-renewable resource?
8. State any three reasons for degradation of water.
9. Distinguish between in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies.
10. Describe natural gas as conventional source of energy.
11. Describe the natural and the anthropogenic causes of soil erosion.
12. Describe the various methods of conservation of soil.
13. Future generations of mankind will depend more and more on non-conventional
sources of energy. Discuss.
14. Explain any five methods of conservation of water.
15. Describe any three non-conventional sources of energy.
ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESITONS
26.1 1. (i) Plastic is an artificial resource.

(ii) Forest is an exhaustible renewable resource.
(iii) The exhaustible resources, which are not replaced after
consumption are known as non-renewable resources.
OR
The exhaustible resources, which are replaced after consumption,
are known as renewable resources
BIOLOGY 209
Environment and
Health 2. Inexhaustible Renewable Non- renewable
Air Fish Iron
Sand Forest Petroleum
Wind Pearls Gold
Clay
Notes 26.2 1. (i) To maintain ecological balance for supporting life.
(ii) To preserve different kinds of species.
2. (i) Chipko
(ii) Tulsi
(iii) Khecheopalri
26.3 1. Wind : Carries away the loose top soil
Overgrazing : Removes the protective vegetation, thus help in erosion
by wind and water
Water : Rain drops carry away the soil not covered by
vegetation.
2. Column – A Column – B
(i) Terracing (c) Practised in hilly areas
(ii) Erosion (d) To wear away
(iii) Deforestation (b) Cutting down forests
(iv) Humus (a) Decayed vegetable or animal matter
26.4 1. It is produced continuously through hydrologic cycle.
2. (i) Constructing dams and reservoirs
(ii) Rainwater harvesting
(iii) Judicious use
26.5 1. (i) C (ii) T (iii) T (iv) C (v) C (vi) T
26.6 1. It is published by IUCN that gives information on endangered plants
and animals.
2. The plants, animals and microbes other than the cultivated plants and
domesticated animals constitute the wildlife.
3. (i) Afforestation
(ii) Belladonna
(iii) Rhinoceros
26.7 1. (i) World Wildlife Fund
(ii) Convention of International Trade in Endangered species
(iii) International Union for Conservation of Natural Resources
2. (i) (d), (ii) (e) (iii) (b)(iv) (a)(v) (c)
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26.8 1. (i) B is right; because jute bags are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Health
Though science has invented the bio-degradable polythene bags,
all are not bio-degradable, hence cause pollution.
(ii) see text
26.9 1. Coal cannot be regenerated after consumption. But wood charcoal is
obtained from wood and wood can be obtained continuously from trees/
forest. Notes
2. CNG : Cooking, Transportation
PNG : Cooking
LPG : Cooking, Lightening, Transportation
3. B is right LPG causes less pollution than coal.
26.10 1. It is available free of cost and in ample quantity, everlasting. It has no
boundaries and is also free from political barriers.
2. The radioactive elements when not disposed off properly cause
disintegration in the soil and water and thus cause pollution.
3. India has sufficient Thorium to generate electricity cause pollution.
4. Geothermal Bio-gas Bio-diesel
(i) Generation of Electricity √ √ √
(ii) Fuel for Cooking √
(iii) Fuel for Vehicles √
5. (i) Judicious use of electricity
(ii) Use of florescent lamp instead of incandescent lamp
(iii) Create awareness about the proper use of electricity, or any other.
BIOLOGY 211
MODULE - 4 Pollution
Environment and
Health
27
Notes
POLLUTION
You have already learnt about the environment and its components in the earlier
lessons. You have also studied the importance of maintaining a life-supporting
environment. However, the environment has undergone many changes over the
period of time. Population explosion in recent times has resulted in a number of
environmental problems. The population of India has crossed the figure of 2 billion
and the world population is estimated to have touched the 7 billion mark. To meet
the demands of food, housing and energy, environmental resources are being
exploited at a fast pace. Over-exploitation of resources and human activities have
resulted in many environmental problems, such as deforestation, destruction of wild
life, air, water, land and noise pollution, diminishing fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural
gas), concentration of pesticides in alarming proportions in the bodies of organisms,
and depletion of ozone layer and global warming.
In this lesson, you will learn about various kinds of environmental polluton, their
causes effects and control.
OBJECTIVES
z define pollution;
z list various types of pollution and mention their sources;
z describe effects of air, water and soil pollution on flora and fauna;
z describe methods of control of air, water and soil pollution;
z describe methods of nuclear and solid waste management
z describe the causes and effects of sound pollution;
z describe the causes and effects of radiation pollution;
z discuss rates of entry and translocation of pollutants in the human body.
27.1 POLLUTION
We perform a number of daily activities such as bathing and washing of clothes with
soaps and detergents. By doing so we add some chemical residue to water and
212 BIOLOGY
Pollution MODULE - 4
Environment and
change its quality. This water may mix with the water in ponds and rivers due to Health
ignorance and carelessness. Cooking of food by using firewood may release smoke
in the air. Agricultural activities may dump fertilizers and pesticides in the
environment. The addition of unwanted substances in a concentration that has
an adverse effect on organisms and environment, is called pollution.
An undesirable change in the physical, chemical and biological characteristics

of the environment especially air, water and land that may adversely affect Notes
human population and the wild life, industrial processes, cultural assets
(building and monuments), is called pollution.
The agents that pollute the environment or cause pollution are called
pollutants.
27.2 TYPES OF POLLUTION

Depending upon the area or the part of environment affected, pollution may be of
the following types :
z Air pollution
z Water pollution
z Land pollution
z Noise pollution
27.2.1 Air pollution

We all breathe in air, we can feel, and even smell the air and say whether it is fresh
or stale. The pollution in air may not be noticed until we see smoke coming out
from some source. All human activities from cooking at home to activities in highly
mechanized industries contribute to air pollution.
27.2.1a Sources of air pollution
The sources of air pollution can he divided into two categories (i) natural, and (ii)
human-made
(i) Natural sources
(i) Ash from burning volcanoes, dust from storm, forest fires
(ii) Pollen grains from flowers in air are natural sources of pollution
(ii) Anthropogenic (human-made) sources
(i) Power stations using coal or crude oil release CO2 in air
(ii) Also furnaces using coal, cattle dung cakes, firewood, kerosene, etc.
(iii) Steam engines used in railways, steamers, motor vehicles, etc. give out
CO2.
(iv) So do Motor and internal combustion engines which run on petrol, diesel,
kerosene. etc.
BIOLOGY 213
Environment and
Health (v) Vegetable oils, kerosene, and coal as household fuels
(vi) Sewers and domestic drains emanating foul gases
(vii) Pesticide residues in air
Major air pollutants

Some major air pollutants are discussed here.
Notes z Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is one of the major gases which contributes towards air pollution.
It is mainly produced during the combustion of fuel in factories, power stations,
household etc. The increasing CO2 in the atmosphere is likely to have the following
effects:
(i) A rise in atmospheric temperature or global warming due to greenhouse
effect. Also causes climate change.
(ii) Reduced productivity of the marine ecosystem. This is due to the fact that
water in the oceans would be more acidic due to increased concentration of
CO2 in the air, which dissolves in the water.
(iii) Due to Global warming, the increased surface temperature would cause
melting of continental and mountain glaciers and thus would cause flooding
of coastal areas of some countries.
z Sulphur dioxide
It is produced by the burning of coal in powerhouses and automobiles (car,
trucks etc.). It causes chlorosis and necrosis of plants, irritation in eyes and injury
to the respiratory tract (asthma, bronchitis) in humans responsible for discoloration
and deterioration of buildings. High concentration of sulphur dioxide in the
atmosphere dissolves in rain drops to form sulphuric acid which causes acid rain.
z Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is produced as a result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
like coal, petroleum and wood charcoal. Automobiles using diesel and petroleum
are the major sources of carbon monoxide which gets added to the atmosphere.
Carbon monoxide is more dangerous than carbon dioxide. It is a poisonous gas
which causes respiratory problems. When it reaches the blood stream, it replaces
oxygen due to its high affinity for haemoglobin. It also causes giddiness, headache
and interferes with normal function of the heart.
z Fluorides
Upon heating„ rocks, soils and minerals that contain fluorides, give out hydrogen
fluoride gas. This is an extremely toxic gas, which causes serious injury to livestock
and cattle.
z Oxides of nitrogen
A few oxides of nitrogen, such as nitric oxide (NO), nitrous oxide (N2O) and
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are produced by natural processes as well as from thermal
214 BIOLOGY
Environment and
power stations, factories, automobiles and aircrafts (due to burning of coal and Health
petroleum). They reduce the oxygen carrying capacity of blood, may cause eye
irritation and skin cancer in human beings.
Smog
Smog is a mixture of smoke, dust particles and small drops of fog. Smog may
cause necrosis and develop a white coating on the leaves (silvering) of plants. In
human beings and animals, it may cause asthma and allergies. Notes
Aerosol spray propellants

Suspended fine particles in the air are known as aerosols. Aerosols contain
chlorofluoro carbons (CFCs) and fluorocarbons used in refrigerants and aerosol
cans. They cause depletion of the ozone layer.
Domestic air pollutants

Smoke from cigarettes, biri, cigar and other such objects using burning tobacco,
burning of coal, firewood, cow dung cakes, kerosene oil and liquefied gases are
major domestic pollutants. The common pollutant gases emitted during the domestic
burning of coal, kerosene oil, firewood, cow dung cakes, etc. are carbon monoxide
(CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), etc. The pollution due to these
pollutants causes suffocation, eye and lung diseases and low visibility.
27.2.1b Effects of air pollution

Major effects of air pollution on human health, plants and other animals is given
in table 27.1.
Table 27.1: Some major air pollutants, their sources and effects
Pollutant Source Harmful effect
Carbon compounds Automobile z Respiratory problems

(CO and CO2) exhausts z Green house effect global
burning of warning and climate change
wood and coal
Sulphur power plants z Respiratory problems in humans

compounds and refineries z loss of chlorophyll in plants (chlorosis)
(SO2 and H2S) Volcanic z Acid rain
eruptions
Nitrogen Compound Motor vehicle z Irritation in eyes and lungs

(NO and N2O) exhaust, z Low productivity in plants
atmospheric z Acid rain damages material (metals
reaction and stone)
Hydrocarbons Automobiles z Respiratory problem

(benzene, ethylene) and petroleum z Cancer causing properties
industries
BIOLOGY 215
Environment and
Health SPM (Suspended Thermal power z Poor visibility, breathing problems
Particulate matter) plants. z Lead interferes with the development
(Any Solid or liquid construction of red blood cells and causes lung
particles suspended activities, diseases and cancer
in the air, (fly ash, metallurgical z Smog (smoke+fog) formation leads to
dust, lead) processes and poor visibility and aggravates asthma
automobiles in patients
Notes Fibres Textile and z Lung disorders
(Cotton, wool) carpet weaving
industries
Ozone Shield Destruction
Green house effect and Global warming
Acid Deposition
Photocheminal sinog
Chlorofluorocarbons
Carbon Monoxide
Sulphur Dioxide
Nitrogen oxides
Carbon dioxide
Hydrocarbons
Methane
Halons
[Nox] [HC] [CO] [SO2] [CO2] [CH4] [CFC5] [CxFxBrx]
Automobile Automobile Automobile Automobile Automobile

Fossil fuel
burring Fire extinguisher
Plastic foam
Farms
Pesticides
Deforestation
Deforestation Fossil fuel burning Refrigeration
Paints solvents
Fig. 27.1 Major effects of air pollution
216 BIOLOGY
Environment and
27.2.1c Prevention and control of air pollution Health
There are two types of air pollutants—gaseous and particulate.
Methods of controlling gaseous air pollutants

(i) Combustion. This technique is used for controlling those air pollutants that
are in the form of organic gases or vapours. In this technique, the organic air
pollutants are subjected to flame combustion technique (also known as catalytic
Notes
combustion). In this technique, organic pollutants are converted into less
harmful products and water vapour.
(ii) Absorption. Absorption is a process in which a substance penetrates into
another substance like scrubbers. In this technique, gaseous pollutants are
passed through absorbing material like scrubbers. These scrubbers contain a
liquid absorbent. This liquid absorbent removes the pollutants present in
gaseous effluents. Thus the air coming into scrubber is free from pollutants and
it is discharged into atmosphere.
(iii) Adsorption. Adsorption is a process in which a substance sticks to the surface
of another substance (called absorbent). In this technique, gaseous effluents are
passed through porous solid absorbent kept in containers. The gaseous
pollutants stick to the surface of the porous material and clean air passes
through. The organic and inorganic constituents of gaseous effluents are
trapped at the interface of solid adsorbent by physical adsorbent.
Methods to control particulate air pollutants

The particulate air pollutants such as dust, soot, fly ash etc. can be controlled by
using fabric filters, electrostatic precipitators, wet scrubbers and mechanical devices
etc.
(i) Fabric filters. In this technique, gaseous emission containing dust, soot and
fly ash is passed through porous fabric filters made of fabric (cloth) (woven
or filled fabric). The particles of pollutants get trapped in this fabric and are
collected in the filter and the gases free from the pollutant particles are
discharged.
(ii) Mechanical devices. There are many mechanical devices that clean the air of
pollutants either due to (i) gravity in which the particles settle down by
gravitational force; or by (ii) sudden change in the direction of gas flow in which
particles separate out due to greater momentum.
(iii) Electrostatic precipitators. In this technique, a gas or air stream containing

aerosols in the form of dust, mist or fumes, is passed between the two electrodes
of the electrostatic precipitator. During this process, the aerosol particles get
precipitated on the electrodes.
BIOLOGY 217
Environment and
Health 27.2.1d Prevention and control of air pollution
(i) At domestic level, burning of wood and dung cakes can be replaced by use
of cleaner fuel and biogas (formed by the decomposition of animal and plant
wastes in a biogas plant).
(ii) Automobile pollution can be reduced by :
z pooling of transport or use of public transport.
Notes
z use of unleaded petrol and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas).
z regular tuning and servicing of the engines, and
z switching off the engine at red lights or when not in use.
(iii) Following measures can reduce industrial pollution:
z installation of tall chimneys,
z installation of devices that do not allow pollutants to be released in the
environment, such as filters, electrostatic precipitators, scrubbers etc.,

1. Define pollution.
............................................................................................................................
2. Name four types of pollution.
............................................................................................................................
3. Name one effect on plants and one on human caused by excess SO2 in the air.
............................................................................................................................
27.2.2 Water pollution

Addition of undesirable substances in water is called water pollution. Water
pollution could be due to natural or human activities.
Natural sources of water pollution are soil erosion, leaking of minerals from rocks,
and decaying of organic matter, while human-made sources include domestic,
agricultural and industrial activities. Many water sources have become a dumping ground
for wastes. Water pollution is one of the main causes of human diseases in India.
Any physical, biological or chemical change in water quality that adversely

affects living organisms or makes water unsuitable for desired use is called
water pollution.
27.2.2a Sources of water pollution
There are two sources of water pollution on the basis of origin of pollutants:
(i) point sources. and (ii) non-point sources.
218 BIOLOGY
Environment and
(i) Point sources. Those sources which discharge water pollutants directly into Health
the water are known as point sources of water pollution. Oil wells situated near
water bodies, factories. power plants, underground coal mines, etc. are point
sources of water pollution.
(ii) Non-point sources. Those sources which do not have any specific location for
discharging pollutants, in the water body are known as non-point sources of
water pollution. Run-offs from agricultural fields, lawns, gardens, construction
Notes
sites, roads and streets are some non-point sources of water pollution.
Water pollutants
River, lake and sea water may be polluted in many ways.
z Domestic sewage discharged into rivers from areas located on its banks
z Industrial wastes effluents from urban areas containing high concentration of
oil, heavy metals and detergents
z Minerals, organic wastes and crop dusting from agricultural fields with
phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers that reach lakes, rivers and sea (water becomes
deoxygenated and poisonous, thus, cannot support aquatic life)
z Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and plant remains
z Industrial waste water containing several chemical pollutants, such as calcium,
magnesium, chlorides, sulphide, carbonates, nitrates, nitrites, heavy metals and
radioactive waste from nuclear reactor.
z Excretory wastes of humans and animals in water bodies
z Disposal of urban and industrial waste matter into water bodies
Sdeiments
Acid water
Crop dusting
from mine
Industrial wastes
Barn yard
wastes
Fertilizer runoff
Nuclear reactor
Sewage
treatment plant
Oil pollution
Fig. 27.2 Water pollution due to human activities.

BIOLOGY 219
Environment and
Health 27.2.2b Effects of water pollution
z Water pollution adversely affects the fish and other aquatic life.
z The presence of acids/alkalis in water destroys micro-organisms, thereby
disturbing the self purification process in rivers.
z The toxic materials in water cause serious health hazards in human beings and
Notes other animals.
z Polluted water causes spread of epidemics, such as cholera, tuberculosis,
jaundice, dysentery, typhoid and diarrhoea in human beings.
z The use of polluted water from lakes, ponds and rivers for irrigation of
agricultural fields, damages crops severely and decreases agricultural
production.
z The use of water contaminated with salts increases alkalinity of the soil.
z Heavily polluted water affects the soil, decreases its fertility and kills soil
micro-organisms and even certain useful bacteria.
z Contamination of sea water due to oil slicks caused by the leakage of crude
oil from oil tankers causes ecological disasters which results in the death of
sea organisms including fishes.
The sources and effects of certain water pollutants have been given in the following
table 27.2
Table 27.2: Some major disturbances in the ecosystem due to
water pollution
Pollutant Sources Cause Effect
Nitrates, Agricultural Plant nutrients Eutrophication
phosphates, fertilizers, sewage,
ammonium salts manure
Animal manure Sewage, paper mills, Oxygen Death of aquatic
and plant residues food processing deficiency animals
wastes
Heat Power plants and Thermal Death of fish
industrial cooling discharge
Oil slick Leakage from oil Petroleum Death of marine life
ships due to non availability
of oxygen dissolved in
water
Fertilizers and pesticides are widely used in agriculture. Their excessive use for
increasing agricultural yield has led to the phenomenon of eutrophication and
biomagnification.
220 BIOLOGY
Environment and
Eutrophication Health
With the use of high yielding varieties of crops, the use of fertilizers and
pesticides has increased a lot. Excess fertilizers may mix with surface water and
may get drained into water bodies (surface runoff). The enrichment of water with
nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates that triggers the growth of green algae
is called eutrophication. (Fig. 27.3) This fast growth of algae followed by
decomposition depletes the water body of its dissolved oxygen. As a result
Notes
aquatic animals die of oxygen shortage.
Sewage and/or fertilizer run off from fields
↓
Enriched nutrient content in lakes (Eutrophication)
↓
Algae multiply to produce an ‘algal bloom’
↓
Algae use up oxygen and begin to die
↓
Decomposers (bacteria) multiply and use more oxygen
↓
Organisms (such as fish) die due to lack of oxygen
2. Allow microscopic plants to
reproduce and grow rapidly
1. Excess nitrate
and phosphate
Oxygen
Oxygen
4. So the microscopic plant die and

3. But there are not enough are broken down by bacteria, which
microscopic animals to eat the surplus use up oxygen.
plant
Fig 27.3 Sequence of events that may occur as a result of eutrophication
Biomagnification
Non-biodegradable pesticides, such as DDT are widely used for crop protection.
Once they enter the food chain, their concentration keeps on increasing with
each trophic level (steps of a food chain). As a result, accumulation of these
compounds takes place in the body of top consumers over a period of time.
Entry of harmful non-biodegradable chemicals in small concentrations and their
accumulation in greater concentrations in the various levels of food chain is
called biomagnification.
BIOLOGY 221
Environment and
Health Consider the following food chain. Is there any difference in the concentration
of DDT in water and that in the body of the Pelican bird?
Water → Algae → Fish → Pelican bird (top consumer)
0.2 ppm 77 ppm 500-600 ppm 1700 ppm
(ppm = parts per million)
DDT used in small quantities to kill mosquitoes can enter the food chain and
Notes may get concentrated in large concentration due to its non-biodegradable nature
in the body of birds (top) consumer. This causes adverse effects, such as weak
egg shells, resulting in decreased population. (Fig. 27.4).
The insecticide makes only Each microscopic Each Small fish Each large The grebe eats
a weak solution in the animal eats many eats many micro- fish eats several large fish
water, but the microscopic microscopic plants scopic animals several small
plants take up the DDT fish
Fig. 27.4 How pesticides affect food chain
Table 27.3 and 27.4 show respectively the industrial sources of water pollution and
sources and effects of some water pollutants.
Table 27.3 Sources of industrial pollution
Type of Industry Inorganic pollutants Organic pollutant
Mining Chlorides, various metals, ferrous
sulphate, sulphuric acid, hydrogen
sulphide, ferric hydroxide surface
wash offs, suspended solid, chlorides
and heavy metals
Iron and Steel Suspended solids, iron cyanides, Oil, phenol and
thiocyanate, sulphides, oxides naphtha.
of copper, chromium., cadmium
and mercury.
Chemical Plants Various acids and alkalies, chlorides, Aromatic
sulphates, nitrates of metals, compounds
phosphorus, fluorine, silica and
suspended particles
Pharmaceuticals Protein, carbohydrates,
organic solvents intermediate
products, drugs and
antibiotics.
222 BIOLOGY
Environment and
Soap and Detergents Tertiary ammonium compound alkalies. Fats and fatty Health
acids, glycerol,
phosphates,
polysulphonated
hydrocarbons.
Food processing Highly putrescible
(easily rots) organic
matter and pathogens. Notes
Paper and Pulp Sulphides and bleaching liquors Cellulose fibre,
bark, wood sugars
organic acids,
Table 27.4 Some water pollutants, their sources and effect on

human health
Pollutant Source Diseases in humans
Lead Industrial waste Nervous disorders,
Kidney failure.
blood poisoning
Tin Industrial dust Affects central nervous system (CNS)
Affects, vision
Mercury Industrial discharge Affects central nervous system and
peripheral nervous system,
kidney failure,
Numbness of lips, muscles and limbs,
Blurred vision
Arsenic Industrial discharge Respiratory and skin cancer.
Nervous disorder
Nickel Aerosols, industrial dust Pulmonary disorders, dermatitis
Cadmium Industrial discharge Kidney disorders,
Pulmonary and skeletal diseases
Uranium, thorium Radioactive waste Leucoderma, skin cancer
cesium
27.2.2c Prevention and control of water pollution

Water pollution can be controlled by
z Treating industrial effluents before discharging into rivers, separate channels
for river and sewage water
z Avoid contamination of rivers, lakes and ponds by washing clothes, bathing.
etc.
z Not throwing waste, food materials, paper, biodegradable vegetables and
plastic into open drains.
z Setting up sewage water treatment plants
z Use of septic tanks in houses to avoid direct outlet of faecal matter and other
wastes
z Effluents from distilleries and solid waste containing organic matter diverted to
biogas plants to generate energy
BIOLOGY 223
Environment and
Health z Maintenance or safety standards for the effluents discharged into the water
system
27.2.2d Treatment of sewage

The sewage can be treated by a modern technique involving three steps— primary
treatment, secondary treatment and tertiary treatment.
In primary treatment sewage is passed through a grinding mechanism. This is then
Notes
passed through several settling chambers and lime is added to neutralise it. The
neutralised sewage still contains a large number of pathogenic and non-pathogenic
organisms and sufficient amount of organic matter.
In the secondary treatment, these neutralised effluents are passed through a reactor
called UASB (Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket). In this reactor, the anaerobic
bacteria degrades the biodegradable material into neutralised effluents. In this
process, the foul odour and methane are released and the sewage is converted into
clean water. This water is sent to aeration tanks where air and bacteria are added
to it. This process is called biological or secondary treatment.
(a) Primary (b) Secondary

Primary
Grit chamber sedimentation tank Acration tank Sludge setting tank
Grate
Air pump
Sludge return
Sludge line
Sludge is incinerated
composted,
or used as
soil munendment Sludge drying bed
Chlorination
Trickling bed tank
evaporation
Lagoon or
(c) Tertiary marsh
Fig. 27.5 Treatment of sewage
The water obtained as a result of secondary treatment is still unfit for drinking and
needs further purification. This is done by tertiary treatment. In this treatment,
which is a disinfecting process, final traces of disinfecting bacteria and any dissolved
224 BIOLOGY
Environment and
organic solids arc removed. Then, the chlorination, evaporation and exchange Health
absorption methods arc employed to obtain clean water.

1. Give two examples of natural sources of water pollution.
Notes
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
2. What is biomagnification?
............................................................................................................................
3. Give the technical term for enrichment of water bodies with nutrients coming
from fields.
............................................................................................................................
4. Give one source of and one disease caused by from the following pollutants
(i) lead ............................................................................................................
(ii) Tin .............................................................................................................
(iii) Nickel ........................................................................................................
27.2.3 Soil Pollution

Addition of substances that change the quality of soil by making it less fertile and
unable to support life is called soil pollution.
27.2.3a Sources of soil pollution
Soil pollution is caused due to :
z Domestic sources : plastic bags, kitchen waste, glass bottles, and paper
z Industrial sources : chemical residue, fly ash, metallic waste, and
z Agricultural residues : fertilizers and pesticides.
Harmful effects of soil pollution

z Decrease in irrigated land thereby reduction in agricultural production.
z Decrease in soil productivity.

z Carry over of pollutants into the food chain.
z Damage to landscape
27.2.3b Control of Soil Pollution

z Judicious use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
z Proper and appropriate irrigation practices

z Conversion of farm wastes into compost and much use of bio fertilizers and
manure in farming.
BIOLOGY 225
Environment and
Health z Ensure use of pollution free or treated waste water only for irrigation.
z Recycling of waste material for example plastic, metal and glass are recyclable
and incineration of non recyclable, wastes.
27.2.3c Soil Erosion
The process of detaching and removal of loosened soil particles by water
(running water, ground water, rain, sea waves) and wind is known as soil
Notes erosion. Soil may be eroded by water and wind, each contributing towards a
significant amount of soil loss every year in our country.
Types of soil erosion
Wind erosion
Erosion of large quantity of fine soil particles and sand from deserts by wind is
known as wind erosion. It is spread over the cultivated land and thus, destroys
fertility of that land.
Sheet erosion
When water moves over the land surface as a sheet, it takes away the topmost thin
layer of soil. This phenomenon occurs uniformly on the slopes of hilly areas,
riverbeds and areas affected by floods. This type of erosion is known as sheet
erosion.
Gully erosion
When water moves down the slope as a channel, it scoops out the soil and forms
gullies which gradually multiply and spread over a large area. This type of soil
erosion is known as gully erosion.
Effects of soil erosion
Soil erosion may have several adverse effects such as,
z The top layer of productive land may be washed away.
z Roads, fences, bridges, trees and houses may get damaged.
z Fine soil may be transported far away.
z Crops and pasture lands may be destroyed either by being washed out or by
getting covered with mud.
z Flooded fields may take a long time to recover and fertilizers may also be washed
out leading to reduction in agricultural yield.
z Organic matter of the soil, residues or any applied manure, is relatively light-
weight and can be readily washed off the field. Crop emergence, growth and
yield are directly affected by the loss of natural nutrients and fertilizers in the
soil. Seeds and plants can get disturbed or completely removed from the eroded
soil.
z Soil erosion changes the composition of soil leaving infertile rock behind. Soil
quality, structure. stability and texture may also be affected.
226 BIOLOGY
Environment and
z The breakdown of aggregates and the removal of smaller particles or entire Health
layers of soil or organic matter can weaken the structure and even change the
texture. Textural changes can in turn affect the water-holding capacity of the
soil making it more susceptible to extreme conditions, such as drought.
z Sediment which reaches streams or water-courses due to soil erosion clog
drainage and stream channels, deposit silt in reservoirs and reduce quality
downstream water. Notes
Causes of Soil Erosion
(i) Natural Sources
Water Erosion: During rainfall, drops of rain can break down soil aggregates and
disperse them. The loosened soil particles are transported with the runoff water.
If vegetation is depleted by drought, raindrops are free to hit the soil, causing erosion
during rainfall.
Wind Erosion: Wind can move large amounts of soil. Wind erosion is a serious
means of soil erosion. Blowing soil not only leaves a degraded area behind but can
also bury and kill vegetation where it settles. Winds blow away the fine particles
of soil during drought.
(ii) Anthropogenic (Produced by humans)
z Extensive cutting down of forests and trees exposes the ground surface to the
direct impact of rain and wind. For example, in the absence of proper vegetation
cover there is no interception of rainfall and the falling rain strikes the soil surface
directly resulting in the throwing up of loose soil particles in the air which are
washed away by rainwater.
z Construction work, mining, digging canals and ditches change the structure of
soil. This accelerates soil erosion due to high-speed winds as well as rainwater.
z While making roads. soil is cut and massive digging of earth takes place. This
leads to soil erosion by water or wind.
z Excessive use of plough, machines, fertilizers and irrigation may damage the
land.
z In many areas, trees and grasses are depleted because of overgrazing by animals.
This makes the soil susceptible to erosion.
Prevention of soil erosion

Some methods to control soil erosion are discussed below.
z The roots of the trees hold soil material together. Therefore, we should protect
our forests and trees from being cut down. Afforestation means planting trees
in place of cut-down forest trees. Planting of trees along river-side, waste lands
and mountaineous slopes reduces excessive erosion of soil that takes place in
these regions. It is also effective in controlling wind erosion.
BIOLOGY 227
Environment and
Health z Grazing by domesticated animals in a planned way reduces soil erosion by
protecting vegetation cover specially on the hill slopes which are more prone
to soil erosion.
zProtected channels for water movement must be provided to stop soil erosion.
1f the waterways are properly maintained the speed of water gets reduced and
soil erosion decreases. Dam should be constructed on rivers to control flooding
and consequently soil erosion. This can also be done by diverting water to dry
Notes
areas through canals, in a planned way.
z Obstructions known as bunds should be constructed in lands affected by gully
erosion.
z Terracing is a method of farming to conserve the thin soil layer on the mountain
slopes. This helps in controlling soil erosion and using water resources of these
areas more economically and effectively for growing crops on these terraces.
z Ploughing and tilling of land along the contour levels in order to cause furrows
to run across the land slopes is known as the contour ploughing. This method
is most suited to areas that have a rolling landscape.
z Windbreaks which means planting trees to protect bare soil from the full force
of wind also help in preventing soil erosion by wind. Windbreaks reduce the
velocity of wind thereby decreasing the amount of soil that it can carry away.

1. What is soil erosion?
............................................................................................................................
2. Name the various types of soil erosion.
............................................................................................................................
3. Name any two natural factors responsible for soil erosion.
............................................................................................................................
4. How does terracing prevent soil erosion?
............................................................................................................................
Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste material

The waste generated from various sources can be categorized into two types:
(i) Biodegradable waste includes substances that can be degraded by
microbes into harmless and non-toxic substances. Sewage, kitchen waste,
agricultural and animal wastes like leaves, twigs. hay, dung, etc. are
biodegradable waste.
(ii) Non-biodegradable waste cannot he easily degraded. Aluminium cans,
plastics, glass, DDT, etc, are examples of non-biodegradable wastes.
Radioactive wastes produced during nuclear reactions take a long time to
decay and are harmful to human beings.
228 BIOLOGY
Environment and
If a waste material is processed by some means and converted to a product, Health
we call the process recycling. Recycling helps in efficient management of wastes
and also reduces the load on natural resources.
Use of cow dung for the production of biogas is a good example of recycling
of waste for the production of energy.
27.2.4 Noise pollution

Notes
Noise can be simply defined as “unwanted sound’’. It is generally higher in urban
and industrial areas than in rural areas. Workers using heavy machinery are exposed
to high noise levels for long period of work hours every day. Intensity of sound
is measured in a unit called decibel or dB. The lowest intensity of sound that human
ear can hear is 20 dB.
27.2.4a Sources of noise pollution
The major sources of noise pollution are :
z Use of loud speakers, loud music system and television at public places
z Means of transport i.e. automobiles, railways, aircrafts, etc.
z Heavy machines in industries fireworks
Plane
Rocket thunder
Home
Machine
Street talk
Car
Whisper
Quit office
Decibels loudness
Zero
Fig. 27.6 Sources of noise pollution

BIOLOGY 229
Environment and
Health 27.2.4b Effects of noise pollution
z Inability to sleep, slow recovery from sickness.
z Irritability and interference in communication.
z Temporary loss of hearing, earache, sometimes even leading to permanent
deafness.
z Inability to concentrate, headache.
Notes z Ringing of ears (a feeling, sound coming from within the ear in a very quiet
environment).
z Increased blood pressure, irregular heart beat.
27.2.4c Prevention and control of noise pollution

Following steps can be taken to control or minimize noise pollution :
z Control the noise emanating from your radio and television.
z Use automobile horn only in case of emergency.
z Do not burn fire crackers as they are noisy and also cause air pollution.
z Get all machinery and engines properly tuned and serviced at regular intervals
and by the use of silencers.
z Use of sound proof cabins and sound-absorbing materials in the walls.
z A green belt of vegetation is an efficient absorber of noise.
z Not playing loudspeakers during odd hours. It is legally banned and should be
reported to the police immediately.
27.3 GREENHOUSE EFFECT AND GLOBAL WARMING
In the earlier classes, you have studied about greenhouse effect and global warming.
Greenhouse is an enclosure usually made of glass in which temperature inside is
higher than outside. An increase in the percentage of greenhouse gases which prevent
the escape of heat from earth, would increase the average temperature on earth
worldwide known as greenhouse effect.
Solar radiation reflected

by earth
Green house Absorbed radiation

gases re-emitted by
green house gases
Trapped
solar radiation Glocal warming
Fig. 27.7 (a) Green house effect

230 BIOLOGY
Environment and
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere behave much like the glass panes in a Health
greenhouse. They allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere of earth. When the sunlight
enters the surface of the earth, sun’s energy is absorbed by land, water and biosphere.
Some of this energy is reflected back to the atmosphere by earth. Some of this energy
passes back into the space. However, most of the energy remains trapped in the
atmosphere by the greenhouse gases causing global warming on earth.
27.3.1a Causes of global warming Notes

Carbon dioxide (CO2), Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Methane (CH4) and Nitrous
oxides (N2O) are the main greenhouse gases that cause global warming. An increase
in the concentration of these greenhouse gases leads to an increased trapping of
long wave radiations resulting in an increase in earth’s temperature causing global
warming.
Sun
n
he Su
nergy for t
Radiant e
A propo
rti
absorbed on of the long
by the a wa
t h e tmosphe ves is
a t e re
netr
le ngths pe
wave
Short here
p
atoms
Warm
su rface r
adiates
energy
back
Earth's surface absorbs energy ... and
warms up
Fig. 27.7 (b) Global warming

There are various sources which add these greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
z Human activities such as burning of fossil fuels in homes, industries and
automobiles, biomass burning in agricultural practices etc. add large amount of
carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
z Marshes, paddy field, cattle sheds and biogas plants add methane to the
atmosphere.
BIOLOGY 231
Environment and
Health z Refrigerators, air conditioners etc emit CFCs to the atmosphere.
z Nitrogen oxides are added to the atmosphere by organic matter and fertilizers
by denitrifying bacteria as well as automobiles.
27.3.1b Effects of global warming
z An increase in the atmospheric temperature will cause sea level to rise by 1 to
Notes 2 mm per year.
z Temperature near ocean surface would Increase and cause glaciers and polar
ice sheets to melt faster. This would flood the low lying coastal areas and a
number of islands.
z Global warming will produce severe heat waves during summers causing heat
related illness and death.
z Due to increase in surface temperature, the parasites and pests will get adequate
temperature to survive leading to an increase in their numbers. This will reduce
the crop production and there will be more incidences of plant, animal and human
diseases.
z Due to increased temperature of earth’s atmosphere, the precipitation of water
will increase. This will decrease the soil moisture content and lead to frequent
downpours also.
27.3.1c Prevention and control of global warming

We can prevent global warming by reducing the production of greenhouse gases.
This can be done by
z using energy efficient devices in automobiles and appliances other than fossil
fuels.
z minimizing the use of fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel etc and opt for better
alternatives like solar energy and other renewable sources of energy.
z reusing home wastes, newsprints, cardboards, glass and metals. By doing so we
can reduce the CO2 emission by 850 pounds annually.
z planting more and more trees. By planting more and more trees we can reduce
the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Because plants act as CO2 sink as they
take up CO2 for photosynthesis.
27.3.2 The ozone hole : depletion of the ozone layer

The ozone layer present in the earth’s atmosphere prevents the entry of sun’s harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiations reaching the Earth’s surface. Industrial use of chemicals
called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in refrigeration, air conditioning, cleaning
solvents, fire extinguishers and aerosols (spray cans of perfumes, insecticides,
medicines, etc.) damage the ozone layer. The ozone hole is formed as follows :
Chlorine contained in the CFCs on reaching the ozone (O2) layer splits the ozone
molecule to form oxygen (O2) Amount of ozone, thus, gets reduced and cannot
prevent the entry of UV radiations. There has been a reduction by 30-40% in the
thickness of the ozone umbrella or shield over the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
232 BIOLOGY
Environment and
Health
UV radiation
1. Ozone layer blocks UV radiation

Notes
Ozone Oxygen
2. Chlorine from CFC reacts with ozone to form Oxygenand chlorine monoxide
Fig. 27.8 Depletion of the ozone

27.3.2a Effects of depletion of ozone layer
z Sunburn, fast ageing of skin, cancer of skin, cataract (opaqueness of eye lens
leading to loss of vision), cancer of the retina (sensitive layer of the eye on which
image is formed)
z Genetic disorders
z Reduced productivity in the sea and the forests
27.3.2b Prevention of ozone layer depletion

Damage to the ozone layer can be prevented by :
z Reduced consumption of CFCs by adopting alternative technologies (substituting
air conditioning gases by non-CFCs).
z Discouraging the use of spray cans containing aerosol.
27.3.3 Acid rain

Acid rain occurs when Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) are
emitted into the atmosphere, undergo chemical transformations and are absorbed
by water droplets in clouds. This causes the formation of sulphuric and nitric acids
in rain clouds. The droplets then fall to earth as rain, snow or mist. If rain falls
through polluted air it picks up more of these gases and increases its acidity. This
is called acid rain. This can increase the acidity of the soil, and affect the chemical
BIOLOGY 233
Environment and
Health balance of lakes and streams. Thus, acid rain is defined as any type of precipitation
with a pH that is unusually low. A pH of less than about 5 is used as a definition
of acid rain. Acid rain is a serious environmental problem that affects large parts
of the world.
What is pH?
Acid rain is measured using a scale called pH. Because acids release hydrogen
Notes
ions, the acid content of a solution is based on the
concentration of hydrogen ions and is expressed as “pH.”
This scale is used to measure the acidity of rain samples.
z 0 = maximum acidity
z 7 = neutral point in the middle of the scale
z 14 = maximum alkalinity (the opposite of acidity)
The smaller the number on the pH scale, the more acidic
the substance is. Rain measuring between 0 and 5 on the
pH scale is acidic and therefore called acid rain. Clean rain
usually has a pH of 5.6. It is slightly acidic because of
carbon dioxide which is naturally present in the atmosphere.
On the other hand, vinegar is very acidic and has a pH
of 3.
27.3.3a Sources of acid rain
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is generally a byproduct of industrial processes and burning
of fossil fuels. Ore smelting, coal-fired power generators and natural gas processing
are the main contributors to sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere.
The main source of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions is the combustion of fuels
in motor vehicles, residential and commercial furnaces, industrial and electrical-
utility boilers and engines, and other equipments.
27.3.3b Effects of acid rain
It causes acidification of lakes and streams and contributes to the damage of trees
trees any many sensitive forest soils. In addition, acid rain accelerates the decay of
building materials and paints, including heritage buildings, statues, and sculptures
that are part of our nation’s cultural heritage. Prior to falling to the earth, suphur
dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases and their particulate matter
derivatives— sulphates and nitrates- contribute to visibility degradation and harm
public health.
Some major effects of acid rain on vegetation, buildings and human health are given
here.
Effect on surface waters and aquatic animals
Lower pH in surface water that occurs as a result of acid rain can cause damage
to fish and other aquatic animals. Acidity releases aluminium into the water. This
234 BIOLOGY
Environment and
builds up as a layer of aluminium hydroxide in the gills of fishes. At pH lower than Health
5 most fish eggs do not hatch and lower pH can kill adult fish. As lakes become
more acidic biodiversity is reduced.
Damage to plants
Acid rain is highly injurious to plants. Acid Rain depletes minerals from the soil and
then it stunts the growth of the plant. It causes death of young shoots, leaves turn
yellow and fall off. The fine root structure is damaged and the whole plant eventually Notes
dies. Acid rain can slow the growth of forests, cause leaves and needles to turn brown
and fall off and die. In extreme cases trees or whole areas of the forest can die.
Effect on human health
The human beings may also be affected due to acid rain. Fine particles, formed from
the same gases disolve in water and form as acid rain (sulphur dioxide and nitrogen
dioxide) may cause illness in humans.
Damage to soil
Acid rain may make the soil more acidic. It may cause mineral nutrients to be washed
away. It can release toxic chemicals such as aluminium and mercury into the soil.
Thus, acid rain could make soil less fertile. The microbes which are unable to tolerate
low pHs may be killed due to acid rain. This is because the enzymes of these microbes
may be denatured by the acid.
Other adverse effects
Acid rain can also cause damage to certain building materials and historical
monuments. Acid rain can cause erosion of ancient monuments. This is because the
Sulphuric acid in the rain chemically reacts with the calcium in the stones (limestone,
sandstone, marble and granite) to create gypsum. Which then flakes off’. Acid rain
also causes an increased rate of oxidation for iron affecting iron furnitures, grills,
doors, windows and other materials etc. Acid rain can also reduce visibility due to
presence of sulphate and nitrate in the atmosphere due to acid rain.
Sulphur dioxide Sulphuric acid

Nitrogen Oxides Nirtic acid
Flue gas
emissions Acid rain
Ozone
Solid deposition
Vehicle exhausts
Nitrogen oxides
Acids dissolve Trees damaged

aluminium in soil Aluminium salts by acids and
and acids kill fish ozone
Fig. 27.9 Sources and effects of acid rain.

BIOLOGY 235
Environment and
Health 27.3.3c Prevention of acid rain
z There are several ways by which sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions
can be reduced.
z Coal can be crushed and washed before burning.
z Oil can be treated to remove sulphur.
z Cleaning systems can be fitted into chimneys to remove sulphur dioxide before
Notes it can be released into the atmosphere.
z Improved furnaces can be built which burn fuel more effectively and produce
less pollution.
z Vehicle exhausts can be fitted in vehicles, which remove pollutants from engine
emissions.
INTEXT QUESITONS 27.4

1. Name any two biodegradable pollutants.
............................................................................................................................
2. Mention two source of noise pollution.
............................................................................................................................
3. Name any two green house gases.
............................................................................................................................
4. What is acid rain?
............................................................................................................................
27.3.4 Radiation–an environmental pollutant
Radiation is one of the chief forms of energy consisting of high energy particles.
Radiation could be natural (solar and cosmic) or and human (nuclear). Radiation
has also become a major factor causing environmental pollution.
Radiation may have both short term or long term effects. They can further be divided
functionally into :
z Ionising and
z Non Ionising (Table 27.5) radiations
Table 27.5: Ionizing and Non Ionising Radiations
Type Ionizing Non ionizing
Examples Alpha, Beta, Gamma and X-Ray Ultraviolet radiation
Properties Short wave lengths, high energy. Higher wave lengths, low energy
Effects Causes ionisation in cells Damage through toxic
photo products
Harmful Effects z Deep penetrating power z Only superficial tissues
effects both external & are damaged
internal organs
236 BIOLOGY
Environment and
z Breakage of chromosomes z Kills micro-organism and Health
egg of fish & amphibians
z Gene mutation and
genetic variations
z Cancer of bone marrow z Prevents synthesis of
(Leukaemia) DNA and RNA,
Cell division
z Loss hair
z Male sterility z Skin cancer in humans Notes
Inhabitants of Hiroshima (Japan) exposed to nuclear fallout had no children

for a long time or had deformed infertile offsprings.
Effect of exposure to ionizing radiations on living organism
Time of exposure Effect of exposure
millisecond → energy absorption
↓ ↓
few seconds → molecular changes
↓ ↓
minutes → metabolic changes genetic changes
↓ ↓ ↓
hours → cell damage mutations
↓ ↓ ↓
hours to years → cell death abnormal growth
↓
death of the organism ←
Nuclear Radiation and its harmful effect
Radiations emitted by nuclear substances or wastes (fallout) or from atomic power
plant or an atomic explosion cause nuclear radiation. Nuclear wastes continue to
emit radiation for a very long period.
Radioactive Iodine (131I) and Strontium (90Sr) are two nuclear wastes from an
atomic explosion and may cause cancer of thyroid and cancer of bone narrow/
respectively. By entering food chain they also get accumulated in high concentration
in the body of the top consumer causing harmful effect on the health of both humans
and animals.
Nuclear power plants
Nuclear power plants help in generating electrical energy by utilising heat generated
by nuclear reactions. India has some of its nuclear power plants at Narora in U.P.,
Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, and Kota in Rajasthan etc.
Disposal of nuclear wastes

It is essential to dispose nuclear wastes carefully as it remains radioactive (emits
radiation) for a very long time. Waste is normally packed in sealed lead containers
BIOLOGY 237
Environment and
Health as lead absorbs all radiation. These containers are then dumped in deep pits or in
high seas.
Protection against radiation
Exposure to radiation may affect both young and adults. Entry of children and
pregnant females is prohibited in the nuclear installations. Nuclear radiation may
have the following harmful effects
Notes
z Cancer in child
z Male sterility
z Malformation of the growing embryo
People working in the nuclear establishments can be provided protection against
radiation by
z Increasing the distance between the source of radiation and the working people.
z Use of lead shields to serve as absorbing material.
z Thick concrete walls around the reactor to work as shields
z Use of protective apron and gloves for people.
Applications of Radiation
Despite all the harmful effects of radiation, their use in various fields for the benefit
of mankind is gradually increasing as show in Table 27.6. Almost all our sources
of energy originate from solar radiation. For example photosynthetic process for
the formation of food and fossil fuel. Artificially generated radiation are also used
for various purposes.
Table 27.6: Applications of Radiation
Field Use
1. Industry Radiation detector for metals, moisture, quality,
process
2. Nuclear Energy Power Plants
3. Communications Radio, TV, Satellite,
4. Medicine Radiation Tomography (CAT Scan), X ray for anatomy
Diathermy to relieve pain by localised heating Artheritis
Destruction of cancerous growth
Sterilisation of surgical instruments
5. Scientific research Radiocarbon dating - to determine the age of objects or
fossils
238 BIOLOGY
Environment and
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1. Give one example each of natural and man made radiations
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
2. List two wastes of atomic explosion. Notes
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
3. Name the containers which should be used for the disposal of nuclear wastes.
............................................................................................................................
4. List any two harmful effects of nuclear radiations.
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
z Pollution is the addition of undesirable material in the environment.

z A pollutant is a constituent which when added adversely affects the environment.
z Pollution may be of different types such as Air, Water, Soil, Noise, Thermal or
because of radiations.
z Pollutant could be gaseous, particulate or a physical factor.
z Air Pollution turns clear, odourless, air into hazy and/or smelly.
z Air pollution causes a number; of respiratory problems such as anaemia, heart
palpitation, choking and eye irritation.
z Plants may show chlorosis, necrosis, stunted growth, leaf and fruit fall due to
air pollution.
z Air pollution caused by suspended particular matters may be controlled by use
of filter bags, electrostatic precipitators and by planting vegetation.
z Water may be polluted by domestic, agricultural or industrial activities.
z Biodegradable matter present in water causes depletion of oxygen content and
death of aquatic life.
z Uncontrolled release of pollutants by the industry has made water in water
streams unfit for human consumption.
z Use of non biodegradable pesticides (DDT etc.) gives rise to the phenomenon
of biomagnification.
BIOLOGY 239
Environment and
Health z Soil pollution may be caused due to pesticides, radioactive wastes, domestic
wastes etc.
z Noise is unwanted sound which may cause deafness, lack of concentration, high
blood pressure and nervous disorders.
z Soil pollution includes addition of substances that reduce the fertility of the soil.
Notes z Waste can he classified into biodegradable (e.g. cow dung, vegetable peels,
paper, wood etc.) and non-biodegradable (e.g. aluminium cans, glass bottles,
plastics, DDT etc.).
z Recycling of wastes such as cow dung, paper, sewage and rice husk, into useful
products help in conservation of resources.
z Ozone provides a protective layer against harmful ultra-violet rays coming from
the sun. Excessive use of chemical, such as CFCs used in spray cans, gas used
in refrigerators and air conditioners, lead to thinning of the ozone layer.
z Accumulation of high concentration of carbon dioxide has led to the phenomenon
of global warming (due to green house effect), and has resulted in increased
earth’s temperature. The climate has changed.
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. Which of the following are biodegradable materials?
Aluminium, wood, fruit peels, DDT, paper, glass, dung
2. Which gaseous pollutant has the ability to absorb infra-red radiations?
3. A ship carrying oil from the gulf region collides with hug rocks and get damaged.
It this just news or has some serious consequences? Give your opinion in one
sentence.
4. To set up a new industry, a large forest area had to be cut. List four ways in
which the environment in that area may be affected.
5. List any three ways in which noise from various sources can affect the well-
being of a person. Suggest few methods to control noise pollution.
6. What does ‘Global warming’ mean ? Name the gas responsible for this
phenomenon and why should it be considered an environmental problem.
7. How would you classify the waste generated at home? What is the difference
between the different groups? How would you manage this waste so that it cause
least pollution?
240 BIOLOGY
Environment and
Health
ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESITONS

27.1 1. Addition of unwanted substances to the environment which have adverse
effects on organisms.
2. Air pollution, water pollution, land polluton, noise pollution.
3. Respiratory problems in humans, chlorosis (loss of chlorophyll in plants). Notes
27.2 1. Soil erosion/leaking of mineral from rock/decay of organic matter (any
two)
2. Accumulation in greater concentration of chemicals at higher levels of
food chain.
3. eutrophication
4. See table 27.3
27.3 1. Detachment and removal of soil particle by flowing water and blowing
wind.
2. Wind erosion, sheet erosiion, Gully erosion.
3. Wind, water
27.4 1. Sewage, kitchen, waste, certain agricultural waste, hay, dung etc. (any
two)
2. loud speakers/sound of automobiles/sound from heavy machines/fire
works (any two)
3. Nitrogren oxides, methane, carbon dioxide, chlorofluoro carbons. (an
two)
4. When harmful gases like SO2 and NOx in the atmosphere dissolve in water
to form acid during veins.
27.5 1. Solar/cosmic (any one); x-ray/gamma rays (any one)
2. Radioactive Iodine and strontium
3. Lead containers
4. (i) cancer (ii) gene mutations.
BIOLOGY 241
MODULE - 4 Nutrition and Health
Environment and
Health
28
Notes
NUTRITION AND HEALTH
Food is the basic necessity of life. We all know that regular supply of food is essential
for human beings in order to keep fit and to carry on all the life processes. We eat
a large variety of food according to our taste, availability and body requirement.
In this lesson we will learn about nutritional requirement of the body and the
problems of health related to specific deficient nutrition.
OBJECTIVES
After completing this lesson you will be able to :
z define the terms food, nutrition and disease;
z explain the biological significance of food;
z differentiate between micro- and macronutrients;
z list the sources and describe the functions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins,
vitamins, minerals, water and roughage;
z explain the energy requirement of the body;
z emphasise the need of balanced diet especially for growing children, persons
in different occupations and lactating mothers;
z list the common deficiency diseases PEM, minerals and vitamins; deficiency,
obesity, hypervitaminosis, their symptoms and recommended food sources.
28.1 WHAT IS FOOD

Food is any substance which performs the following functions in the
body :
(i) yields enegy for life processes,
(ii) builds up new cells during growth,
(iii) repairs worn out (damaged) tissues,
(iv) aids in production of useful body compounds.
242 BIOLOGY
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Environment and
Biological Classification of Food Health
Food can be classified into three categories based on their functions (Table 28.1)
(i) Energy providing foods
(ii) Body building foods
(iii) Protective/regulatory foods
(i) Energy providing foods : These are rich in carbohydrates and fats and provide Notes
energy on biological oxidation in the body. Example : cereals, sugar, fats, oils,
jaggery, coconut, and groundnuts.
(ii) Body building foods : These are rich in proteins and help in the formation
of new tissues. Example : legumes, milk, egg, meat, fish, pulses, nuts and
oilseeds.
(iii) Protective/regulatory foods : These are rich in minerals, vitamins, roughage
and water. They help in regulaiton of internal metabolism in the body. Example :
green leafy vegetables, fruits, amla, guava, citrus, oranges and water melon.
Table 28.1 The three food groups
Food group Major nutrients Food sources
Energy providing food Carbohydrate and fats z Cereals (rices, wheatm maize)
z Sugar
z Fats (oil and ghee)
z Jaggery
Body building food Proteins z Milk
z Legumes
z Egg white
z Meat (chicken, mutton, fish)
Protective food Minerals and vitamins z Green leafy vegetables
z Roughage such as fruits,
beans and other lagumes.
z Amla, guava, citrus, orange, etc.
28.2 NUTRITION
Nutrition is the sum of the processes by which an organism takes in, metabolises
and utilises food substance for its various biochemical activities.
Nutrients are the organic or inorganic substances which help in our survival and
in maintaining proper health. A nutrient supplies energy to the body, builds and
repairs body tissues and regulates the body metabolism.
On the basis of quantity required by the body, nutrients are classified into two
categories :
(i) Macronutrients (ii) Micronutrients
BIOLOGY 243
Environment and
Health Macronutrients (Nutrients required in a large amount) : Carbohydrates, fats,
proteins and water contained in food comprise macronutrients.
Micronutrients (nutrients required in small amount) : Vitamins and minerals
form only a small fraction of the total weight of the food.
One molecule of glucose yields 38 ATP molecules
1 ATP gives 34 kJ
Notes ∴ 1 mole of glucose yields 38 × 34 = 1292 kJ upon complete biological
oxidation
Let us learn in some detail about these nutrients.
28.2.1 Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are the chemical compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen and
oxgyen. They release energy on biological oxidation with the help of cellular
enzymes. They are the cheapest source of energy. Complete biological oxidation
of one gram of carbohydrate yields about 18 kilo joules of energy. One kilo calorie
of heat is required to raise the temperature of 1 litre of water through 1°C.
1 kilocalorie = 4.18 kJ
1 kilojoule = 1/4.18 × 1000 calories
Carbohydrates in the diet provide about 60-80% of total energy required by our
body.
Types of carbohydrates
The three types of carbohydrates that we consume in our food are :
(i) sugars (ii) starch (iii) cellulose (Table 28.2)
Table 28.2 Carbohydrates required in our diet
Carbohydrates
Sugar Starch Cellulose
Monosaccharides Disaccharides
Glucose (found in Sucrose (found in Storage form of Found in cellulose
molasses, honey sugarcane and carbohydrates of plants, seed
and sweet fruits sugar beet) (found in cereals, coats, fruits,
like grapes) grains, seeds, vegetables and
Maltose (found in
roots, potato, rice, cereals
Fructose (Found in sprouted cereals)
wheat, barley,
honey and ripe
Lactose (found in maize, nuts etc.)
fruits)
milk)
Common sources of carbohydrates

z Starch
Cereals (wheat, rice, maize), millets (bajra, jowar, barley), roots and tubers
(sweet potato, tapioca, potato)
244 BIOLOGY
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z Sugar Health
Cane sugar, beet root, fruits (banana, mango, sapota or chiku), milk, honey, and
cereals.
z Cellulose
Cell walls of fruits, vegetables, and cereals
During digestion both starch and sugars are absorbed as glucose. The surplus Notes
glucose is changed into glycogen which is stored in the liver for subsequent use.
(For detail refer to lesson 13)
Cellulose is a fibrous substance which is not digested by human body. However,
it serves as roughage and facilitates bowel (stool) movement.
A normal person needs about 400-500 grams of carbohydrates daily in the diet.
A growing child, a lactating mother and a person doing hard physical work need
more carbohydrates than an average person because of their greater energy
requirements. The percentage of carbohydrates in different food items is given
in table 28.3 below :
Table 28.3 Percentage of carbohydrates present in some
common food items
Food Percentage
(per 100 g of food)
Sugar 99.4
Rice 78.2
Wheat flour 69.4
Potato 22.7
Banana 24.7
Mango (ripe) 11.8
Green gram 69.4
Red gram 57.6
Carrots 1.6
Cow’s milk 4.4
Functions of carbohydrates
z Lactose sugar promotes growth of intestinal bacteria that facilitate the absorption
of calcium.
z Excess carbohydrates are converted into glycogen and fat and serve as reserve
sources of energy.
z Cellulose provides faecal bulk and helps in bowel movement.
z Glucose is the only source of energy for the central nervous system.
BIOLOGY 245
Environment and
Health 28.2.2 Fats
Fats are members of lipids. Like carbohydrates, fats are also made up of carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen. However fats contain more carbon and hydrogen and less
oxygen. Fats are the richest source of energy. Fats are insoluble in water but soluble
in solvents like acetone, and benzene. Chemically fats are triglycerides.
One gram of fat on biological oxidation gives about 9.0 kcal (37 kilojoules) of energy.
Notes Sources :
Animal sources : Ghee, butter, fish oil, meat, egg.
Plant sources : Vegetable oil from the seeds of coconut, mustard, sunflower,
safflower, milk, nuts, soyabean, cheese.
Functions of fats
z fats are the richest sources of energy. On biological oxidation, one gram of fat
provide 37 kJ of energy.
z Form structural components of cell cytoplasm and cell membrane.
z help in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K
z act as precursor of various hormones.
z can be stored for subsequent use by the body.
z sub-cutaneous fats serve as insulators in the body thus protecting it from cold
weather and pressure.
z stored fat provides padding to protect the vital organs of the body from shocks.
z help in the synthesis of vitamin D and steroid hormones in the body.
28.2.3 Proteins
Proteins are extremely large molecules composed of many amino acids. Proteins
are complex organic compounds rich in carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and
sometimes phosphorous and sulphur also.
Proteins are needed by the body for :
z growth and development
z repair and maintenance
z the synthesis of antibodies, enzymes, and hormones
They can also be used as a source of energy. 1 gram of protein yields about 4 kcal
of energy. Building blocks of proteins are the amino acids. You have already learnt
in lesson one that there are only about 22 different amino acids of which almost
all proteins found in living organisms are made. Nutritionally, amino acids belong
to two categories :
(a) Essential amino acids : These are the amino acids which can not be synthesised
in the animal body and must be supplied with food e.g. leucine.
(b) Non essential amino acids : which can be synthesised in the body particularly
from carbohydrates and need not be supplied in the diet. e.g. alanine.
246 BIOLOGY
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Digestion of protein Health
Like fats, proteins can not be absorbed in the tissue until they are broken down
into their amino acids. Digestion of proteins occurs in stomach and small intestine
where acids and enzymes break up proteins into amino acids.
Sources :
Animal sources : Milk, egg, fish, bean, meat, and liver. contain adequate amount
Notes
of essential amino acids.
Plant sources : Whole cereals (wheat and maize), pulses, nuts, grams, and legumes.
Intake of more than one plant protein in the same meal (dal-roti, sambar-idli) can
produce a mixture containing all the essential amino acids.
Proteins are structural components of body. For example, protein keratin is present
in hair and nails. Collagen present in the connective tissue is also an example of
protein. Actin and myosin are examples of contractile proteins present in the muscles.
Functions of proteins
z Proteins are required for building and maintaining body tissues.
z Proteins are found in all the enzymes e.g. Trypsin, pepsin and rennin.
z Some proteins function as hormones, to regulate many body functions. For
example, insulin is a hormone which regulates blood glucose level in the body.
z Proteins also act as antibodies and protect the body from antigen (foreign agent).
z Transport protein carries different substances from blood to the tissues in the
body. Haemoglobin is a transport protein.
28.2.4 Vitamins
Vitamins are complex chemical substances required by the body in very small
amounts. They do not yield energy but act as biocatalysts in the body. They are
essential for good health and protect the body from various diseases. They are
essential for the utilisation of other nutrients that we take in our diet.
Vitamins are grouped into two classes :
(a) Water soluble vitamins are vitamins B complex and C
(b) Fat soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K
Since vitamins cannot be made in our body except for vitamin D, they need to be
supplied through food that contain them. Table 28.4 lists the vitamins and their
sources as well as the daily requirements in the body, deficiency diseases and
symptoms in 13-15 year old boys and girls.
BIOLOGY 247
Environment and
Health Table 28.4 Vitamins : their functions, sources and deficiency diseases.
Vitamin Daily Function Best food Deficiency Symptoms
requirement sources diseases
1. Water Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin B1 1.3 mg (boys) Carbohydrate Yeast; liver; Beri-beri Pain in hands
(Thiamine) 1.2 mg (girls) metabolism; milk; cheese; and feet.
sharpens leafy vegeta- Swelling of
Notes appetite; bles; meat; body. Paraly-
functioning of whole grain sis of limbs.
heart, nerve cereals Oedema.
and muscles
Vitamin B2 1.6 mg (boys) Carbohydrate Milk; liver Riboflavinosis; Retarded
(Riboflavin) 1.4 mg (girls) and protein meat; eggs photophobia growth and
metabolism; peas; yeast; mental
keeps skin whole grains; disorder.
healthy; green leafy Cracking of
vegetables. skin at corners
of mouth.
Lesions
of eyes.
Vitamin B3 1.8 mg (boys) Coenzyme for Fish; eggs; Pellagra Dermatitis
(Niacin) 1.5 mg (girls) protein, fat meat; (bad skin),
and carbohy- legumes; diarrhoea
drate metabo whole grains; (loose
lism. Keeps the leafy vegetab- motions)
skin healthy. bles; peanuts; dementia
bean; tomato; (mental
potato. disorder).
Vitamin B12 0.2-100 mg Blood forma- Liver; fish; Pernicious Paleness of
(Cyanocoba- tion, Nervous cheese; milk; anaemia. skin; breath
lamine) tissue metabo- eggs; meat. lessness;
lism, Nucleic retarded
acid synthesis. growth.
Vitamin C 40 mg Resistance to Amla, cab- Scurvy Bleeding
(Ascorbic infections; bage; toma- gums; pain in
Acid) keeping teeth, toes, lemon; joints; general
gums and joints orange; weakness.
healthy; mangoes;
healing of cuts chillies, guava,
and wounds; pineapple;
maintenance of sprouted
connective grams.
tissue.
2. Fat Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A 750 mg Maintenance Milk, cheese, Night Cannot see in
(Retinol) of vision and butter, eggs blindness. dimlight,
skin; Essential codliver oil, Xerophthalmia (night
for synthesis of carrots or keratinol blindness);
visual pigment mangoes acid. Dry skin Retarded
papaya, keratinization
yellow pumpkin of epithelia
spinach, sweet
potato
248 BIOLOGY
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Vitamin D 200 IU Keeps teeth Milk; cheese; Rickets in Failure of Health
(Calaciferol) and bones egg yolk; cod children; growing bones
healthy, liver oil, fish; (Fig. 28.1) to calcify;
absorption of butter; expo bow legs
calcium and sure to pigeon chest;
phosphorus sunlight. softening of
bones
Osteomalacia Painful bones;
in adults spontaneous
fracture. Notes
Vitamin E Trace antioxidant; Grains reproduction Sterlity in
(Tocopherol) ageing vegetable oil, failure in males males, miscar-
vitamin green leafy and females riage, or death
vegetables, of embryos
nuts, during
pregnancy
liver in females.
Vitamin K Trace amount Clotting of Green leafy Faulty blood Delayed blood
(Phylloqu- blood vegetables; clotting; clotting.
inone) soyabean; haemorrhage.
tomatoes.
Large head
Bulging forehead
Curved
limb bones
Protruding
abdomen
Leg
deformities
Child with curved legs
Epiphysis of
ankle
enlarged
Fig. 28.1 Child with rickets
28.2.5 Minerals
Minerals are micronutrients required in varying amounts for proper functoning,
normal growth and keeping good health of our body. They are inorganic elements,
occuring in the form of their salts e.g. calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron
etc. They do not supply energy to our body but are essential for protection against
diseases and also have role in body functions.
BIOLOGY 249
Environment and
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Minerals
Required in larger amounts Required in trace amounts
Calcium, Phosphorus Sodium Iron, Iodine, Zinc, Chromium
Potassium, Sulphur Chloride, Cobalt, Copper, Fluoride,
Magnesium. Manganese, Molybdenum
Selenium, and Boron
Notes
Functions
Minerals perform the following functions :
z Essential for development of bone and teeth e.g. calcium, phosphorus.
z Regulate the fluid balance and acid alkalinity of body fluids e.g. sodium,
potassium, chloride.
z Iron is major component of haemoglobin, which helps in transport and release
of oxygen.
z Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormone thyroxine, which
regulates the rate of oxidation energy sources within cells.
z Zinc, coper and magnesium regulate a host of vital reactions in our body.
Table 28.5 Lists the minerals, their sources, function, deficiency diseases and
symptoms
Table 28.5 Minerals required by and in our body, their sources and functions
Minerals Functions Food sources Deficiency Symptoms
diseases
1. Calcium Formation of Milk and milk Rickets; Softening of

bones and products; Oesteomalacia bones;
teeth, necessary fish; meat; deformities;
for nerve, beans; green leafy pain in bones;
teeth and vegetables; brocolli, loss of teeth
muscles tapioca; cereals. enamel.
2. Iron Formation of Liver; green Anaemia. Loss of weight;

haemoglobin; leafy pale appearance;
acts as carrier vegetables; tiredness;
of oxygen. eggs, spinach; loses of appetite.
groundnuts;
cereals; jaggery.
3. Phosphorus Formation of Milk; cereals; Rickets and Softening of

bones and green leafy Oesteomalacia; bones;
teeth vegetables; bowlegs;
nuts, bajra pigeon chest.
meat.
250 BIOLOGY
Environment and
4. Iodine Metabolic Iodized salt; Goitre Enlargement of Health
control of sea food; fish; (Fig. 28.2) thyroid gland;
hormone green leafy retarding of
thyroxine; vegetable physical and
controls growth mental growth.
and mental ability.
5. Sodium and Maintenance of Common salt; High blood Severe
Potassium normal water meat; poultry; pressure; malnutrition; Notes
balance in the fish; fruits; Oedema; high blood
body; associated cereals; egg; Osmotic pressure;
with conduction spinach; pulses; pressure fatigue; loss of
of nerve impulse. potato; yoghurt. disturbed. appetite;
vomiting.
Fig. 28.2 Patient with goitre
28.2.6 Water
Water is an important constituent of our diet. 75% of an infant body and 60% of
an adult body is nothing but water. Various functions of water are as follows.
z essential for the transport and digestion of food material.
z excretes wastes.
z maintains the body temperature.
z acts as solvent in various reactions in the body.
Sources of water
Water is replenished by :
z drinking of plain water or of tea, coffee, milk and fruit juices.
z eating fruits, vegetables and fish.
z some amount of water comes as a by-product of oxidation of glucose in the
body.
BIOLOGY 251
Environment and
Health 28.2.7 Roughage
Roughage is the fibre present in some food items like fruits and vegetables. Though
roughage is not a food, it forms an important part of our diet. Roughage consists
mainly of cellulose.
Function
z It helps in bowel movement.
Notes
z It cleans our digetive tracts and protects the body from digestive ailments.
z It prevents constipation.
z It helps in retaining water in the body.
z It helps in maintaining optimum levels of blood sugar and cholesterol.
1. Define nutrition and nutrients

............................................................................................................................
2. Name the various nutrients of food.
............................................................................................................................
3. Differentiate between macronutrients and micronutrients
............................................................................................................................
4. Name the following :
(i) two water soluble vitamins
..................................................................................................................
(ii) two sources of roughage
..................................................................................................................
(iii) two sources of proteins
..................................................................................................................
5. If equal amount of sugar and butter are consumed, which one will provide more
energy?
............................................................................................................................
28.3 ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF THE BODY

Our body needs energy to carry on various activities of life. We get this energy by
eating food.
252 BIOLOGY
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The energy requirement of an individual depends on various factors like age, sex, Health
amount of work done (occupation), special needs like pregnancy and lactation. The
average daily requirements of our body for different age groups are given below.
Table 28.6 Energy requirements of body
Group Sex Age/Profession Required calories

Infants - 0-12 months 100-120/kg body weight Notes
Children - 2-6 years 1200-1800
7-12 years 1800-2000
Adolescent Boys 13-15years 2500
Girls 13-15 years 2200
Adult Man Sedentary work 2400
Moderate physical work 2800
Heavy physical work 4000
Woman Moderately active 2400
Pregnancy (later half) 3300
during lactation 3700
(upto 1 year)
Growing children, persons engaged in hard physical work (labourers), pregnant

women, lactating mothers, sportsman, persons recovering from illness and persons
working in cold weather require more energy.
28.4 BALANCED DIET
You have studied that our balanced diet consists of all the nutrients in varying
amounts. (Fig. 28.3)
Milk
Apple, chapati, green vegetables, eggs
paneer, dal, rice, banana
Fig. 28.3 Sample of a balanced meal.
BIOLOGY 253
Environment and
Health To maintain proper health, one needs the right type of food in right quantity. The
need generally varies with age, sex, type of work and state of body, (See
Table 28.6).
A balanced diet is one that contains all essential nutrients in suitable

proportion and amount to provide necessary energy and keeps the body
in a healthy state.
Notes
A balanced diet has the following qualities :
– it meets the nutrient requirement of the body,
– it consists of different types of food items,
– it provides adequate amount of energy,
The box given below shows recommended dietary requirements according to age,
sex and different physical activities.
Recommended dietary requirements (in gram) according to age, sex and

different physical activities
Food items Adult man Adult woman Children Boys Girls
Seden- Moderate Heavy Sede- Moderate Heavy 1-3 4-6 10-12 10-12
tary Work Work tary Work Work years years years years
Cereals, 460 520 670 410 440 570 175 270 420 380
Pulses 40 50 60 40 45 50 35 35 45 45
Leafy vegetables 40 40 40 100 100 50 40 50 50 50
Other vegetables 60 70 80 40 40 100 20 30 50 50
Roots and tubers 50 60 80 50 50 60 10 20 30 30
Milk 150 200 250 100 150 200 300 250 250 250
Oils and fats 40 45 65 20 25 40 15 25 40 35
Sugar and jaggery 30 35 55 20 20 40 30 40 45 45
Fruits 20 30 30 30 30 30 5 10 10 10
28.4.1 Balanced diet for special needs

Balanced diet varies with age, occupation, and state of health. Under special
conditions more food is required by an individual. Let us learn about it.
1. Nutritional needs for growing children
Growing children need more food in proportion to their body weight. They
need –
(i) extra protein to make new tissues for growth,
(ii) more calcium and phosphorous for formation of bones and red blood cells,
(iii) vitamin A for development of healthy eyesight,
254 BIOLOGY
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(iv) vitamin C for general health, and Health
(v) vitamin D for healthy bones.

2. Nutritional needs for persons in different occupations
Persons doing hard physical work like rickshaw pullers, labourers, carpenters, mill
workers. require food which is rich in energy (carbohydrates and fats). Similarly,
athletes also require diet of high energy value.
Notes
3. Nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation
A pregnant women has to feed the developing embryo, therefore, she has special
need for extra nutrients.
The pregnant women and lactating mothers should take,
(i) extra protein for tissue growth
(ii) more calcium and phosphorus to form bones of the baby
(iii) more iron for making sufficient blood of the baby
(iv) more carbohydrates for herself because extra energy is required to carry
out all the building processes linked with embryo.
Similarly, nursing mothers (who breast feed their babies), also need a special diet
to take care of their additional requirements of lactation (milk formation). So their
diet should contain more proteins, calcium and vitamins.
4. Nutritional needs depending upon the state of health

The persons recovering from illness need more proteins, minerals and vitamins in
their diet to repair the damage caused by the ailment. If there is loss of blood due
to surgery or an accident the patient needs more of proteins and iron to make up
for the loss of blood.
28.5 WHAT IS HEALTH AND DISEASE?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health is defined as:
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being and
not merely absence of disease or infirmity.
Disease :
Disease is a malfunctioning process related to a certain part of the whole body in
which normal functions are disturbed or damaged. Disease literally means not at
ease (dis = not)
Deficiency diseases :
The diseases which occur due to deficiency of one or more nutrients
(proteins,carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) in our diet are called deficiency diseases.
Malnutrition : The condition resulting from lack of nutrients in the diet
is called malnutrition.
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Health A large number of people in our country suffer from malnutrition. Malnutrition
affects the health of the children adversely as it results in physical and mental
retardation.
The deficiency diseases are of three types :
z Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
Notes z Mineral deficiency diseases.

z Vitamin deficiency diseases.
Let us learn in some detail about some of these diseases:
28.5.1 Protein energy malnutrition (PEM)

Generally the growing children suffer from protein energy malnutrition as the
required amount of proteins needed for their growth and development is not
available. A number of children in the age group of 1-5 years suffer from this disease.
PEM is due to two reasons :
(a) Lack of proteins or carbohydrates or both in the diet.
(b) More intake of carbohydrates than proteins.
Protein energy malnutrition results in two diseases :
(i) Marasmus, and
(ii) Kwashiorkor
Marasmus
It is caused due to the deficiency of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It usually affects
infants below the age of one year (Fig. 28.4a)
Hair colour changes
Misery 'Moon face'

Thin muscles fat present
Swollen abdomen
Underweight
Fig. 28.4(a) A child suffering from marasmus

Symptoms
– wasting of muscles reduces the child to skin and bones.
– folded skin.
– sunken eyes, thin face, thinning of limbs and abdominal walls.
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– retarded physical and mental growth. Health
– ribs become prominent (Pigeon chest).

– Oedema and skin pigmentation are absent.
Kwashiorkor
This disease develops when mothers stop feeding their babies with breast milk and
the child is given traditional family food having low protein in it. (Fig. 28.4b) Notes
Normal hair
Old man's face
Thin muscles, thin fat
Oedema
Very underweight
Fig. 28.4(b) A child suffering from kwashiorkor
Symptoms :
A child suffering from Kwashiorkor disease shows the following symptoms
– under weight
– has protruding bellly
– the skin is dark and scaly
– has enlarged liver
– has anaemia
– suffers from repeated diarrhoea
– stunted growth
– loss of appetite
– hair becomes reddish
– swelling of legs and feet due to retention of water by the cell (oedema)
Cure : The child suffering from kwashiorkor and marasmus can recover if adequate
protein and carbohydrate rich food is given.
28.6 MINERAL DEFICIENCY DISEASES
Common deficiency diseases of iron, calcium and iodine are given below:
Anaemia (Iron deficiency) : Iron is important for the formaiton of the respiratory
pigment haemoglobin present in blood. Deficiency of iron results in reduction of
red blood cells. This reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.
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Health A person suffering from Anaemia becomes pale, tires easily, loses appetite and loses
weight.
Cure : This disease can be cured by eating food stuff rich in iron and vitamin B12,
e.g. eggs, meat, liver, milk, green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and fruits like
apple, banana, guava (Iron tablets and tonics can also supplement the food).
Deficiency of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D

Notes
Calcium : Chief constituent of bones and teeth, regulates heart beat and muscle
contraction, helps in the clotting of blood. Calcium metabolism is closely related
to that of phosphorus and vitamin D.
Deficiency of calcium causes : Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults.
Rickets (See Figure 28.2)
(i) The bones become soft, get deformed or bend easily,
(ii) bow legs (bent legs),
(iii) pigeon chest,
(iv) loss of teeth enamel (outer shiny layer in teeth), and
(v) tender (soft) bones that tend to fracture easily.
Osteomalacia :
The persons suffering from osteomalacia show
(i) softening of bones
(ii) pain in bones which tend to fracture easily.
Cure : Rickets and osteomalacia can be prevented by giving diet rich in calcium
like milk, cod liver oil, egg yolk, and green leafy vegetables.
Goitre
Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroxine (hormone produced by thyroid
gland). Iodine deficiency causes thyroid gland to enlarge and swell, this is called
goitre. (Fig. 28.3).
Symptoms
The person suffering from goitre has
(i) protruding eyes,
(ii) stunted growth,
(iii) puffy appearance
(iv) irregular heart beat
(v) low intelligence
(vi) deficiency of iodine results in another disease called cretinism
Cure : Use of iodised table salt and eating sea food, and fish.
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Cretinism Health
The person suffering from cretinism shows stunted growth, retarded mental growth,
delayed puberty and low metabolic rate.
28.7 VITAMIN DEFICIENCY
If the diet is deficient in one or more vitamins like A, B complex, C, D, E and K,
it leads to a variety of diseases as given in table 28.3
Notes

1. Define malnutrition.
............................................................................................................................
2. What is PEM ? Name two diseases caused due to PEM.
............................................................................................................................
3. A person has low haemoglobin content, tires easily and looks pale. Name the
disease he is suffering from.
............................................................................................................................
4. Give two food items which can prevent vitamin D deficiency.
............................................................................................................................
28.8 OBESITY AND EXCESSIVE INTAKE OF FOOD

If a person continues to eat more food than required by his body, he soon becomes
overweight and bulky. Excess of carbohydrates and fats instead of providing energy
get accumulated in the body.
The overweight and bulkiness of a person’s body due to accumulation of
carbohydrate and fat is called obesity.
Causes of Obesity
(i) Overeating
(ii) Insufficient exercise
(iii) Hormonal imbalance (deficiency of thyroxine) or other metabolic disturbances.
Harmful effects
An obese person tends to have high cholesterol (fatty substance) deposited in blood
arteries. This leads to hypertension (high blood pressure) atherosclerosis (hardening
of arteries), coronary attack (heart attack), diabetes and respiratory problems.
Methods to prevent obesity
The obese person should be very careful about diet. Some suggestions are :
(i) avoid fried food
(ii) not to take carbohydrate rich foods
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Health (iii) not to take saturated fats like ghee and vansaspati hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Instead, take unsaturated fats like oils, and that too in as little quantity as
possible.
(iv) take regular physical exercise.
(v) eat green leafy vegetables (to add roughage).
(vi) if suffering from hormonal imbalance, take the advise of a physician
Notes
Effects of excessive intake of Iron
It leads to a condition called hemosiderosis (large deposits of iron in the liver). This
may cause
(i) Constipation and diarrhoea (ii) Nausea and vomitting
(iii) Heart burn (iv) Epigastric pain
Effect of excessive intake of vitamins (Hyper vitaminosis)
Some persons tend to take vitamins in excess amounts. An excessive intake of water
solouble vitamins (vitamins B complex and C) may not cause any harm to the body
because they are excreted out through urine. Intake of fat soluble vitamins (vitamin
A and D) can be toxic (poisonous) to the body which may lead to certain diseases.
The disease caused by presence of vitamins in excessive quantities in the body is
called hypervitaminosis.
Hypervitaminosis A
Excess vitamin A accumulation in liver is toxic. This results in
(i) loss of hair (ii) drowsiness
(iii) painful swelling of long bones (iv) loss of appetite,
(v) nausea and vomitting.
Hypervitaminosis D
Excess of vitamin D leads to high calcium absorption in the intestine. This results
in :
(i) deposition of calcium in soft tissues of body like kidney,
(ii) drowsiness,
(iii) nausea,
(iv) loss of weight.
So we find that both, deficiency and excess of nutrients is harmful to the body.

1. List any two causes of obesity.
(i) ........................................................................................................................
(ii) .......................................................................................................................
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2. Suggest two methods to prevent obesity Health
(i) ........................................................................................................................
(ii) .......................................................................................................................
3. Mention two symptoms of excessive intake of Iron.
(i) ........................................................................................................................ Notes
(ii) .......................................................................................................................
4. Define hypervitaminosis. Name two vitamins which when taken regularly in diet
cause hypervitaminosis.
(i) ........................................................................................................................
(ii) .......................................................................................................................
z Food is required for the proper growth and development of the body.
z Food provides nutrients required for a healthy body.
z Carbohydrates, fats, proteins and water are macronutrients whereas vitamins and
minerals are micronutrients. In addition, roughage is also as important component
of our diet.
z Food has six major components
z Food can be classified into three types : Energy giver-carbohydrates and fats,
body building-proteins, protective/regulatory-minerals and vitamins.
z The requirement of energy and different nutrients for the body are needed
according to age, sex and profession as well as state of the body.
z A balanced diet provides proper amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins,
minerals, water and vitamins in food.
z A balanced diet is essential for proper growth and health of an individual.
z Malnutrition is the lack of essential nutrients or food elements in the diet. It
results in deficiency diseases.
z an excessive intake of fat solutble vitamins A and D results in hypervitaminosis.
z An excessive intake of food for prolonged periods results in obesity. An obese
person suffers from cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems and diabetes.
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Health
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. Differentiate between
(i) Marasmus and Kwashiorkor.
(ii) Rickets and Osteomalacia
Notes (iii) Essential and non-essential amino acids
(iv) Body-building and protective foods.
(v) Water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins.
2. Give reasons why do children of 1-5 years develop PEM.
3. Why one should include more than one type of proteins in the meals?
4. What is the importance of water in the diet ?
5. What is a balanced diet ? Why does a pregnant women or a nursing mother needs
special diet ?
6. Why should food contain roughage ? Name two sources of roughage in our diet.
7. Why is polishing of rice not advisable ? If a person always consumes polished
rice, what is he likely to suffer from ? Give two sysmptoms.
8. State four important functions of food.
9. If a child is not able to see in dim light, which two food stuffs will you advise
him to eat. Give reasons.
10. Name two sources rich in
(i) Vitamin A (ii) Calcium (iii) iron
(iv) Vitamin B12 (v) starch (vi) Glucose
11. What are minerals ? Name any two minerals and their sources.
12. What are deficiency diseases ? Name two diseases caused by the deficiency of
protein and carbohydrates. Also write the symptoms of these deficiency diseases.

28.1 1. Nutrition : Sum of the processes by which an organism takes in,
metabolises and utilises food substances.
Nutrients : Substances which help in maintaining proper health and are
required for the survival of an individual.
2. (a) Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and water.
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3. Nutrients required in large quantities are called macronutrients such as Health
carbohydrates fats, proteins and water.
Nutrients required in small amounts are micronutrients e.g. minerals and
vitamins
4. (i) Water soluble-vitamin B and C (ii) leafy vegetables, fruits, (iii) milk,
fish.
5. Butter Notes
28.2 1. The condition resulting from lack of essential nutrients in diet is
malnutrition
2. Protein Energy Malnutrition; Marasmus, Kwashiorkor
3. Anaemia
5. milk, cod liver oil, egg yolk, exposure to light (Any two)
28.3 1. Over eating, lack of exercises, hormonal imbalance.
2. Avoid fried food, carbohydrates, take regular exercise, eat green leafy
vegetable (Any two).
3. Constipation, Diarrhoea, epigastric pain (any two).
4. Excess presence of vitamins in the body. vitamin A and D.
BIOLOGY 263
MODULE - 4 Some Common Human Diseases
Environment and
Health
29
Notes
SOME COMMON HUMAN DISEASES
In the previous lesson you have read about the diseases due to nutritional
deficiencies. In this lesson, you will learn about diseases caused due to other reasons.
OBJECTIVES
z define a disease and learn its types;
z differentiate between parasite and pathogen;
z differentiate between infection and infestation;
z list the symptoms, causative agents, prevention and control of influenza,
measles, polio, hepatitis, tuberculosis, diphtheria, leprosy, malaria, filariasis
and dengue.
z identify certain diseases that are caused due to improper functioning of some
organs of the body system;
z describe the causes, symptoms and prevention and cure for hypertension;
z list the symptoms of and methods for diagnosing coronary heart disease and
suggest preventive measures;
z describe the cause, the symptoms, preventive and curative methods of diabetes
mellitus and osteoporosis;
z recognize cancer as a cell-regulation disorder;
z define and differentiate between benign and malignant tumors;
z interpret the category of allergies as immune system related disorders;
z define the special category of sexually transmitted diseases;
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z list the causative agents, symptoms, prevention and control of syphilis, Health
gonorrhea and AIDS;
z define drug abuse and its prevention.
29.1 DISEASES
29.1 What is a disease?

Notes
Any malfunctioning process which interferes with the normal functioning of the body
is called a disease. In other words, disease may be defined as a disorder in the physical,
physiological, psychological or social state of a person caused due to nutritional
deficiency, physiological disorder, genetic disorder, pathogen or any other reason.
29.1.1 Types of Diseases

The diseases may be classified into two broad categories (Table 29.1).
Table 29.1 Classification of human diseases
Diseases
Congenital diseases Acquired diseases

(Present since birth) (Develop after birth)
Communicable diseases Non-communicable diseases

(Spread from infected person (do not spread from a diseased person
to healthy person to a healthy person)
Degenerative Deficiency Allergies Cancer Other diseases

diseases diseases (caused due to (caused due to (caused due to
(caused due to (caused due to hypersensitivity uncontrolled various physical
malfunctioning lack of nutrients of the body to growth of cells/ agents or any
of vital body in diet) certain foreign tissues) other reason)
organ) substances)
A. Congenital disease : The disease which is present from birth (e.g. hole in the
heart in infants). They are caused by some genetic abnormality or metabolic
disorder or malfunctioning of an organ.
B. Acquired disease : The disease which may occur after birth during one’s
lifetime.
Acquired diseases may generally be classified into :

(i) Infectious diseases : The diseases which can be transmitted from diseased
healthy person person to e.g. measles.
(ii) Degenerative diseases : The diseases caused by the malfunction of some vital
organs of the body e.g. heart failure.
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Health (iii) Deficiency diseases : These are caused due to nutritional deficiency such as
that of minerals or vitamins in the diet e.g. anaemia (Fe), Beri- beri (vitamin
B). You have read about such diseases in an earlier lesson 27.
(iv) Cancer : This is an abnormal, uncontrolled and unwanted growth of cells. e.g.
breast cancer.
Acquired diseases are studied under two categories (Table 29.2).

Notes
(i) Communicable diseases : The diseases which can be transmitted from
an infected person to a healthy person.
(ii) Non-communicable diseases : These diseases do not spread from an
affected person to a healthy person.
Table 29.2 Differences between communicable and
non-communicable diseases
Communicable diseases Non-communicable diseases

1. Caused by some biological agents or Caused due to some specific factor,
pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, such as malfunctioning of some vital
protozoans and helminths (worms). organ, and deficiency of nutrients.
2. Spread from one person to another Do not spread from one person to
through contact, water, air, and food, etc. another by contact.
3. The concern of the diseases involves The concern of the disease is restricted
the society as these are related to to the individual only.
community health.
29.1.2 Modes of Spread of Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases spread from the infected person to a healthy person in the
following ways.
Direct transmission
The pathogens of diseases infect a healthy person directly without an intermediate
agent. It can take place by various means such as,
(i) Direct contact between the infected person and the healthy person :
Diseases like small pox, chicken pox, syphilis, gonorrhoea spread through direct
contact.
(ii) Droplet infection : The infected person throws out tiny droplets of mucus by
coughing, sneezing or spitting. These droplets may contain the pathogen. By
inhaling the air containing the droplets, a healthy person may get the infection.
Diseases like common cold, pneumonia, influenza, measles, tuberculosis and
whooping cough spread through droplet infection.
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(iii) Contact with soil contaminated with disease-causing viruses and bacteria. Health
(iv) Animal bite : Viruses of rabies are introduced through the wound caused by
the bite of rabid animals, especially dogs. The virus is present in the saliva of
the rabid animals.
Indirect transmission
The pathogens of certain diseases reach the human body through some intermediate
agents. It can take place by various means, which are as follows : Notes
(i) By vectors such as houseflies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. Examples:
Houseflies carry the causative organisms of cholera on their legs and mouth
parts from the faeces and sputum of infected persons to food and drinks and
contaminate them. When this contaminated food is taken by a healthy person,
he gets the infection. Similarly, mosquitoes carry virus of dengue and malarial
parasite which causes malaria.
(ii) Air-borne : The pathogens may reach humans with air and dust. The epidemic
typhus spreads by inhalation of dried faeces of infected fly.
(iii) Object borne (Fonite borne) : Many diseases are transmitted through the use
of contaminated articles, such as clothes, utensils, toys, door handles, taps,
syringes and surgical instruments.
(iv) Water borne : If potable water (drinking water) is contaminated with
pathogens of diseases such as cholera, diarhhoea, hepatitis or jaundice, it
reaches a healthy person upon consuming such water.
29.2 SOME IMPORTANT TERMS TO REMEMBER
Pathogen : A living organism which causes a disease.

Parasite : An organism which gets food and shelter from host.
Host : The living body on or inside which the disease-producing organism takes
shelter.
Infestation : Presence of a large number of parasitic organisms on the surface of
body of the host or on the clothings.
Vector : It is an organism which harbours a pathogen and may pass it on to another
person to cause a disease (Mosquitoes harbour malarial parasite and transmits it
to humans).
Carrier : It is an organism which itself does not harbour the pathogen but physically
transmits it to another person (Housefly is the carrier of cholera germs).
Reservoir : An organism which harbours pathogens in large numbers that do not
cause any suffering to it.
Epidemic : Spreading of a disease among a large number of people causing a huge
loss of life in the same place for some time e.g. plague.
Endemic : A disease which is regularly found among a particular group of people
e.g. goitre, restricted to a certain locality or a country.
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Health Pandemic : A disease which is found all over the world e.g. AIDS.
Interferon : Type of proteins produced by infected cells of the body when attacked
by a virus, which act to prevent the further development of the same virus.
Inoculation : Introduction of antigenic material inside the body to prevent suffering
from a disease.
Vaccination : Injection of a weak strain of a specific bacterium (Vaccine) in order
Notes to secure immunity against the corresponding disease. It is also called immunisation.
Incubation period : The period between entry of pathogen inside a healthy body
and appearance of the symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms : Specific morphological or physiological expressions which appear on
the deseased organism and help in the identification of the disease.

1. Define the term disease. .........................................................................
2. Give appropriate terms for
(i) the kind of disease which is present from birth.. .......................
(ii) disease caused by malfunctioning of vital organs. ......................
3. Name any two communicable and any two non-communicable diseases in
humans
..................................................................................................................
4. What does infestation mean?
..................................................................................................................
29.3 COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (INFECTIOUS DISEASES)

The diseases which spread from one diseased person to another through contaminated
food, water or contact or through insecticides, and animals are called the
communicable diseases. These are caused by different causative agents (pathogens).
29.3.1 Diseases caused by viruses
1. Chicken pox
Pathogen : Chicken pox virus (voricella)
Mode of transmission : By contact or through scabs
Incubation period : 12-20 days
Symptoms
(i) Fever, headache and loss of appetite
(ii) Dark red-coloured rash on the back and chest which spreads on the whole body.
Later, rashes change into vesicles.
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(iii) After few days these vesicles start drying up and scabs (crusts) are formed. Health
(v) These scabs start falling (infective stage)
Prevention and cure

There is no vaccine against chicken pox as yet. But precautions must be taken as
follows:
(i) The patient should be kept in isolation. Notes
(ii) Clothings and utensils, used by the patient should be sterilised.
(iii) Fallen scabs should be collected and burnt.
One attack of chicken pox gives life long immunity to the person recovered from
this disease.
2. Measles
Pathogen : Virus (Rubeola)
Mode of transmission : By air
Symptoms
(i) Common cold
(ii) Appearance of small white patches in mouth and throat.
(iii) Appearance of rashes on the body.
Prevention and cure
(i) The patient should be kept in isolation.
(ii) Cleanliness should be maintained.
(iii) Antibiotics check only the secondary infections which can easily recur.
3. Poliomyelitis
Pathogen : Polio Virus
Mode of transmissions : Virus enters inside the body through food or water.
Symptoms
(i) The virus multiplies in intestinal cells and then reaches the brain through blood.
(ii) It damages brain and nerves and causes infantile paralysis.
(iii) Stiffness of neck, fever, loss of head support.
Prevention and Cure
Polio vaccine drop (oral polio vaccine, OPV) are given to children at certain
intervals.
Pulse polio programme is organised in our country to give polio vaccine to
children.
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Health 4. Rabies (also called hydrophobia)
Pathogen : Rabies virus
Mode of Transmission : Bite by a rabid dog.
Incubation period : 10 days to 1-3 months depending upon the distance of bite
from Central Nervous System (CNS), that is the brain or spinal cord.
Notes Symptoms
(i) Severe headache and high fever.
(ii) Painful contraction of muscles of throat and chest.
(iii) Choking and fear of water leading to death.
Prevention and Cure
(i) Compulsory immunisation of dogs.
(ii) Killing of rabid animals.
(iii) Anti-rabies injections or oral doses are given to the person bitten by a rabid
animal.
5. Hepatitis
Pathogen : Hepatitis B virus.
Mode of Transmission : Mainly through contaminated water.
Incubation Period : Generally 15-160 days.
Symptoms
(i) Bodyache.
(ii) Loss of appetite and nausea.
(iii) Eyes and skin become yellowish, urine deep yellow in colour (due to bile
pigments).
(iv) Enlarged liver.
Prevention and Cure

(i) Hepatitis B vaccine is now available in India.
(ii) Proper hygeine is to be observed.
(iii) Avoid taking fat rich substances.
6. Influenza
Influenza, commonly known as ‘flu’ is an illness caused by viruses that infect the
respiratory tract. Compared to common cold, influenza is a more severe illness.
Causes
Influenza is caused by a virus which attacks our body’s cells, resulting in various
effects depending on the strain of the virus.
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There are many strains of influenza virus. The virus mutates all the time and new Health
variations (strains) arise. This constant changing enables the virus to evade the
immune system of its host. Unfortunately immunity against one strain (which is
conferred by exposure or immunisation) does not protect against other strains. A
person infected with influenza virus develops antibodies against that virus; as the
virus changes, the antibodies against the virus do not recognize the changed virus,
and influenza can recur, caused by the changed or mutated virus.
Notes
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of influenza include:
(i) fever (Usually 100° F to 103° F in adults and often even higher in children).
(ii) respiratory tract infection symptoms such as, cough, sore throat, running
nose, headache, pain in the muscles, and extreme fatigue.
Although nausea and vomiting and diarrhoea can sometimes accompany Influenza
infection, especially in children, gastrointestinal symptoms are rarely prominent.
Most people who get flu, recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people
develop serious and potentially life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia.
Treatment and Control
(i) Much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by annual
influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccine is specifically recommended for those
who are at high risk for complications with chronic diseases of the heart, lungs
or kidneys, diabetes, or severe forms of anaemia.
(ii) The persons suffering from influenza should
z drink plenty of fluids
z take symptom relief with paracetamol, aspirin (not in children under the
age of 16) or ibuprofen as recommended by the doctor.
z Consult doctor immediately for treatment.
7. Dengue
Dengue is an acute fever caused by virus. It is of two types: (i) Dengue fever, (ii)
Dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Dengue fever is characterized by an onset of sudden high fever, severe headache,
pain behind the eyes and in the muscles and joints.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever is an acute infectious viral disease. It is an advanced
stage of dengue fever. It is characterized by fever during the initial phase and other
symptoms like headache, pain in the eye, joint pain and muscle pain, followed by
signs of bleeding, red tiny spots on the skin, and bleeding from nose and gums.
How does Dengue spread?
Dengue spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The
transmission of the disease occurs when a mosquito bites an infected person and
subsequently bites a healthy person. In doing so, it transmits blood containing the
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Health virus to the healthy person and the person becomes infected with dengue. The first
symptoms of the disease occur about 5 to 7 days after the infected bite.
Aedes mosquito rests indoors, in closets and other dark places, and is active during
day time. Outside, it rests where it is cool and shaded. The female mosquito lays
her eggs in stagnant water containers such as coolers, tyres, empty buckets, in and
around homes, and other areas in towns or villages. These eggs become adults in
about 10 days.
Notes
Incubation period
The time between the bite of a mosquito carrying dengue virus and the start of
symptoms averages 4 to 6 days, with a range of 3 to 14 days.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through blood tests by scanning for antibodies against dengue
viruses. In addition the blood platelet counts also get drastically reduced in the
infected person.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Dengue fever
(i) Sudden onset of high fever, generally 104-105 °F (40 °C), which may last 4-
5 days.
(ii) Severe headache mostly in the forehead.
(iii) pain in the joints and muscles, body aches.
(iv) Pain behind the eyes which worsens with eye movement.
(v) Nausea or vomiting.
Symptoms of Dengue hemorrhagic fever
These include symptoms similar to dengue fever, plus other symptoms such as:
(i) Severe and continuous pain in the abdomen.
(ii) Rashes on the skin.
(iii) Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or in the internal organs.
(iv) Frequent vomiting with or without blood.
(v) Black stools due to internal bleeding.
(vi) Excessive thirst (dry mouth).
(vii) Pale, cold skin, weakness.
Prevention
Following steps can be taken to prevent spread of dengue fever:
(i) Avoid water stagnation for more than 72 hours so that the mosquitoes do not
breed there.
(ii) Prevent mosquito breeding in stored water bodies, like ponds, and wells.
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(iii) Destroy discarded objects like old tyres and bottles, as they collect and store Health
rain water.
(iv) Use mosquito repellents and wear long sleeved clothes to curtail exposure.
(v) Use mosquito nets, also during daytime.
(vi) Avoid outdoor activities during dawn or dusk when these mosquitoes are most
active.
(vii) Patients suffering from dengue fever must be isolated for at least 5 days. Notes
(viii) Report to the nearest health centre for any suspected case of Dengue fever.
Treatment for dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Persons with dengue fever should
rest and drink plenty of fluids. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is treated by replacing
lost fluids. Some patients need blood transfusions to control bleeding.

1. How does chicken pox spread?
..................................................................................................................
2. Mention the most obvious symptom of measles.
..................................................................................................................
3. Which organ system of the body is affected by the polio virus?
..................................................................................................................
4. Name the causative organism of hydrophobia.
..................................................................................................................
5. Which mosquito spreads dengue?
..................................................................................................................
29.3.2 Diseases caused.by Bacteria

1. Tuberculosis
Pathogen : A bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
Mode of Transmission : airborne-discharged through sputum, cough and sneeze,
of the infected person.
Incubation period : 2-10 weeks during which the bacteria produce a toxin,
tuberculin.
Symptoms
(i) Persistent fever and coughing.
(ii) Chest pain and blood comes out with the sputum.
(iii) General weakness.
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Health Prevention and Cure
(i) Isolation of patient to avoid spread of infection.
(ii) BCG vaccination is given to children as a preventive measure.
(iii) Living rooms should be airy, neat and with clean sorroundings.
(iv) Antibiotics be administered as treatment.
Notes 2. Typhoid
Pathogen : A Bacillus rod-shaped bacterium (Salmonella typhi)
Mode of transmission : Through contaminated food and water
Incubation period : About 1-3 weeks
Symptoms
(i) Continuous fever, headache, slow pulse rate.
(ii) Reddish rashes appear on the belly.
(iii) In extreme cases, ulcers may rupture resulting in death of the patient.
Prevention and Cure
(i) Anti-typhoid inoculation should be given.
(ii) Avoid taking exposed food and drinks.
(iii) Proper sanitation and cleanliness should be maintained.
(iv) Proper disposal of excreta of the patient.
(v) Antibiotics should be administered.
3. Cholera
It often breaks out among people in crowded areas and the areas with poor sanitary
conditions.
Pathogen : Comma shaped bacterium (Vibrio cholerae)
Mode of transmission : Contaminated food and water. Housefly is the carrier.
Incubation period : 6 hours to 2-3 days.
Symptoms
(i) Acute diarrohoea and watery stool.
(ii) Muscular cramps.
(iii) Loss of minerals through urine.
(iv) Dehydration leads to death.
Prevention and cure
(i) Cholera vaccination should be given.
(ii) Electrolytes (Na, K, sugar) dissolved in water should be given to the patient
to check dehydration (In market it is available as ORS–oral rehydration
solution).
(iii) Proper washing and cooking of food.
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(iv) Proper disposal of vomit and human excreta. Health
(v) Flies should not be allowed to sit on eatables and utensils.
4. Diphtheria
This disease generally occurs in children of 1-5 years of age.
Pathogen : Rod-shaped bacterium (Cornybacterium diphthereae)
Notes
Mode of Transmission : Through air (droplet infection)
Symptoms
(i) Slight fever, Sore throat and general indisposition.
(ii) Oozing semisolid material in the throat which develops into a tough membrane.
The membrane may cause clogging (blocking) of air passage, resulting into
death.
Prevention and cure

(i) Immediate medical attention should be given.
(ii) Babies should be given DPT vaccine.
(iii) Sputum, oral and nasal discharges of the infected child should be disposed off.
(iv) Antibiotics may be given under doctor’s supervision.
(v) Isolation of the infected child.
5. Leprosy
Pathogen : A bacterium (Mycobacterium leprae)
Mode of transmission : Prolonged contact with the infected person. Nasal
secretions are the most likely infectious material for family contacts.
Incubation period : 1-5 years
Symptoms
(i) Affects skin.
(ii) Formation of nodules and ulcer.
(iii) Scabs and deformities of fingers and toes.
(iv) Infected areas lose sensation.
Prevention and Cure

(i) The children should be kept away from parents suffering from leprosy.
(ii) Some medicine may arrest the disease and prevent from spreading.
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1. Name the causative bacterium of (i) TB (ii) Typhoid (iii) Cholera.
..................................................................................................................
Notes 2. State the most obvious symptom of diphtheria.

..................................................................................................................
3. What is the mode of transmission of leprosy.

..................................................................................................................
29.3.3 Diseases caused by protozoans

1. Malaria
Pathogen : Malarial parasite (different species of Plasmodium)
Mode of transmission : By bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes
Incubation period : Approximately 12 days
Symptoms
(i) Headache, nausea and muscular pain.
(ii) Feeling of chilliness and shivering followed by fever which becomes normal
along with sweating after some time.
(iii) The patient becomes weak and anaemic.
(iv) If not treated properly secondary complications may lead to death.
Prevention and cure

(i) Fitting of double door and windows (with “Jali” i.e. wire mesh) in the house
to prevent entry of mosquitoes.
(ii) Use of mosquito net and mosquito repellents.
(iii) No water should be allowed to collect in ditches or other open spaces to
prevent mosquito breeding.
(iv) Sprinkling of kerosene oil in ditches or other open spaces where water gets
collected.
(v) Antimalarial drugs to be taken.
2. Amoebiasis (Amoebic dysentery)

Pathogen : Entamoeba histolytica
Mode of transmission : Contaminated food and water
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Symptoms Health
(i) Formation of ulcers in intestine.
(ii) Feeling of abdominal pain and nausea.
(iii) Acute diarrhoea and mucus in stool.
Prevention and cure
(i) Proper sanitation should be maintained.
Notes
(ii) Vegetables and fruits must be properly washed before eating.
(iii) Antibiotics may be given to the patients.
29.3.4 Diseases caused by worms (helminths)
1. Filariasis
Pathogen : Filarial worm (Wucheraria bancrofti)
Mode of transmission : Bites of mosquitoes - Aedes and Culex.
Symptoms
(i) Fever
(ii) Collection of endothellial cells and metabolites in the wall of lymph vessels.
(iii) Swelling takes place in certain parts of the body like legs, breasts, and scrotum.
(iv) Swelling of legs which appear as legs of elephant, so this disease is also called
elephantiasis (Fig. 29.1)
Fig. 29.1 Patient suffering from Elephantiasis.
Prevention and cure

(i) Mesh doors and windows in the house to check the entry of mosquitoes.
(ii) The water collected in tanks or other articles should be properly covered.
BIOLOGY 277
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Health (iii) Sprinkling of kerosene in ditches.
(iv) Drugs may be administered.

1. Which mosquito carries stages of life history of the malarial parasite?
Notes
..................................................................................................................
2. Which protozoan causes amoebic dysentery?
..................................................................................................................
3. Name the disease cause by Wuchrareria bancrofti.
..................................................................................................................
29.4 NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
1. Diabetes mellitus
The disease can be diagnosed by blood test or urine test.
Causes
(i) Less secretion of insulin hormone from the pancreas.
(ii) Mental stress
(iii) Through heredity from parents to children.
Symptoms
(i) More glucose in blood.
(ii) Excessive and frequent passing of urine.
(iii) Feeling thirsty and hungry frequently.
(iv) Reduced healing capacity of injury.
(v) General weakness of the body.
(vi) In extreme cases diabetic coma can take place making the patient unconscious.
Prevention and cure
(i) Control the excessive weight of the body.
(ii) A regulated and controlled diet is to be taken.
(iii) The food should not contain sugar and much carbohydrates.
(iv) Injection of insulin before meals, if required (only on doctor’s prescription).
2. Cardio vascular diseases
Common Causes
(i) Deposition of cholesterol (a kind of fat) in the walls of coronary arteries which
restrict the flow of blood to the heart muscles. This leads to heart attack.
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(ii) Due to reduced blood supply, and reduced oxygen available to the muscles, Health
heart’s efficiency is affected.
(iii) Due to stress and strain.
(iv) Obesity (over weight).
(a) Hypertension : (high blood pressure)
Symptoms Notes
(i) Persistent high blood pressure (BP)
(ii) It may damage the arteries of kidney.
(iii) In extreme cases the arteries may burst or blindness may be caused.
(iv) It may also cause paralysis.
Prevention and Cure
(i) Do not build up mental tension.
(ii) Low fat diet should be taken.
(iii) Weight of the body must be kept under control.
(iv) Good eating habits should be cultivated
(v) Medicines may be taken as per doctor’s advice.
(b) Coronary heart disease
Symptoms
(i) Severe pain in the chest gasping for breathe.
(ii) Intense nausea and vomiting.
(iii) Lot of sweating takes place.
(iv) Blood clot may be formed within the blood vessels.
Prevention and Cure
(i) A diet low in saturated fats may control the formation of cholesterol.
(ii) Sound eating habits should be developed.
(iii) Over weight should be checked.
(iv) Avoid smoking, alcoholic drinks and drugs.
(v) Take treatment under a qualified doctor.
(vi) Electrocardiogram (ECG) can diagnose the disease.
(vii) By-pass surgery is performed in extreme cases.
3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is an age dependent disorder with loss of the normal density of bone.
The bones become fragile and are easily fractured. Bones that are affected by
osteoporosis can fracture with only a minor fall or injury. Elderly men and women
are most susceptible because of hormonal changes which occur with advancing age.
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Health Symptoms
(i) The persons suffering from osteoporosis may not know about their condition
for a long time, because osteoporosis doesn’t cause clear cut symptoms and
one may not realise till a bone fracture.
(ii) The symptoms of osteoporosis are related to the location of the fracture.
(iii) Fractures of the spine can cause severe ‘band like’ pain that radiates around
Notes from the back to the side of the body. Repeated spine fractures can cause
chronic lower back pain, as well as curving of the spine, which gives the
individual a hunched-back appearance.
(iv) Some patients with osteoporosis develop stress fractures of the feet while
walking or stepping off. Hip fractures typically occur as a result of a fall. With
osteoporosis, hip fractures can occur upon even minor accidents. Hip fractures
may take a very long time to heal because of poor bone quality.
Treatment
(i) Patients suffering from osteoporosis are generally treated with vitamin D and
calcium supplements. In addition they are advised bed rest so that the condition
does not worsen.
(ii) Changes to lifestyle and diet are also recommended. The patients are advised
to take calcium either via dietary means or via supplements in the form of
tablets. Since body absorbs about 500 mg calcium at a given time, the calcium
intake should be spread throughout the day.
(iii) Exercise also helps to protect persons from the risk of getting osteoporosis.
However, it is important to do exercises for osteoporosis under the guidance
of a professional physiotherapist.
4. Cancer
1t is the uncontrolled and unwanted growth of cells.
Cause
(i) No definite cause has been arrived at so far. However, it is found that body
has proto-oncogenes. These are activated by some substances or stimulus,
which convert these into active cancer-causing oncogenes.
(ii) Heavy smoking and alcoholism.
(iii) Chewing of tobacco.
(iv) Consistent irritation of skin or repeated injury at the same point.
Cancer is a kind of tumorous growth. Tumours can be classified into two categories :
(a) Benign tumour

It remains confined to the place of origin and does not spread to other body parts.
It is relatively harmless.
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(b) Malignant tumour Health
It spreads to other parts of the body and growth is rapid. This is serious and may
cause death of the patient.
Symptoms
(i) Persistent lump or thickening in tissues, specially in tongue, breast and uterus.
(ii) Any irregular bleeding or blood-tinged discharge from any body opening.
Notes
(iii) Any sore that does not heal quickly.
(iv) Change in the form of mole or wart.
(v) Persistent hoarseness in voice, cough or difficulty in swallowing.
Prevention and cure
(i) Cancer check up should be done once a year.
(ii) Treatment should be taken under medical advice.
(iii) Avoid smoking, taking alcohol and chewing of tobacco.
(iv) Observe regularity in life style to keep body healthy.
5. Allergy
(i) Includes a group of non-infectious diseases.
(ii) No definite cause is known
(iii) It is believed that they occur due to hypersensitiviness of certain individuals
to foreign matter (allergens) which may enter inside the body.
(iv) Symptoms may be sneezing, gasping, running of eyes, irritation of throat or
trachea.
(v) Allergens may be pollen grains, feathers, some animals or insects, drugs,
medicines and odour.

1. Why is diabetes called a hereditary disease?
..................................................................................................................
2. What happens to the blood pressure in persons with hypertension?
..................................................................................................................
3. State one point of difference between malignant and benign tumour.
..................................................................................................................
29.5 SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

The diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact are known as sexually
transmitted diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases are those diseases that are
transmitted via the mucous membrane and secretions of the sexual organ, throat and
the rectum. Syphilis, gonorrhoea, and AIDS are some sexually transmitted diseases.
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Health 29.5.1 AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome)
It is a pandemic disease. The word “immuno deficiency” signifies that the immune
system becomes very weak. It is a disease of cell-mediated immune system of the
body.
Lymphocytes are the main cells of the immune system i.e. T-lymphocytes and
B-lymphocytes. ‘Helper T’ lymphocytes play a great role in regulating the immune
Notes system. Damages to or destruction of ‘Helper’ lymphocytes leads to the development
of a cellular immune deficiency which makes the patient susceptible to wide variety
of infections.
Viral capsid
RNA
Protein
Fig. 29.2 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Mode of transmission : AIDS may be transmitted through any of the following

means :
(i) Sexual contact with the affected person. In India, the most common route of
HIV transmission is through unprotected heterosexual sex.
(ii) Using the same syringe that was used for affected person.
(iii) Blood transfusion which contains human immuno deficiency virus.
(iv) Organ transplantation of the affected person.
(v) Artificial insemination.
(vi) From mother to new born baby during the process of giving birth.
Incubation period : The average period is 28 months though it may range between
15 to 57 months
Symptoms : The sufferer may show one or more of the following symptoms :
(i) A type of lung disease develops (tuberculosis).
(ii) A skin cancer may be observed.
(iii) Nerves are affected.
(iv) Brain is badly damaged with the loss of memory, ability to speak and to think.
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(v) The number of platelets (thrombocytes) becomes less which may cause Health
haemorrhage.
(vi) In severe cases the patient shows swollen lymph nodes, fever and loss of weight.
A full blown (disease at its peak ) AIDS patient, may die within three years.
Prevention and cure
No medicine or vaccine is known to be available against HIV infection. Therefore,
care has to be taken through following measures: Notes
(i) There should not be any sexual contact with the person who has HIV infection
or STI. Since STI causes some damage to the genital area and mucous layer,
and thus facilitates the entry of HIV into the body.
(ii) Use disposable syringe and needle.
(iii) The blood to be transfused to the needy person, should be free from HIV germ.
(iv) Prostitution and homosexuality should be avoided.
(v) Condom should always be used during intercourse.
Control
AIDS can be detected by ELISA test.
There are three points which may be important to control STD.
(i) Partner notification : Identification of potential infected contact, examination
and treatment.
(ii) Education of STD : This should be a part of general education.
(iii) Screening for STD : Serological screening of groups, such as, blood donors,
women before giving birth.
Facts about HIV transmission
z HIV is a weak virus and hard to get infected with. It cannot be transmitted
through air or water outside the human body.
z A person cannot get AIDS by hugging or sneezing of an infected person, insect
bites (including mosquito), sharing the same comb, plates, glass, handkerchiefs,
knives or cutlery.
z A person cannot get AIDS by using public toilets, swimming pools, showers
and telephones.
z HIV cannot be transmitted by being near to someone, touching someone or
working with someone who is suffering from AIDS.

1. How is HIV transmitted? Mention any three ways of infection.
............................................................................................................................
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Health 2. Mention any two methods to prevent AIDS.
............................................................................................................................
3. Write full form of HIV.
............................................................................................................................
4. Give any two symptoms of AIDS.
Notes ............................................................................................................................
5. Mention three general points the knowledge of which may control STD.
............................................................................................................................
29.5.2 Syphilis
Causative organism
Treponema pallidum (a long corkscrew bacteria)
Mode of spread
Sexual contact with the infected person
Incubation period
Symptoms of the disease occur in about 10-90 days after contraction, but generally
noticed in 3-4 weeks after getting infected with the bacteria.
Symptoms
Symptoms of syphilis occur in stages. The common symptoms of syphilis include.
(i) Fever, and sores on the skin, in the throat and urinogenital areas especially
vagina or penis, anus, rectum and mouth. Sores are firm, round and often
painless.
(ii) Rashes on hands, feet and palms.
(iii) White patches in the mouth.
(iv) Acne-like warts in the groin area.
(v) Hair fall in patches from infected areas.
(vi) The last three symptoms can be very serious. They often become internal and
affect organs like brain, nerves, liver, eyes, blood vessels, bones and joints,
which show up after about 10 years of getting the infection. It can lead to
paralysis, blindness, dementia and sterility.
Prevention and cure
(i) Having sexual intimacy with only one person.
(ii) Avoiding prostitution and homosexuality.
(iii) Practising abstinence, and use condoms.
(iv) Taking appropriate medical treatment, and maintaing personal hygience.
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29.5.3 Gonorrhoea Health
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease that often involves urethra, vagina or
penis, cervix, anus, and throat, as its target sites.
Causative organism
A gonococcus bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It grows and multiplies quickly
in warm moist areas of the body, such as the cervix, rectum and mouth.
Modes of spread Notes
Having multiple sex partners increases the risk of contracting it. Any kind of
unprotected sex is always a risk. Any kind of contact of sores with an infected person
is also risky.
Incubation period
About 2-5 days after getting infection.
Symptoms
(i) Inflammation of mucous membrane in the urinogenital tract.
(ii) Burning sensation while passing out urine and urethral discharge.
(iii) Rectal discomfort.
(iv) Pain in the joints.
(v) Rashes on palms, Mild sore throat
(vi) In females, it may cause sterility
Prevention and cure
(i) Having sexual contact with only one person.
(ii) Avoiding prostitution and homosexuality.
(iii) Taking antibiotics, such as penicillin injection or appropriate medicines at the
appropriate time as per Doctor’s advice.
In males, gonorrhoea primarily affects the urethra, anus, throat, joints and eyes. Most
victims of this disease are teenagers and young adults. One of the advanced
complications of gonorrhoea is gonococcal septicemia (blood poisoning).
29.6 DRUG ABUSE AND ITS PREVENTION
What is a drug
A drug is a chemical substance that changes the way our body and mind work. A
pharmaceutical preparation or a naturally occurring substance used primarily to alter
the physical or mental functioning of an individual, is called a drug.
What is drug abuse
When drugs are taken for medical reasons to treat or cure disease both physical
and mental, they are called medications or therapeutic drugs.
Drug abuse occurs when drugs are taken without medical reasons and without
medical supervision, especially when they are taken in an amount, strength,
frequency, or manner that damages the physical and mental functioning of the
individual. Cough syrups, pain killers, and tranquillizers are some common medicines
that are often abused.
BIOLOGY 285
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Health Drug abuse also occurs when certain chemicals that have no medical use or benefits
are taken, such as sniffing glue and solvents. The extent of drug abuse depends on
the quantity of the drug being taken, and the method and frequency of its
consumption. Drug abuse leads to many serious physical, emotional, and social
problems.
What are the effects of drug abuse?
Notes Drug abuse leads to a number of short-term and long-term effects that are
detrimental to health:
z Short-term effects : These are the effects that appear instantly or a few minutes
after the intake of drugs. The effects include a sense of well-being and a pleasant
drowsiness.
z Long-term effects : Constant and excessive use of drugs over a long period
can cause both physical and mental damage and illness. This includes failure in
academic studies, employment, and interpersonal relationship; financial ruin;
increased risk of contracting STIs; and increased risk of being involved in
vehicular accidents. Addicts stop thinking of everything in life except when and
how they will get their next drug dose. They will do anything for the dose,
including committing crimes such as theft and in certain case even murder.
Some Basic Facts
Teenagers sometimes try a smoke or drink just to see how it

feels, but they do not start using drugs on a regular basis. What
is the harm in trying drugs just to see how it feels?
Ideally, there is no need to try out a smoke or drink.
But there is a great difference between “ trying out” smoking or
drinking as compared to drugs.
Smoking and drinking once only or very occasionally does not
always lead to addiction. But drugs are very powerful chemicals that
can cause profound alterations in the metabolism of the body and
in the chemistry of the brain. Even a single dose of a powerful drug
can start the addiction process. When one’s mind and body becomes
addicted to drugs, stopping drugs produces very unpleasant and
distressing mental and physical symptoms. This makes the addict
persist with the usage of the drug. Addicts cannot give up their habit
unless they get medical treatment and counselling.
You should not boast about your strong will power and assume that
you can experiment with drugs without becoming addicted. ALWAYS
KEEP AWAY from drugs. Do not allow yourself to succumb to
pressure by friends and acquaintances. If you remain firm in your
resolve, you can prevent your life from being ruined.
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Some Basic Facts
What are Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs)?

RTIs are infections of the upper and lower reproductive tracts of
both sexes. Agents of infection include bacteria, viruses, and
protozoa. Not all RTIs are sexually transmitted; some may occur
Notes
due to an imbalance of the bacteria normally found in the reproductive
tract and poor personal hygiene.
Some Basic Facts

Is it possible for a person to have an RTI (Reproductive Tract
Infection) without knowing about it?
Symptoms of RTIs in men are visible, and hence they become aware
that their sexual organs have been infected.
However, RTIs in women sometimes can be asymptomatic. This
means that signs or symptoms are not experienced even though the
infection is active. Hence women often do not know that they have
RTI.

1. Name the pathogen that causes syphilis.
..................................................................................................................
2. Mention any two symptoms of the disease gonorrhoea.
..................................................................................................................
3. Give the main method of checking syphilis.
..................................................................................................................

z Diseases are broadly classified into two categories–Acquired (Occur after birth)
and congenital (present from birth).
z Infectious diseases are transmitted from a diseased person to a healthy person
and degenerative diseases are due to malfunctioning of some organs.
z Cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells.
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Health z Acquired diseases are studied in two categories of communicable and non-
communicable diseases.
z Communicable diseases are transmitted and may be caused by virus, bacteria,
protozoa or helminths (worms).
z Non-communicable diseases are not transmitted from a diseased person to a
healthy person.
Notes z diseases which spread by sexual contact are called sexually transmitted diseases
(STD).
z AIDS is caused by HIV.
z Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacterium (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). Syphilis is
caused by a long, corkscrew bacterium (Treponema pallidum).
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. What is a disease? How does it differ from disorder?
2. Name the two categories of acquired diseases.
3. Explain the term (i) parasitism (ii) reservoir.
4. Give two symptoms of coronary diseases and of typhoid.
5. What precautions should be taken to prevent malaria?
6. Name the pathogen that causes diphtheria and the one, that causes cholera.
7. Mention the four types of acquired diseases.
8. Differentiate between :
(i) Communicable and non-communicable diseases
(ii) Pathogen and vector
(iii) Syphilis and gonorrhoea
(iv) HIV and AIDS
(v) Benign and malignant tumours
9. How does polio virus enter human body? How does it paralyse limbs?
10. A nursing mother is given an immunization for BCG and DPT to the baby. What
are the diseases against which she would be protected?
11. Give the cause, symptoms and treatment of haemorrhagic dengue fever.
12. Give full form of STD.
13. Mention any two sympotms of syphilis.
14. State the means by which we may prevent and cure gonorrhoea.
15. What does the term AIDS stand for?
16. Write four possible symptoms of AIDS.
17. Mention three general points which may control sexually transmitted diseases.
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Health

29.1 1. Any condition which interfers with the normal functioning of the body.
2. (i) congenital (ii) degenerative
3. Refer text.
4. Presence of large number of organisms on the surface of body. Notes
29.2 1. Contact or scabs
2. Appearance of rashes on the body
3. Nervous system
4. Rabies virus
5. Aedes aegypti
29.3 1. (i) Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(ii) Salmonella typhi
(iii) Vibrio cholerae
2. Oozing semisolid material in the throat, form a membrane which blocks
the air passage.
3. Prolonged contact with patient.
29.4 1. Female Anopheles
2. Entamoeba histolytica
3. Elephantiasis or Filariasis
29.5 1. It is passed down from parents to offspring.
2. The blood pressure remains persistently high.
3. Benign tumor does not spread to other parts of the body, whereas
malignant tumor cells spread to other parts of the body.
29.6 1. Any three points mentioned under “mode of transmission”
2. Give any two points written under “prevention and cure”.
3. Human immunodeficiency virus.
4. Mention any two points given under “symptoms.”
5. (i) Partner-notification.
(ii) Education of STD.
(iii) Screening for STD.
29.7 1. Treponema pallidum
2. (i) Swelling of mucous membrane of urinogenital tract.
(ii) Burning sensation during passing of urine.
3. (i) Prostitution and homosexuality should be avoided.
(ii) Certain medicines may check the diseases.
BIOLOGY 289
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
         











            





 
 
 
 
 
 
 








MODULE - V
EMERGING AREAS IN BIOLOGY
30 Biotechnology
31 Immunobiology: An Introduction

Several projects have been implemented by the NIOS to tap the potential of Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) for promoting of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system.
The Ni-On project of NIOS won the National Award for e-governance and Department of Information
and Technology, Govt. of India. In further recognition of its On-line initiatives and best ICT practices,
the NIOS received the following awards:
NIOS WINS National Award for e-Governance 2008-09

Silver icon for Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering, Instituted
by Government of India Department of Administrative Reforms and Public
Grievances & Department of Information Technology.
NIOS receives NCPEDP MPHASIS Universal Design Awards 2012

National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has been awarded
THE NCPEDP - MPHASIS UNIVERSAL DESIGN AWARDS
2012 instituted by National Centre for Promotion of Employment
for Disabled People. The award was given by Sh. Mukul
Wasnik, Hon’ble Minister for Social Justice and
Empowerment, Govt. of India on 14th August, 2012. NIOS
has been selected for its remarkable work done for the learners
with disabilities through ICT by making its web portal
www.nios.ac.in completely accessible for such learners.
The Manthan Award South Asia & Asia Pacific 2012

The Manthan Award South Asia & Asia Pacific 2012 to recognize
the best ICT practices in e-Content and Creativity instituted by
Digital Empowerment Foundation in partnership with World
Summit Award, Department of Information Technology, Govt. of
India, and various other stakeholders like civil society members,
media and other similar organisations engaged in promoting digital
content inclusiveness in the whole of South Asian & Asia Pacific
nation states for development. The award was conferred during
9th Manthan Award Gala South Asia & Asia Pacific 2012 at India Habitat Centre on 1st Dec.
2012.

Biotechnology MODULE - 5
Emerging Areas
in Biology
30
Notes
BIOTECHNOLOGY
At home we prepare food items such as yoghurt (curd), cake, bread, idli and dosa
by the action of microorganisms, such as the bacteria and fungi. Brewers use yeast
(fungus) to make beer. Antibiotics such as penicillin are obtained from certain fungi.
Nowadays, biological processes such as fermentation by microorganisms is being
used in industry on a commercial scale for making food, drinks, drugs (medicines)
and industrial chemicals. Modern techniques in biotechnology are programming
microorganisms for this task. In this lesson, you will learn about use of microorganisms
in industries.
OBJECTIVES
z appreciate the importance of biotechnology in human welfare;
z explain the use of biotechnology in industry;
z list the microbes used in the industry and the products manufactured through
their use;
z explain fermentation and outline the process of making alcohol by using
microorganisms;
z describe the process of making yoghurt and cheese on a large scale;
z explain the contribution of microorganisms in making antibiotics and vaccines;
z define genetic engineering and mention its utility;
z define transgenic organisms, mention the steps in their production and cite a
few examples of transgenic plants and animals;
z explain the process and importance of gene therapy;
z explain bioremediation and biopesticides.
BIOLOGY 293
MODULE - 5 Biotechnology
Emerging Areas
in Biology 30.1 BIOTECHNOLOGY
The word biotechnology has come from two words, bios (meaning biology) and
technology (meaning technological application). Thus biotechnology is defined as
the industrial application of living organisms and their biological processes
such as biochemistry, microbiology, and genetic engineering, in order to make
best use of the microorganisms for the benefit of mankind.
Notes Biotechnology is applied in many areas to produce foods and medicines, in the
development of new diagnostic tools, gene therapy, and DNA finger-printing for
forensic purposes.
30.1.1 Applications of Biotechnology

1. Health and medicine
Fighting infectious diseases : Biotechnology is used extensively in the study of
infectious diseases such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and
influenza. As a result more effective pharmaceuticals have been developed.
Development of vaccines and antibiotics : Using technology, microorganisms are
used to develop antibiotics and vaccines to cure diseases. For example, bacteria
Bacillus polymysea is used to produce polymyxin B (antibiotic used to cure urinary
tract infections), fungus Penicillium notatum is used to produce penicillin (used to
cure pneumonia, and many other bacterial infections.)
Treating genetic disorders : Disease can occur when genes become defective due
to mutations. With advancements in biotechnology, in the near future it will be
possible to use gene therapy to replace an abnormal or faulty gene with a normal
copy of the same gene. It may be used to treat ailments such as heart disease,
inherited diseases such as SCID, and Thalassaemia.
In forensic science : A lot of New techniques have been developed such as DNA
fingerprinting, besides having a number of other applications which have facilitated
the speedy identification of the criminals.
2. Environment
Cleaning up and managing the environment : Cleaning up the environment using
living organisms is called bioremediation. Naturally occurring, as well as genetically
modified microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and enzymes are used to break
down toxic and hazardous substances present in the environment.
3. Agriculture
Biotechnology has also made possible the production of crops improved disease
resistan; herbicide-toleran and insecticide-resistan. Plants with improved nutritional
value for livestock have also been obtained through biotechnology.
Control of pests : One application of biotechnology is in the control of insect pests.
The genetic make-up of the pest is changed by causing some mutations. These pests
become sterile and do not reproduce further.
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Manufacturing and bio-processing : With the help of new biological techniques in Biology
it has become possible to grow, the plants that produce compounds for use in
detergents, paints, lubricants and plastics on large scale.
Food and drinks : Biotechnology, has also made the processing of foods and their
products easier. Preservation and storing of food for consumption later has become
easy and cheap with the help of biotechnology. Seedless grapes and seedless citrus
fruits have been developed using biotechnology. Notes
4. Industry
Biotechnology has been used in the industry to produce new products for human
consumption. Food additives have been developed which help in the preservation
of food. Microorganisms are used in the mass production of items such as cheese,
yoghurt, and alcohol.
30.1.2 Industrial Microorganisms and Their Industrial Products
Important microorganisms used in industries include
z yeasts (fungi)
z moulds (fungi)
z bacteria
z filamentous bacteria (actinomycetes)
Microbes are used in the manufacture of several products. Some of these are
z alcohol-containing beverages z yoghurt (curd)
z proteins z antibiotics and monoclonal antibodies
z vitamins, steroids and enzymes z biogas
The progress in gene manipulation and genetic engineering has introduced
the use of cultured mammalian cells and ‘hybridomas’ in the industries.
Hybridomas are created by fusion of cells belonging to organisms of
different species.
30.1.3 Production of Alcohol – Containing Beverages

Fermentation
Fermentation is a process by which carbohydrates such as sugar are
converted into alcohol.
yeast
Glucose 
enzyme
→ Ethyl alcohol + Carbon-dioxide + ATP
Yeast is capable of fermenting sugar to alcohol. Fermentation is an energy

yielding process.
In the mid nineteenth century, Louis Pasteur showed that fermentation by the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae yields beer and buttermilk. Presently yeast is being used
BIOLOGY 295
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in Biology on a large scale for brewery and
bakery.
Bakers use yeast to leaven (raise) Grape pressing
dough to make bread. Yeast is also Elimination of
contaminants
grown on molasses and is packed and
sold. Yeast is used to raise cakes and Addition of desired
Sterilization
Notes bread while baking.
organisms
+
Alcoholic beverages are manufactured Yeast addition
by fermentation of sugars by the yeast,
Alcohol production
Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is called Fermentation from sugars
Brewer’s yeast. The source of
carbohydrate fermented by yeast gives
the beverage its specific flavour. For Excess yeast
example :
– Wine is obtained by fermentation
of grapes. Grapes are fermented Setting vat Fermentation
by S. cerevisiae and its soluble
sugars (glucose and fructose) are
converted into CO2 and ethyl Excess yeast removal
alcohol.
– Fermentation is carried out in large Aging Development of final
wine bouquet
tanks called bioreactors.
– Barley malt is fermented to yield
beer.
Steps taken for fermentation Bottling
(i) Fermenter or tank and the

nutrient medium are sterilised by Fig 30.1 Obtaining wine from grapes by
steam under pressure (autoclave). fermentation by Yeast
(ii) The correct strain of yeast is selected.

(iii) The yeast is inoculated into the medium. Inoculation can be done in two ways:
(a) Yeast can be grown as a layer on the surface of nutrient medium. This
is called support growth system.
(b) Cells or mycelia are suspended in a liquid medium. This is called
suspended growth system.
(iv) Care is taken to maintain the right temperature, pH, oxygen and carbon-dioxide
concentration.
(v) The medium is stirred and left to ferment.
(vi) The sugar in the medium gets fermented by enzymes released by yeast.
(vii) The fermented product is taken out (Fig. 30.1).
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Some alcohols manufactured by yeast fermentation are : Ethyl alcohol, butanol and in Biology
glycerol. The same method also yields lactic acid and acetic acid (vinegar) by using
specific bacteria.
The yeast extract left after removal of the beverage can be used as animal feed.
It is also a rich source of vitamins.
Notes
1. Name three different kinds of microorganisms used in the manufacture of
industrial products.
................................................................................................................
2. Name three products obtained in industries by using microorganisms.
................................................................................................................
3. Name two alcohols produced through fermentation by yeast.
................................................................................................................
4. Name the two methods of inoculation of yeast in the medium.
................................................................................................................
5. Match the items given in columns A with those given in column B.
Column A Column B
1. Bioreactor (a) Butanol
2. Steaming under pressure (b) Fermentation tank
3. Alcohol (c) Autoclave
30.2 YOGHURT AND CHEESE MAKING

At home we add a bit of yoghurt (starter) to milk and it sets. The milk becomes
yoghurt or curd due to the milk curdling enzymes released by the increasing
population of bacteria, Lactobacillus present in the starter. (Table 30.1) On a
commercial scale, making of yoghurt as well as cheese utilises Rennet tablets for
this purpose. Rennin is the milk curdling enzyme obtained from the calf stomach.
However, this method is popular any more.
Whether by bacteria or by “rennin”, when milk is ‘curdled’, milk protein casein,
separates from the liquid which is called whey. Lactobacillus convert lactose in the
milk into lactic acid which lowers the pH. Lowered pH causes souring which is
essential for preservation.
Butter can be made by violently shaking (churning) sour milk. The fat globules
separate and form butter. A starter culture of Streptococcus cremosis, and Leuconostoc
is added to the milk when butter, yoghurt or cheese are made.
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in Biology Table 30.1 Fermenting microbes used for dairy products
Fermented product Fermenting microorganism Description
Yoghurt Streptococcus thermophilus Product made from low or

and Lactobacillus bulgarians non-fat milk and stabilisers
like gelatin added.
Butter Lactococcus lactis Cream is incubated till the desired

Notes
acidity is achieved followed by churning,
washing and salting
30.2.1 Microorganisms and antibiotics

In 1928, Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered that one microorganism can
inhibit the growth of another organism. Selman Waksman 1942 coined the term
antibiotic (anti: opposed to, biotic: living organism)
Antibiotic is a substance produced by a microorganism such as bacteria

or fungi which inhibits the growth of another microorganism. Antibiotics
are generally small molecules with a molecular weight less than 2000
Da. They are not enzymes. The antibiotic interferes with the vital
metabolic processes of the pathogenic bacterium and prevents its growth
and reproduction.
Wide-spectrum and narrow-spectrum antibiotics

Modern medicines have found a specific antibiotic for almost every different
pathogen. Streptomyces bacterium yields some of the most widely used antibiotics
like Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin, Tetracycline etc. These are called ‘broad
spectrum antibiotics’ and can be used against more than one kind of pathogenic
bacterium. Streptomycin and Penicillin are narrow spectrum antibiotics used
against few pathogenic bacteria.
Drawbacks of antibiotics
Use of antibiotics was a big step in curing infectious diseases which offered a safe,
sure and relatively inexpensive cure. But even now we find many people suffering
from bacterial diseases. The reasons for this are:
1. Some people are allergic to a particular antibiotic.
2. Some disease causing bacteria undergo mutation and become resistant to a
particular antibiotic to which they were sensitive earlier.
Sources of antibiotics
Some of the common antibiotics and their source organisms are given in table
30.2.
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Table 30.2 Major antibiotics and their sources in Biology
Antibiotic group Source

Tetracyclin Streptomyces sp
Chlorotetracycline Streptomyces auriefaciens
Chloramphenicol S. venezuelae
Cycloheximide S. griseus Notes
Streptomycin S. griseus
Cephalosporin Cephalosporium acremonium
Penicillin Penicillium chrysogenum
30.3 VACCINATION
In 1790, Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids did not get smallpox as they were
exposed to a milder disease cowpox. Jenner infected a boy with cowpox germs and
after two months with small pox germs. The boy did not get small pox. Jenner
proposed that if mild or attenuated (weakened) germs were introduced into the body,
they would not cause the disease. He gave the term vaccine (latin vacca : cow)
or vaccination, for the weakened germ and its protective inoculation.
Today, the principle of vaccination has been extended to prevent attack of many
diseases. When vaccines are made from attenuated disease causing bacteria, they
are termed as “first generation vaccines”. The “second generation vaccines” have
been produced by genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology about which
you shall study in the next section. Second generation vaccines for Hepatitis B virus
and Herpes virus are already in use. Vaccines synthesised from chemicals are called
“third generation vaccines”.
30.4 PRODUCTION OF VITAMINS
Vitamins are nutrients required in very small amounts for essential metabolic
reactions in the body. They are produced using biotechnology. Vitamin C was the
first vitamin to be produced during a fermentation process by using bacteria. B12
or cyanocobalamin and B2 or Riboflavin were obtained from liver extract. The
production of B12 involved fermentation by propionic bacteria. In nature B2 is found
in cereals, vegetables and yeast but the yield of B2 can be enhanced hundred to three
hundred fold by using microbes.
30.5 PRODUCTION OF BIOGAS
Biogas is a new conventional source of fuel. Its use can save fossil fuel (coal,
kerosene, and petrol) which are fast getting depleted.
Biogas is made from organic waste including faecal matter. Cowdung or faeces have
lignocellulose. The energy used as fuel comes from methane (CH4). Cowdung forms
the primary source of biogas. In India cowdung is available in plenty in villages and
small scale methane generating plants have been designed.
BIOLOGY 299
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in Biology Any biodegradable substance (which can be decomposed by bacteria) can be
fermented anaerobically (in the absence of oxygen) by methane-producing
(methanogenic) bacteria. Cowdung or faeces are collected and put in a biogas
digester or fermenter ( a large vessel in which fermentation can take place). A series
of chemical reactions occur in the presence of methanogenic bacteria (CH4
generating bacteria) leading to the production of CH4 and CO2.
While generating biogas, few parameters have to be taken into account. These are
Notes
as follows:
1. Fermentation should be in an anaerobic environment and no free oxygen should
be present.
2. pH in the fermenter should be close to neutral, around 6.8 to 7.6
3. Methanogenic bacteria are to be used for fermentation.
Several kinds of reactors have been designed. One side of the reactor is for input,
that is, for introducing cowdung or faecal matter into the reactor. Whiel other side
of the reactor has an outlet for removal of biogas: The material is left behind is called
slurry. The gas gets stored above the slurry level. Slurry forms excellent manure.
Advantages of biogas
1. Biogas is a fuel used to cook food, and light lamps.
2. Slurry left after biogas production forms a soil conditioner (manure).
3. Biogas is much cheaper than LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) which we
commonly use these days in our houses.

1. Name the bacterium responsible for curdling of milk.
................................................................................................................
2. Who discovered antibiotic?
................................................................................................................
3. What do you mean by second generation vaccines?
................................................................................................................
4. Which was the first vitamin to be produced by fermentation?
................................................................................................................
5. Which bacteria cause the production of biogas?
................................................................................................................
30.6 GENETIC ENGINEERING

An engineer fixes a machine to make it work efficiently. Body is like a machine and
genes, the nucleotide sequences in DNA have the information for products to run
this machine. With progress in molecular biology, techniques have been developed
by which a scientist can now manipulate genetic material, replace genes or replace
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gene products in the body, make identical copies of these genes and store them in in Biology
a gene library. This is called genetic engineering.
30.6.1 Importance of genetic engineering
You know that diabetes mellitus is a genetic disorder. A diabetic patient lacks a
gene which has the information for synthesis of insulin, therefore such a person
cannot secrete insulin. Take another example. A person suffering from Thalassemia
lacks the gene for haemoglobin and can survive only through frequent blood Notes
transfusions. A person suffering from sickle cell anemia has an altered gene whose
product makes the red blood corpuscles abnormal on exposure to oxygen because
they contain faulty haemoglobin.
Humans suffering from genetic disorders such as those cited above have now hope
in genetic engineering. Genetically engineered copies of DNA can be produced and
stored in gene libraries to be used when required.
In the previous sections of this lesson you have studied about the use of microbes
to produce various products on a commercial scale. Currently bacteria are being
genetically manipulated to act as biological factories to produce various kinds of
proteins such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies through genetic engineering.
Researchers have isolated genes which can be used to produce effective vaccines.
Workers have also developed bacterial strains, through genetic manipulation, which
can degrade harmful environmental pollutants.
30.6.2 Recombinant DNA technology
Genetic engineering may be defined as construction and utilisation of new DNA
molecules that have been engineered by recombinant DNA techniques. The
technique of genetic engineering is in the production of recombinant DNA.
Recombinant DNA, as the name suggests, involves cutting a piece of original DNA
and inserting in its place a different segment of DNA having desred characters. The
recombined or recomposed DNA is then copied multifold inside bacterial cells and
stored in a gene library for use when required. The multiple copies of the gene are
termed cloned DNA or cloned genes.
Causing genetic change by artificially manipulating DNA is genetic
engineering.
Clone is a group of genetically identical cells. Such cells are descendents

of a single cell. When a bacterium with recombinant DNA divides
several times, it provides a clone containing a specific segment of DNA
from another species.
The production of genetically identical individuals or genetic material
from a single cell is called cloning.
Recombinant DNA technology resulted from the two discoveries made while
experimenting with bacteria :
(i) presence of plasmids or extra chromosomal DNA fragments in the bacterial
cell which replicate along with bacterial DNA and can be used as a vector for
carrying foreign DNA.
BIOLOGY 301
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in Biology (ii) presence of specific restriction enzymes which attack and cut DNA at specific
sites.
30.6.3 Tools and steps in recombinant DNA technology
Recombinant DNA technology is a “cut and paste” technology. Specific nucleotide
sequences are cut from the DNA of humans, other animals or plants and “pasted”
into plasmids. DNA of the plasmid carrying nucleotide sequence of another organism
Notes is the recombinant DNA. It is then inserted into bacteria. Bacteria divide repeatedly
and a clone of bacteria with the recombinant DNA is obtained.
Five requirements for recombinant DNA technology are:
(i) Cell culture (ii) Restriction endonuclease enzyme
(iii) Plasmids (iv) Ligases
(v) Host bacteria
(i) Cell culture : Cultured cells of an animal or plant (or even a bacterium)
carrying the required gene (nucleotide sequence of DNA) in its nucleus.
(ii) The enzyme Restriction endonuclease : Restriction endonucleases cut short
specific DNA sequences. There are many different restriction endonucleases
found in bacteria. Each of these enzymes very specifically recognises a
particular DNA sequence (usually 4 to 6 bases) and cuts it. These enzymes
are the “molecular scissors”. They either cut both the strands at the same place
or at different places so that the two DNA strands hang out at the two ends.
Two cuts at the two ends of a DNA segment releases the cut part as the
restriction fragment. The ends are single stranded and called sticky ends.
Thus a piece of DNA containing a particular gene can be obtained by selecting
a particular restriction endonuclease.
(iii) Plasmids : Plasmids are extra chromosomal DNA molecules in a bacterial cell
which have sequences matching those of the required gene and can be similarly
cut by the same restriction enzymes. Plasmids can readily enter bacteria, yeast
or other speedily reproducing cells.
(iv) DNA ligase : It is an enzyme called ‘joining enzyme’ since it joins two DNA
fragments, both of which have having sticky ends. Ligase is the “molecular
glue”.
(v) Host Bacteria : Host bacteria are the bacteria whose plasmid is used for
carrying foreign DNA.
Sequences of steps in recombinant DNA technology:
1. Specific restriction enzyme is selected.
2. Cell culture with required gene in the cells is obtained.
3. Restriction enzyme cuts the DNA at two ends of the specific gene and a
restriction fragment is obtained (Fig. 30.2 a, c)
4. Same restriction enzyme cuts a matching DNA sequence from a plasmid
(Fig. 30.2 b, d)
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5. Ligase joins the restriction fragment in the place vacated by the cut DNA in Biology
segment of the plasmid. The plasmid becomes a recombinant plasmid containing
a foreign DNA fragment (Fig. 30.2 e, f). Its DNA is the recombinant DNA. Since
plasmids can carry foreign DNA, they are called clonal vectors. Bacteriophages
(viruses) can also function as clonal vectors.
6. The recombinant plasmids are then placed with the comptent cells to enter the
bacteria. Notes
7. Bacteria divide. Recombinant plasmids replicate along with bacterial DNA.
8. A large population of bacteria (more than a million) containing recombinant
DNA can be obtained in less than ten hours.
9. Multiple identical copies of DNA fragments inserted into plasmids or bacteriophage
(bacterial virus) are then obtained and preserved in a DNA library.
10. These DNA fragments are the cloned DNA.
Restriction enzyme
makes cuts at specific
sites in all the chromosomes Fragments of
of an organism's cell chromosomal
DNA
Joining of
chromosomal Recombinant plasmids
Same restriction enzyme Cut plasmid containing the DNA
is used to cut plasmids
and plasmid
DNA DNA using fragments
Plasmids inserted into host

cells for amplification
Fig. 30.2 Steps in formation of multiple copies of recombinant DNA for DNA library
1. Define genetic engineering.

................................................................................................................
2. What is a clone?
................................................................................................................
3. What do you mean by the term recombinant DNA?
................................................................................................................
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in Biology 4. Where are plasmids found?
................................................................................................................
5. Why are restriction enzymes called “molecular scissors”?
................................................................................................................
6. Name the enzyme which joins DNA fragments.
................................................................................................................
Notes 7. What is a clonal vector?
................................................................................................................
8. What do you mean by transgenic organism?
................................................................................................................
30.6.4 Applications of genetic engineering

1. Protein manufacture
You would recall from earlier section of this lesson that bacteria and yeasts have been
used for centuries to produce cheese, and alcohol, and more recently antibiotics.
Currently, plasmids in bioengineered bacteria carry some human genes and these genes
are expressed to give large quantities of human proteins which are clinically useful.
The development of recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning has generated
a new industry for manufacturing proteins. Earlier valuable proteins could be obtained
from eukaryotes in small amounts and at heavy expense, but now these can be
produced in large quantities. For example, until sometime back, growth hormone was
available only in tiny amounts and was extremely expensive as it had to be extracted
from endocrine glands of certain animals. Today, it can be made available in large
quantities through recombinant DNA technology. In 1982 production of human insulin
became the first commercial success of recombinant DNA technology.
There are several proteins of therapeutic (medical) value which are available now
through recombinant DNA technology. These are cloned human gene products
approved for use or being developed. Following table 30.3 gives the names and uses
of some of these:
Table 30.3 The names of proteins and their uses
Protein Used in
1. Insulin Diabetes mellitus
2. Growth hormone Pituitary dwarfism
3. Erythropoietin Anaemia
4. Interferons viral infections
5. Interleukin 2 Cancer
6. Clotting factor VIII Haemophilia A
7. Clotting factor IX Haemophilia B
8. Monoclonal antibodies Infectious diseases
9. Tissue Plasminogen factor Heart attack
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2. Enzymes have also been produced from cloned genes. The following table 30.4 in Biology
gives the names of such enzymes and their uses:
Table 30.4 The names of enzymes and their uses
Enzymes Used in
Proteases manufacture of detergents, meat tenderisers.
Amylases manufacture of beer, bread and textiles
Glucoisomerases to make corn syrup, which is sweeter than sucrose Notes
and used to flavour soft drinks
Enzymes are fragile and have to be entrapped in gel and encapsulated in small
artificial cells.
3. Antibiotics
Since the discovery of Penicillin in 1920s, more than 6000 antibiotics have been
isolated from various microorganisms and have resulted in an enormous improvement
in human health. Research is in progress to genetically engineer biosynthetic
pathways for the synthesis of antibiotics. Novel antibiotics have also been obtained
through genetic manipulation.
4. Vaccines
Bioengineered vaccines have been developed for rabies and hepatitis B. A gene for
the antigen protein is inserted into a plasmid and the bacteria containing recombinant
DNA then generate large quantities of the protein. The protein is added to the
vaccine. Antibodies immediately form against the antigen when vaccinated.

1. Name any two proteins and ,two enzymes obtained by recombinant DNA
technology.
(i) ............................................ (ii) ..............................................
2. How is recombinant DNA technology useful for pharmaceutical companies?
................................................................................................................
3. Name any two diseases for which bioengineered vaccines have already been
developed.
(i) ............................................ (ii) ..............................................
30.8 TRANSGENE AND TRANSGENIC

Genetic engineering has made possible production of organisms of one species
carrying genes of another species. The foreign gene is called a transgene. The plant
or animal carrying it is termed as transgenic.
Genetically engineered organisms carrying foreign genes are termed
transgenics.
BIOLOGY 305
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in Biology 1. Usefulness of transgenic organisms
1. For a better yield desirable traits can be introduced or increased in agricultural
plants and domestic animals, especially the cattle.
2. Valuable products can be produced by transgenic plants and animals.
3. Transgenic plants and animals can be used for investigating biological processes
such as gene expression.
Notes
2. Methodology for production of transgenics
There are two methods which are mostly used for generating transgenics:
(i) Microinjection of foreign DNA into pronuclei of fertilised eggs.
(ii) Retroviral vector method. Infection of pre-implantation embryos with
retroviruses carrying foreign DNA.
The first method has the following steps:
(i) Collection of oocytes from the animal killed in slaughter house or surgically
removed from female parent.
(ii) In-vitro maturation of oocytes.
(iii) In-vitro fertilisation with male semen.
(iv) Eggs (oocytes) to be centrifuged to concentrate yolk which in normal cells
prevents male pronuclei from being seen under the dissecting microscope.
(v) Microinjection of “input DNA” into male pronuclei (Fig. 30.3). Usually
hundred to thousand copies of the gene of interest are injected.
(vi) In-vitro development of embryos.
(vii) Non-surgical implantation of one embryo into a recepient foster mother.
(viii) Screening of DNA of the offspring of foster mother for presence of transgenes.
(ix) Offspring with the transgenes are the transgenic organisms.
Fig. 30.3 Microinjection of input DNA into male pronucleus

In the second method called the retroviral vector method, DNA required to be
transferred into the female is introduced through the retrovirus which infects the
cells of an early stage embryo before implantation into a receptive female.
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Transgenic plants in Biology
By recombinant DNA techniques, plant breeders can now directly modify the DNA
of plants. They can add genes from other species to the plant. The most popular
method for doing this is to produce a transgenic plant by the use of Agrobacterium
tumefaciens. It is a soil bacterium which has a natural “genetic engineering” system.
It has a plasmid which can be inserted into plant cells. Agrobacterium tumefaciens
causes galls (tumours) (Fig. 30.4) in several plants. The information for production Notes
of galls is present on a plasmid, (Ti) in the bacterium. A segment of DNA from the
plasmid can be transferred into plant cell. In the Ti plasmid, gall forming genes can
be removed and substituted by desired genes. The plasmid can then be used to
transform plant cells. Such foreign genes in the chromosomes of transformed plant
cells can be expressed normally (Fig. 30.4).
Fig. 30.4 Gall caused on turnips by bacteria carrying T1 plasmid
Examples of transgenic plants

(i) Cotton which can resist attack by worms.
(ii) Corn and soyabean which are more tolerant to drought and pesticides.
Transgenic plants can also serve as factories to produce medically and commercially
useful proteins. Serum albumin is used in preparations given to patients with burn
injuries and others for replacement of body fluid. Genetically altered potato and
tobacco plants can yield serum albumin.
BIOLOGY 307
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in Biology Transgenic animals
Mice : It is difficult to generate transgenic animals as animal cells do not accept
plasmids. Transgenic mice are, however, routinely produced in the laboratories
throughout the world by microinjecting foreign DNA. Gene for growth hormone
from rats was microinjected into mouse eggs. These mice grew larger than their
litter mates. This was because rat gene got integrated into mouse DNA and was
Notes being expressed. (Fig. 30.5).
Fig. 30.5 Transgenic mouse compared to normal mouse

Goats : Transgenic goats have been developed from a fertilised egg injected with
recombinant DNA consisting of goat gene sequences spliced with human genes for
tPA (tissue plasminogen activator). Goat milk contains this factor which dissolves
blood clots. This has proved very useful for heart attack (coronary thrombosis) and
stroke patients.
Cattle : Transgenic livestock have the potential to produce large quantities of drugs
faster and at much cheaper rates than from bacteria which have to be cultured in
huge industrial vessels.
Chinese hamster : Blood clotting factor VIII genes have been inserted in chinese
hamster ovary cells. This factor saves the patients suffering from haemophilia A.
Blood clotting factor has also been generated through recombinant DNA technology
in Chinese hamster. This eliminates the need to get it from human blood alongwith
remov of the the risk of transmitting AIDS.
30.8.1 Bioremediation (remedy through organisms)

Genetically engineered bacteria can clean up pollutants from the environment. This
is called Bioremediation. The transformed bacteria metabolically breakdown toxic
pollutants into harmless compounds.
Mercury resistant bacteria process metallic mercury (which damages the nervous
system) into a nontoxic compound.
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1. Define the term transgenic.
................................................................................................................
2. Name the gall producing bacterium and the plasmid which can be conveniently
used to produce transgenics. Notes
................................................................................................................
3. What is bioremediation?
................................................................................................................
30.9 HUMAN GENE THERAPY

Many people are born with and suffer from diseases such as sickle cell anaemia,
haemophilia, severe combined immuno deficiency (SCID), and colour blindness.
Such diseases are caused due to genetic defects. These genetic defects are hereditary.
It has been estimated that around 2000 children in India alone are born every day
with genetic disorders. Let us learn about the methods of removal and correction
of genetic defects.
30.9.1 Gene function
Genes play a number of different roles in the proper functioning of an organism
by (a) controlling synthesis of enzymes involved in biochemical reactions, (b)
regulating their synthesis such that the right enzyme appears at the right time.
Sometimes genes may not function properly due to some irregularity or defect in
their structure. This may lead to genetic disorders. A defective gene may appear
in an individual in the following two ways:
(i) Certain defective genes are inherited and the defect runs in the family. For
example : Colour blindness, haemophilia, sickle cell anaemia.
(ii) A gene becomes defective all of a sudden due to mutation during early
development. For example : Albinism (non-heritable).
A gene mutation may alter the synthesis or activity of an enzyme needed for the
normal completion of chemical reactions or for the normal functioning of an
organism.
The consequences are :
(i) accumulation of the metabolic substances that are toxic, or
(ii) deficiency of a compound that is important for normal cell functioning.
There are mutations that can lead to disorders in any part of the body, including
muscles, eyes, liver, bones, kidneys, nerves, and blood system. Under normal
conditions, genes work in total harmony completing their specific job of converting
a raw material into a finished product, by synthesising the specific enzyme.
BIOLOGY 309
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in Biology Normal gene functioning
Gene A Gene B Gene C

¾ ¾ ¾
Enzyme A Enzyme B Enzyme C
¾ ¾ ¾
Substrate Product A Product B End Product
Notes
¾
(Intermediate Products)
Defective Gene Functioning
Sometimes, absence of a gene or defect in a single gene may result in defective
metabolism and a desired product may never be formed, rather a harmful product
may be obtained.
Gene A Gene B (defective or absent)

¾ ¾
Enzyme A No Enzyme
¾ ¾
Substrate Product A No Product B No End Product
The absence of enzyme B results in accumulation of unuitilised product A and end

product is not produced.
You will be alaimed to know that a number of human disorders are caused due to
single gene defects. Following- table 30.5 gives an idea of some such diseases, caused
due to the missing or defective gene products, and the symptoms, of the diseases.
Table 30.5 Some Common Single Gene Defects
Disease Gene Product Symptoms
(i) Severe Combined Absence of adenosine Loss of immunity,
Immuno Deficiency deaminase T lymphocytes and B
syndrome (SCID) lymphocytes in low count.
(ii) Haemophilia Absence of blood clotting Defective blood clotting,
factor VIII chronic bleeding in joints.
(iii) Sickle Cell defective β chain of damage to heart,
anaemia haemoglobin spleen, kidney, liver and brain
(iv) Phenylketonuria (PKU) Accumulation of Severe mental .retardation,
aminoacid phenyl albinism (lack of pigmentation)
alanine in blood
30.9.2 Gene therapy
Most of the genetic disorders may result in serious complications, health problems
and untimely death. Techniques are being developed to replace defective genes or
310 BIOLOGY
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manipulate them to remove the genetic disorder. Such treatment is called Gene in Biology
Therapy.
Gene Therapy thus may be defined as a technique in which a patient (sufferer) is
given healthy genes to replace the defective ones inherited from the parents, or to
enhance the action/reaction of the genes they already have.
Replacement and alteration of defective gene is called
Gene therapy. Notes
Human gene therapy in a broad sense is the addition of functional normal gene or
genes to the genetic material contained in the human cell. This is with the aim of
correcting an inherited defect.
The ultimate goal is to let ‘protein assembling unit’ of the cell make desired proteins
needed for the normal functioning of an individual. It is like supplying a patient with
the necessary gene product formed within the cells by the patient’s own body.

1. What causes the alteration of normal functioning of a gene ?
................................................................................................................
2. Name two single gene disorders in human beings.
................................................................................................................
3. State which cells have a low count in Severe Combined Immuno Deficiency
(SCID).
................................................................................................................
4. Define gene therapy.
................................................................................................................
30.9.3 Approach to human gene therapy
There are two basic approaches to human gene therapy:
(i) Somatic gene therapy, and
(ii) Germ-line gene therapy.
(i) Somatic (body cell) gene therapy
Once a normal gene has been cloned, it can be used to correct a genetic defect.
Body cells are targeted for genetic transformation (defective gene transformed to
normal). This approach helps in the correction of a genetic defect confined to a
specific organ or tissue.
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In this approach, cells of germinal epithelium or gametes or zygote are genetically
modified to create an individual that will carry remedial gene(s) in the following
generation. Presently all research on human gene therapy is directed towards
correcting gene defects in somatic cells (non-sex cells). Somatic gene therapy can
be grouped under the broad categories of :
Notes (a) Ex-vivo gene therapy,
(b) In-vivo gene therapy, and
(c) Antisense gene therapy.
(a) Ex-vivo (outside the body) gene therapy:
This type of therapy usually involves the use of cells (with defective gene) taken
from the patient. After the gene alteration when the same cells are transfused
(transferred back), no immunological response takes place. The steps involved in
the procedure are :
1. Isolating the cells with gene defects from a patient.
2. Growing the isolated cells in culture.
3. Altering the genome of the isolated cells with remedial gene.
4. Selecting, growing and testing the altered cells.
5. Transplanting or transfusing the altered cells back into the patient (Fig. 30.6).
Fig. 30.6 Steps in the Ex-vivo gene therapy

Vectors such as retrovirus is used for the integration of normal gene in the host
genome. Stem cells of the bone marrow are continuously producing new cells. If
such cells are taken and put back after alteration, to remove genetic defects, these
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cells can divide and differentiate into various important cells such as B cells and in Biology
T cells, macrophages, red blood cells, platelets and bone cells.
Genetically engineered stem cells on transplanting back into the patient’s body result
in a continuous supply of the required gene product. The technique can be used
in the treatment of the following genetic disorders:
(i) Severe Combined Immuno Deficiency (SCID).
(ii) Sickle cell anaemia. Notes
(iii) Thalassaemia
(iv) Certain tumours.
(b) In-vivo (within the body) gene therapy
This type of gene therapy includes direct delivery of a remedial gene into the cells
of a particular tissue of the patient. Adenovirus, a double stranded DNA virus, is
being used as a vehicle for transferring the remedial gene, (Fig. 30.7). The viruses
used are weak enough to cause any disease. The tissue specific virus integrates with
the host genome and can only infect dividing cells and not the other healthy cells.
This therapy may become useful in the treatment of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and
Parkinsons’s disease.
Fig. 30.7 Steps in In-vivo gene therapy
(c) Antisense Therapy

You have learnt the steps involved in protein synthesis, transcription and translation.
This therapy is designed to prevent or lower the expression of specific gene thus
limiting the amount of translation of protein from the over producing gene.
BIOLOGY 313
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in Biology This therapy involves the introduction of nucleic acid sequence that is complementary
to all or part of m-RNA (messenger RNA formed in the target cell) into the cells
overproducing the gene product (Fig. 30.8). This therapy will prove useful in certain
human genetic diseases and cancers where too much of a gene product or its
continuous presence changes the normal functioning of the cell. It has been tried
for treatment of malignant glioma or brain tumour. Tlaur-save tomato with a long
shelp life has been produced by this technique.
Notes
Fig. 30.8 Antisense gene therapy
Antisense gene therapy

An expressible gene is cloned in its reverse (order) orientation and is introduced
into a cell. The RNA thus transcribed forms the antisense sequence of normal
mRNA. When the antisense RNA base pairs with the mRNA, translation of the
mRNA is prevented. The antisense RNA does not contain signals for the initiation
of translation.
30.9.4 Gene Therapy—How Far?
The possibility of being able to genetically engineer humans has always been the
aim of certain researchers. Somatic cell gene therapy is in its early stages of
becoming a mode of treatment for a number of genetic and other diseases such as
(i) AIDS
(ii) Haemophilia
(iii) Atherosclerosis
(iv) Leukaemia
(v) Lung cancer
(vi) Severe Combined Immuno Deficiency-SCID
Germ line gene therapy is not being currently practised. Any manipulation in the
genetic material of sex cells may introduce unforeseen characters with alarming
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consequences in the offspring. Gene therapy is thus not only risky but an expensive in Biology
and time consuming technique available only in few advanced countries.
Gene therapy has the following limitations
(i) Research is limited to only somatic cells. Treated individuals can not pass the
genetic improvement to offspring.
(ii) There could be a possibility of random integration of DNA into a human
chromosome leading to inactivation or activation of a normal gene. This may Notes
result in either deficiency of an important enzyme or uncontrolled cell division
leading to cancerous growth.
(iii) The Procedure Planned has to meet strict safety standards in animal trials.
(iv) Target diseases have to be limited to those that involve known defects in a
single gene, and the normal gene must be cloned and be available for transplant.

1. State the two approaches to human gene therapy.
................................................................................................................
2. Name the three categories of somatic cell gene therapy.
(a) ............................ (b) ............................. (c) .............................
3. Name any two genetic diseases that can be treated by somatic gene therapy.
(i) .................................................. (ii) ....................................................
4. What is the direct delivery of the corrected gene into the tissue of the patient
by the use of Adenovirus called?
................................................................................................................
z Biotechnology is the application of scientific knowledge by industries that

produce biological products like food supplements, enzymes, and drugs.
z Yeasts (Fungi), moulds (Fungi) and bacteria are important microorganisms used
in industries.
z Yoghurt, alcoholic beverages, antibiotics, vaccines and biogas can be obtained
on a commercial scale by the use of microorganisms.
z Fermentation is a process by which sugar is converted into alcohol and CO2
by yeast.
z Fermentation by the yeast Saccharomyces yields beer and that by Lactobacillus,
yields butter milk.
BIOLOGY 315
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in Biology z In fermentation on large scale, bioreactor and nutrient medium are sterilised by
autoclaving. Yeast is inoculated into the medium by support growth system or
suspended growth system.
z Yoghurt is made from milk set by a bacterium Lactobacillus. Rennet tablets made
from calf stomach or ficin from sap of fig trees are used for setting milk into
curd.
Notes z Bacteria also yield antibiotics as was discovered by Alexander Fleming.
Waksman gave the term antibiotic.
z An antibiotic attacks and terminates a vital step in the metabolic pathway of the
pathogenic bacterium which then stops growing.
z Vaccines are prepared (a) from weakened or attenuated germs (first generation
vaccines), (b) by recombinant DNA technology (second generation vaccines),
or (c) synthetically (third generation vaccines).
z Vitamins may also be generated through fermentation.
z Biogas is made by the action of methanogenic bacteria on waste matter such
as the faeces of humans or of cattle.
z Genetic engineering is defined as construction and use of DNA molecules
engineered by recombinant DNA technology.
z Recombinant DNA (r-DNA) technology resulted from the discovery of
(i) plasmids, and (ii) restriction enzymes.
z Tools of r-DNA technology are cell culture, restriction enzymes, plasmids, ligase
and host bacteria.
z Recombinant DNA technology may be used to obtain proteins commercially
such as insulin, clotting factors, monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, antibodies and
vaccines.
z Genetically engineered organisms carrying foreign genes are called transgenics.
z Transgenic plants may be obtained by using the T1 plasmid of the bacterium
Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
z Transgenic animals are produced by microinjection of foreign DNA into fertilised
eggs or by using retrovirus for introducing foreign DNA into early embryonic
stages.
z Genetically engineered bacteria can clean up pollutants from environment. This
is called bioremediation.
z A mutated gene in a cell may result in some form of genetic disorder/disease.
Sickle cell anaemia, Haemophilia, SCID are some single gene human disorders.
z Addition of a normal functioning gene to the defective cells to correct the genetic
disease is called gene therapy.
z Treatment which is applied to body cells excluding germ line cells is called
somatic gene therapy.
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z There are three main therapeutic approaches to gene therapy : (a) ex-vivo gene in Biology
therapy, (b) in-vivo gene therapy, and (c) antisense gene therapy.
z Ex-vivo gene therapy includes addition of corrected genes through retroviral
cloning vectors.
z In-vivo gene therapy includes direct delivery of corrected genes into the tissues
by use of adenovirus.
z Antisense therapy is designed to prevent or lower the expression of gene in order Notes
to have less accumulation of a gene product.
z Gene therapy has certain limitations such as (i) somatic cell gene therapy can
not rectify the defect in subsequent generation, (ii) random integration of DNA
from outside may interfere with normal gene, (iii) strict safety standards are to
be maintained, (iv) proper clones of requisite genes have to be available.
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. Define biotechnology.
2. How are alcoholic beverages produced by fermentation? Mention the steps in
the process.
3. How can you make cheese and curd on a large scale?
4. What are antibiotics? Name five antibiotics and their sources.
5. How are different generations of vaccines produced?
6. Describe the steps in the production of biogas and mention the precautions
to be taken.
7. Enumerate in a sequence the steps in recombinant DNA technology.
8. Describe the uses of genetic engineering.
9. How can a transgenic animal be obtained?
10. Write a note on bioremediation.
11. Define the term gene therapy. Under what condition does it become necessary
to opt for such a therapy ?
12. What is meant by human somatic gene therapy? How does it differ from the
germ line gene therapy? Which of the two have been successful so far and why?
13. Discuss in brief the different types of somatic gene therapy.

30.1 1. Fungi, yeast, bacteria
2. Alcohol/antibiotics/curd/cheese/vitamins/vaccines/biogas (any three)
3. Ethanol/Butanol/Glycerol (any two)
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in Biology 4. Support growth system and suspended growth system
5. 1-b, 2-c, 3-a
30.2 1. Lactobacillus
2. Alexander Fleming
3. Vaccines produced by the use of recombinant DNA technology
4. Vitamin C
Notes
5. Methanogenic bacteria
30.3 1. Construction and use of novel DNA molecules obtained by recombinant
DNA technology.
2. Clone is a collection of genetically identical cells obtained by asexual
division of a cell.
3. When a fragment of foreign DNA is inserted in DNA of a phage or plasmid,
DNA of the latter is called r-DNA.
4. In bacteria
5. Because they can cut specific sequences of DNA. (6) Ligase.
7. A phage or plamid which can carry foreign DNA and divide along with
the bacterium whose part it is.
30.4 1. (i) Insulin, Growth hormone (ii) Proteases, Amylases
2. Antibiotics, vaccines and proteins of clinical value can be manufactured
abundantly.
3. Rabies and hepatitis B
30.5 1. An organism containing foreign DNA in its genome
2. Agrobacterium tumefaciens and T1 plasmid.
3. Bioremediation is removal of pollutants in the environment by the use of
genetically engineered bacteria.
30.6 1. Mutation
2. Haemophilia, Sickle cell anaemia, SCID (Any two)
3. B-cells and T-cells
4. Replacement and alteration of defective gene is called gene therapy.
30.7 1. Somatic and Germ line cells
2. In-vivo gene therapy, Ex-vivo gene therapy and Anti-sense gene therapy
3. Thalassamia, certain types of cancer
4. In-vivo gene therapy
318 BIOLOGY
Immunobiology : An Introduction MODULE - 5
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in Biology
31
Notes
IMMUNOBIOLOGY : AN
INTRODUCTION
We all get infections, but some of us fall sick more frequently than others. This is
related to the immune system. Proper functioning of immune system protects us
from the infections. On the other hand its malfunctioning provides opportunity to
infectious agents for causing diseases. Besides protection from infection, immune
system also performs a number of other functions. It is about all this that you will
learn in this lesson.
OBJECTIVES
z define the term immunity;
z explain the concept of “self” and “non-self”;
z describe the types of defence mechanisms in the body;
z describe the types of immunity;
z list and describe various cells of the immune system;
z differentiate between cellular and humoral immunity; innate and acquired
immunity;
z describe various components of the immune system;
z explain the concept of immunization (vaccination) and list various types of
vaccines.
31.1 IMMUNITY
Immunity is broadly defined as “the capacity of the body to recognize materials as
foreign to itself and to neutralize, eliminate or metabolize them with or without injury
to its own tissues”.
Immunobiology is the study of organization and functioning of immune
system. Immune system provides ‘immunity’ (protection against
diseases).
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Jenner, the father of immunology
Edward Jenner (1749-1823) is considered to be the father of modern
immunobiology. He demonstrated that inoculation of cowpox crusts afforded
protection to humans against smallpox. He observed that milkmaids who
recovered from cowpox never contracted the disease smallpox. Hence the
name vaccination from the Latin word “Vacca” for cow came into beng.
Notes The milkmaids and the vaccinated individuals were protected from smallpox
virus. Such protection gave them what is called `immunity’ to smallpox,
although Jenner neither knew the actual causative agent of this disease nor
the actual mechanism of protection.
Concept of “Self” and “Non-Self”

The basis of the above mentioned protection was the ability of the immune system
of the milkmaid and vaccinated individuals to distinguish between ‘self (their own
tissues) and ‘non-self’ components of the outsiders i.e. the smallpox virus) in this
context.
An individual induces a physiological response (immune response) to substances that
are different from self components. For example, an immune response is induced
against pathogens (bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites) attacking the body of the
host.
Let us now learn about the different ways by which the body defends itself from
pathogens and other harmful substances.
31.2 DEFENCE MECHANISMS IN THE BODY
There are four defence mechanisms in our body :
1. Immunity to defend the body from infections.
2. Metabolic defence to metabolize and detoxify foreign chemicals.
3. Stoppage of bleeding (Haeostasis) to prevent to blood loss.
4. Resistance to stress mainly through release of hormone.
Immunological defence is the most important defence mechanism. It provides
protection against various infective agents e.g. virus, bacteria, fungi and parasites
and also against the development of a tumour.
Thus immunological defence serves three main functions :
1. Defence against microorganisms.
2. Recognition and destruction of mutant cells (Surveillance).
3. Removal of damaged or non functional cells to maintain normal state
(Homeostasis).
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1. Who is considered as the father of immunobiology?
............................................................................................................................
2. What are the three main functions of immunological defence?
Notes
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
(iii) ..................................................................................................................
3. Define immunology.
............................................................................................................................
31.3 IMMUNE SYSTEM

By now, you are aware that immunity to infection is one of the most important
factors facilitating survival of an individual. Immunity is mainly provided by a
complex network of cells, tissues and soluble factors. This network is collectively
referred to as the ‘immune system’. Cells participating in the immune response are
organized into discrete ‘lymphoid tissues and organs’.
1. Tissues and Organs involved in the Immune System
Lymphoid organs are divided into two groups :
(i) Central lymphoid organs or primary lymphoid tissue. Example : Thymus and
bone marrow.
Fig. 31.1 Major lymphoid organs and tissues.
BIOLOGY 321
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in Biology (ii) Peripheral lymphoid organs or secondary lymphoid tissue. Examples spleen,
Peyer’s patches, tonsils, lymph nodes and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
(MALT), which is associated with the respiratory system, urogenital and
alimentary canal (Fig. 31.1).
2. Cells of Immune System

Notes (i) Lymphocytes (Lymphoid cells)
All these are initially derived from the hemopoietic (blood cell producing) stem
cells of bone narrow. Stem cells mean undifferentiated cells which can undergo
unlimited division and can give rise to one or several different cell types. Apart
from producing lymphocytes bone marrow stem cells also differentiate to
produce erythrocytes (red blood cells), thrombocytes (blood platelets),
granulocytes and monocytes (white blood cells).
(ii) The macrophage
These are derived from monocytes.
Lymphocytes are the major cell types responsible for performing immune
functions. About 1012 lymphocytes constitute the mature lymphoid system in
humans. Functionally, lymphocytes are divied into two sub-classes:
(i) B-cells or B-lymphocytes
(ii) T-cells or T-lymphocytes
Morphologically, these cells cannot be differentiated, but functionally these are
distinct. Cells of immune system are differentiated on the basis of presence or
absence of specific cell surface markers.
(a) B-Cells (B-lymphocytes)
Main functions of B-cells
1. Initiate antibody-mediated immune response.
2. Transform into plasma cells which secrete antibodies.
Origin of B-Cells
“B” stands for Bursa. Studies in birds showed that the bursa of Fabricius, a hind-
gut lymphoid organ was the site of antibody-producing cells. These cells are
therefore termed as ‘B-cells’ (‘B’ derived from bursa of Fabricius). B-cells mature
in the bone marrow and then are carried by the blood to the peripheral lymphoid
organs. In mammals, B-cells lineage begins in foetal (embryonic) liver. This process
begins during the 8th week of human gestation (pregnancy). The foetal liver
continues to be the major site for production of the B-cells, until well into second
trimester (4-6 months of pregnancy). Stem cells then populate the bone marrow and
thereafter the B-cells are continuously produced in the bone marrow throughout
life (Fig. 31.2).
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Notes
Fig. 31.2 Origin of B and T Cells

Characteristics of B-cells
(i) B-cells display immunoglobulin as an integral protein of their cell membranes.
(ii) This surface immunoglobulin (antibody) acts as the receptor for antigen specific
to it.
(iii) B-cells are responsible for the production of antibodies. Activated B-cells
transform into plasma cells (Fig. 31.3). You will learn about ‘antigen’ and
‘antibody’ in the next section of this lesson.
Fig. 31.3 B-cell differentiation and antibody production.

BIOLOGY 323
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in Biology Plasma cells produce thousands of antibody molecules per second
before they die in a day or so.
Some of the B-cells progeny do not differentiate into plasma cells but rather become
‘memory cells’ which produce antibodies in the event of the antigen re-appearing
again in future.
Notes (b) T-Cells (T-lymphocytes)

In contrast to B-cells, other lymphocytes leave bone marrow in an immature state
during foetal and early stages of life. These are carried to the ‘thymus’, mature in
thymus, and then they migrate to the peripheral lymphoid organ. These cells
constitute the second major class of lymphocytes, the T-lymphocyte or T-cells. ‘T’
derived from thymus. Production of T-cells is completed early in life, but like
B-cells, they also undergo mitosis in peripheral lymphoid organs, the daughter cells
being identical to the original T-cells.
Main functions of T-cells
(i) Regulate immune response.
(ii) Mediate cell-mediated immune (CMI) response.
(iii) Induce B-cells to produce antibody.
T-cells are functionally classified into three categories (TH, TC, TS)
1. Helper T-cells (TH)
Promote response of B-cells resulting in antibody production (activate other T-
cells).
2. Cytotoxic T-cells (TC)
Kill virus-infected cells and tumour cells.
3. Suppressor T-cells (TS)
Suppress helper T-cells and may also B-cells to limit/regulate activity of the
latter.
Thus we see that T-cells mediate two general type of immunological functions
: effector and regulatory.
Structurally, T-cells are differentiated on the basis of presence or absence of some
specific surface molecules (T-cell receptors). But both B-cells and T-cells work in
cooperation.

1. Name the two categories of immune cells.
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
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2. Name the organ found in birds where B-cells are produced. in Biology
............................................................................................................................
3. Write the two main functions of B-cells.
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
4. Name the cells responsible for synthesis of antibodies. Notes
............................................................................................................................
5. What is the function of T-helper cells?
............................................................................................................................
31.4 ANTIGEN AND ANTIBODY

While discussing about ‘self’ and ‘non-self, we got a broad idea of antigen. Let
us learn more about it.
31.4.1. Definition and Properties of an antigen
An antigen is any foreign molecule that can trigger a specific immune
response.
Most antigens are either proteins or very large polysaccharides. Another term
‘immunogen’ is also used for antigen. However, there is a slight difference between
the two. Immunogen describes a molecule that provokes an immune response while
antigen describes a molecule which reacts with the antibody produced.
Paratopes and Epitopes : The part of antibody molecule which makes contact with
the antigen is termed the paratope. The part of antigen molecule that makes contact
with paratope is called the epitope. There may be a series of epitopes on an antigen.
Such epitope clusters are called ‘antigenic determinant’.
Requirements for becoming an antigen :
l. Substance should be foreign to the host.
2. Molecular weight of molecule should be 10,000 Dalton or more.
3. It should possess chemical complexity.
31.4.2 Antibody : Definition and properties
Antibody is a protein molecule produced in animals in response to an antigen.
Antibodies belong to the category of proteins called immunoglobulin. Each antibody
molecule is composed of four interlinked polypeptide chains. The two long chains
are called heavy chains, and the two short chains are called light chains. An
antibody has a “stem” called “Fc” portion which comprises the lower half of the
two heavy chains, and two “prongs’ (the amino acid sequences that bind antigen).
The amino acid sequences of Fc portion are identical (constant) for all
antibodies of same class. In contrast, amino acid sequences for antigen binding
sites vary from antibody to antibody in a given class (Fig. 31.4)
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One "prong"
Specific antigen
binding sites
Notes
Light chain
Heavy chain F ("stem")
Fig. 31.4 Antibody structure
31.4.3 Type of immunoglobulins

z There are five major classes of antibodies (or immunoglobulins) distinguished
by the amino acid sequences in the heavy chains. These classes are designated
as Ig, IgD, IgA, IgE, IgG and IgM (1g = Immunoglobulin)
z They also differ in their molecular weights and functions.
z IgG is found in highest concentration (almost 75% of the total immunogloblulins
in humans).
z Antibodies are produced by plasma cells which are differentiated B-cells. Each
B-cell type produces antibodies which react with a particular epitope of antigen.
z Secreted antibodies travel all over the body through blood and reach antigens
of the kind that stimulate the immune response, combine with antigens (Fig.
31.5) and then direct an attack (by phagocytic cells which eat up foreign
material) and eliminate the antigen or the cells bearing them.
Antigen
Antigenic determinant
Antigen binding site
Antibody
Fig. 31.5 Antigen-antibody binding
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31.5 TYPES OF IMMUNE RESPONSES in Biology
Broadly, immune responses can be classified into two categories : Non-specific

immune responses and specific immune responses.
1. Non-specific immune responses are those which non-selectively protect
against foreign substances or cells without having to recognize their specific
identities. Phagocytosis (engulfing, of particulate matter) by macrophages and
extracellular killing by proteins known as ‘complement’. There are two non- Notes
specific types of immune responses.
2. Specific immune responses (adaptive immune response) depend upon the
immunological recognition of the substances or cells to be attacked. Specific
immune responses are again of two types :
(a) Cell mediated immune responses : Mediated by cytotoxic
T-cells and natural killer cells. These constitute major defence against
intracellular viruses and cancer cells.
(b) Antibody-mediated or humoral immune responses : These responses
are mediated by antibodies secreted by plasma cells, which arise from
activated B-cells. They constitute major form of protection against
bacteria and viruses.
The above two differ from each other as shown in Table 31.1
Both cell mediated and antibody mediated immune responses are facilitated by helper
T-cells and inhibited by suppressor T-cells (Fig. 31.6)
Bone marrow
stem cells
Thymus
processing
Bursa processing
B-Lymphocytes
T-Lymphocytes
Antigen
Antigen Co-operation
Lymphoblasts
Plasma cells
Cell mediated
immune response Humoral immune response
(Antibody formation)
Fig. 31.6 Cell-mediated and humoral immune responses
BIOLOGY 327
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in Biology Table 31.1: Differences between cell-mediated and humoral
(antibody mediated) immune responses
Cell-mediated immune response Humoral immune response
1. Killing of intracellular organisms. 1. Antibodies specifically combine
with antigen which stimulate
their production.
Notes 2. Destruction of tumour cells 2. The combination of antibody with
antigen may result in clumping of molecules
or particles, their toxicity may be
neutralized, their uptake and digestion
by phagocytes may be facilitated.
3. Rejection of graft tissue. 3. Combination of antigen with antibody
may also cause lysis of cellular antigens
present on the red blood cells or bacteria.
4. Delayed type of hypersensitivity
reaction after contact with certain
antigen.

1. Name the part of antigen which makes contact with antibody.
............................................................................................................................
2. How many types of immunoglobulins are known? (Give only the number).
............................................................................................................................
3. Name the immunoglobulin found in highest concentration.
............................................................................................................................
4. Which type of immune response is responsible for the killing of cancer cells?
............................................................................................................................
31.6 TYPES OF IMMUNITY

There are two main types of immunity : (i) Natural or innate (i.e. genetic, from birth),
and (ii) Acquired (i.e. developed during life time).
A. Natural or Innate Immunity
A healthy individual is generally immune to potentially harmful microorganisms by
a number of very effective mechanisms. These mechanisms are termed innate or
natural immunity. Innate defence consists of three main components :
(i) Physical barriers (preventing entry of germs)
(ii) Phagocytic cells and (Dealing with germs which enter)
(iii) Soluble components (complement)
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(i) Physical Barriers in Biology
It is the first line of defence. It means preventing the entry of pathogens into the
body. (Fig. 31.7).
Skin : The outer tough layer of skin is formed of keratin and is almost impermeable
to germs. Sebaceous glands in the skin generate an acidic environment by producing
lactic acid which kills many pathogens.
Epithelial lining of various organs : The respiratory tract, the alimentary tract Notes
(the gut) and the urino-genital tract have an exterior epithelial cell layer covered
by a protective mucous lining. In the respiratory tract, cilia covering to the external
surface of the epithelial cells continually beat upwards towards the nasopharynx and
this helps to expel particles and pathogens. Epithelial cells are constantly renewed
and their removal expels pathogens lodged on their surface.
Body secretions : Body secretions such as sweat and secretion from eyes also ward
off pathogens. Other body fluids contain molecules which are bactericidal that is capable
of killing bacteria (e.g., spermine in seminal fluid, hydrochloric acid in gastric juice).
Fig. 31.7 Natural physical barriers to infections

If the germs somehow enter the body by evading physical barriers of the body, the
other two main defence mechanisms come into play – phagocytosis and the
bactericidal effect of soluble chemical factors collectively known as complement
system which are described below.
(ii) Phagocytic Cells
When the micro-organisms or inert particles such as colloidal carbon enter the tissue
fluid or blood stream, these are very rapidly engulfed and destroyed by phagocytic
cells. Such cells may either be circulating in body fluids or may be fixed in some
tissues. This phenomenon is called phagocytosis (literally meaning ‘eating’ by the
cell). The engulfment and destruction/digestion of microorganisms is assigned to
two major types of cells named as microphages (certain WBC) and macrophages
(in Liver and Spleen).
BIOLOGY 329
Emerging Areas
in Biology Important features of phagocytic cells
1. They rapidly engulf the foreign molecular foreign agent oncoming in contact
or which they come in contact with.
2. They contain digestive enzymes to breakdown engulfed material.
3. They are an important link between innate and acquired immunity (described
below).
Notes
(iii) Complement System
The group of proteins known as ‘complement’ provides another innate immunity
mechanism for killing microbes without prior phagocytosis.
Complement system is an extremely complex system consisting of at least

20 proteins.
Some of the complement components are designated by the letter ‘C’ followed by
a number. The most pivotal and most abundant component is C3. Complement
component may also act as opson in (e.g. C36). Opson is that type of antibody whose
binding to antigens on virus or bacterium facilitates their subsequent ingestion by
the phagocytic cells. Such antibodies can also cause direct destruction of microbes
by making their membrane leaky.
B. Acquired Immunity
It is the immunity mediated by lymphocytes and characterized by antigen specificity
and memory.
An acquired immunity may be brought about in an individual in two main ways:
1. By infection, so that antibodies are produced against the infective agent and by
deliberate artificial immunization. This is termed as actively acquired immunity.
2. By transfer from an actively immunized individual through blood, serum
component etc. This is called passively acquired immunity.
(i) Actively acquired immunity

Actively acquired immunity due to infection falls into two general categories.
(i) Some infections, such as diphtheria, whooping cough, smallpox and mumps
usually induce a lifetime immunity i.e. a patient once recovered does not get
the disease subsequently.
(ii) Other diseases such as common cold, influenza, bacillary dysentery and
pneumococcal pneumonia confer immunity for a shorter period, sometimes only
for a few weeks.
330 BIOLOGY
Emerging Areas
(ii) Passively acquired immunity in Biology
It may be developed in the following ways :
1. Transfer of antibodies (e.g. IgG) from mother into foetus across the placenta.
2. Breast fed children also receive antibodies from the mother’s milk.
3. Pooled human immunoglobulin is also used as source of antibody in a number
of cases including measles infection and infectious hepatitis.
Notes
4. Human immunoglobulin is also given to patients with a congenital inability to
make antibody globulin.
31.7 ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION (VACCINATION)
People had observed in the past that individuals who recovered from certain diseases
are protected for lifetime from recurrences. This gave rise to the concept of
immunization. Edward Jenner introduced vaccination in 1796 using cowpox to
protect against smallpox.
The objective of vaccination is to introduce the attenuated germs into the body. The
body then generates specific population of memory cells. These memory cells can
rapidly increase in number on the renewed contact with the same antigen and more
antibodies can be produced to provide protection against infection.
31.7.1 Type of Vaccine
Three main types of vaccines are available :
1. Killed organisms as vaccines : Examples : typhoid, cholera, pertussis
(whooping cough), rabies and poliomyelitis.
2. Live attenuated (weakened) organisms as vaccines; Examples: BCG, Rubella,
measles and polio.
Attenuation mimics the natural behaviour of the organism without causing
disease. The actively multiplying organism provides a sustained antigen supply.
3. Toxoid vaccines : Examples: diptheria and tetanus.
Toxoid is a chemically or physically modified toxin that is no longer
harmful but retains immunogenicity.
31.7.2 Important Vaccines – BCG, DPT and MMR
z BCG = Bacillo Calmette Guerin (Calmette and Guerin were the scientists who
contributed in the development of tuberculosis vaccine).
z DPT is a triple vaccine (or antigen) for diptheria and tetanus toxoids and for
pertussis Bordetella pertussis, the whooping cough organism.
z MMR vaccine = Attenuated strain of measles, mumps and Rubella).
Another class of vaccines termed as polysaccharide vaccines are available
comprising vaccines for influenza, meningitis and pneumonia. In these vaccines, the
relevant immunogenic portions of the organism are used.
Vaccines of future : against Malaria, Leprosy, Anthrax, AIDS
BIOLOGY 331
Emerging Areas
in Biology

1. Mention two physical barriers of the body.
............................................................................................................................
2. Macrophages are found in large numbers in the following organs :
Notes
(i) ..................................................................................................................
(ii) ..................................................................................................................
(iii) ..................................................................................................................
3. Give two examples of each of the following:
(i) Killed organism vaccine ...........................................................................
(ii) Live attenuated organism vaccine ............................................................
(iii) Toxoid vaccine ..........................................................................................

z There are various types of defence mechanisms in our body. Immunity defends
us against infections.
z Immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and soluble factors
working in close co-ordination.
z Thymus and bone marrow are the central or primary lymphoid organs.
z Lymphocytes which are the major cells performing immune functions are of two
main types - B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes.
z B-cells are transformed into plasma cells which produce antibodies.
z Foreign molecule which triggers an immune response is called antigen.
z Antibodies (immunoglobulins) are of five types, of which 1gG is found in the
highest concentration.
z There are two main types of immune responses — specific and non-specific.
z Specific immune responses can be either cell-mediated or antibody (humoral)-
mediated.
z There are two types of immunity — natural or innate and acquired.
z Vaccination is a type of actively acquired immunity.
z There are three types of vaccines – (i) killed organisms as vaccines,
(ii) live attenuated organisms as vaccines, and (iii) toxoid vaccines.
332 BIOLOGY
Emerging Areas
in Biology
TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. Define the term immunity.

2. What are the main defence mechanisms operating in our body?
3. ‘Immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and soluble factors’. Notes
Justify this statement.
4. Describe the process of antibody production.
5. List main functions of T-cells.
6. Draw a schematic diagram of the structure of antibody.
7. What are the main physical barriers of the body?
8. Describe important features of phagocytic cells.
9. Give one main difference between passively acquired immunity and actively
acquired immunity.
10. Define the process of attenuation.
11. Name two toxoid vaccines.
12. What do the following abbreviations mean?
(i) BCG (ii) DPT (iii) MMR

31.1 1. Edward Jenner
2. Broadly immunological defence serves three functions :
(i) Defence against microorganisms.
(ii) Homeostasis i.e. removal of damaged (non functional) cells to
maintain normal state.
(iii) Surveillance i.e. recognition and destruction of mutant cells.
3. Study of organisation and function of the immune system.
31.2 1. (i) Central or primary lymphoid organs.
(ii) Peripheral or secondary lymphoid organs.
2. Bursa of Fabricius.
BIOLOGY 333
Emerging Areas
in Biology 3. Main functions of B-cells:
(i) Initiate antibody mediated-immune response.
(ii) Transform into plasma cells which secrete antibodies.
4. Plasma cells/B-cells
5. Promote response by B-cells resulting in antibody production and also
Notes
activate other T-cells.
31.3 1. Epitope
2. Five
3. Immunoglobulin G
4. Cell-mediated immune response
31.4 1. (i) Skin
(ii) Epithelial cell layer of respiratory system.
2. (i) Lung
(ii) Liver
(iii) Spleen
3. (i) Typhoid vaccine, Pertussis vaccine.
(ii) BCG, Rubella vaccine.
(iii) Diphtheria vaccine, Tetanus vaccine.
334 BIOLOGY
QUESTIONS PAPER DESIGN
Subject: Biology (314) Class: Senior Secondary
Paper Marks: 80 Duration: 03 Hrs.
1. Weightage by Objectives
Objective Marks % of the Total Marks
Knowledge 20 25
Understanding 36 45
Application and Skill 24 30
Total 80 100
2. Weightage by Types of Question
Type of Questions Marks × No. of Questions Marks Allotted
Essay (E) 6 × 4 24
Short Answers I (SA1) 4 × 6 24
Short Answers II (SA2) 2 × 12 24
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) 1 × 8 8
Total 30 Questions 80 Marks
3. Weightage by Content
Module Number Module Name Marks
1 Diversity and Evolution of Life 12
2 Form and function of plants and animals 26
3 Reproduction and Heredity 22
4 Environment & Health 13
5 Emerging Areas in Biology 07
Total 80
4. Difficulty Level
Essay Average Difficult Total
Percent Weight 25% 45% 30% 100%
Marks Allotted 20 36 24 80
No. of Questions 6 14 10 30
5. Time Management
Type of Questions Total Time 180 minutes
Essay (E) 60
Short Answers I (SA1) 60
Short Answers II (SA2) 25
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) 15
Reading and Revision 20
Sample Questions Paper
SAMPLE QUESTIONS PAPER

BIOLOGY (Sr. Secondary)
TEE
1. The only kingdom which includes one-celled organisms without a well defined nucleus is
a) Bacteria b) Monera
c) Protoctista d) Prokaryote 1
2. The fresh water fish are ammonotelic so removal of urine requires.
a) lot of water b) very little water
c) moderate amount of water d) no water at all 1
3. The phylum which humans share with Kangaroos, bats and tigers is
a) Vertebrata b) Animalia
c) Chordata d) Carnivora 1
4. The antheridia and archegonia are the
a) male and female sex organs of bryophytes with gametophyte as the main body.
b) female and male sex organs of bryophytes with saprophyte as main body.
c) Spores of Pteridophytes in their gametophytes
d) Two phases of the main plant body of both bryophytes and pteridophytes 1
5. What is a gemmule?
a) Reproductive body of sponges for sexual reproduction.
b) Plant spores that withstand adverse weather conditions.
c) A kind of spicules of sponges.
d) Reproductive body of sponges for asexual reproduction 1
6. Bt crops are
a) Transgenic crops
b) Crops on which Bacillus thuringiensis forms galls
c) Hybrid crops
d) Crops which resist pesticides 1
7. A male infant was born with an extra X chromosome. The infant was pronounced to be
(a) Turner (b) Klinefelter
(c) transgender (d) Mongol 1
336 BIOLOGY
8. Fill in the blank in the part of Nitrogen cycle drawn below;
Atmospheric Nitrogen
Leguminous plants
Soil Nitrates
a) Nitrifying bacteria sticking to roots of leguminous plants

b) Nitrifying bacteria in soil.
c) Nitrogen fixing bacteria in root nodules of leguminous plants
d) Nitrogen fixing bacteria in soil. 1
9. List four processes associated with Carbon cycle. State one effect of deforestation and one of
afforestation on Carbon cycle. 2
10. State any two points of difference between transpiration and guttation. 2
11. Compare nervous system of cockroach with that of humans, with respect to its
(a) location in the body (dorsal/ventral)
(b) parts present in the head, thorax and abdomen. 2
12. What happens to the Graafian follicle when ovulation takes place? Name the hormones released
by it before and after ovulation. 2
13. Polyembryony is the formation of more than two embryos in a single ovule. It is classified into
cleavage polyembryony and adventive polyembryony depending on which cells form the second
embryo. State the difference. 2
14. State two points of difference between innate and acquired immunity. 2
15. What is meant by ‘Cell mediated response’ to an antigen? How is it different from ‘humoral
response’? 2
16. Thallasemia is a genetic disorder. What kind of disorders are:
a) drug dependence b) goitre
c) HIV-AIDS d) colour blindness 2
17. A son and a daughter were born colour blind. The father was colour blind but mother had normal
colour vision. Draw a self explanatory cross to show this. 2 Marks
BIOLOGY 337
18. After a major surgery, a man was advised to include more of protein and Iron in the diet. Give
reasons and mention one source of each. 2 Marks
19. Why is ‘biogas’ considered to be a better fuel option than fossil fuels? State any two advantages.
2 Marks
20. A scientist discovered the presence of a chemical substance in a herb which had medicinal
properties. His friend said, ‘Beware of biopiracy, apply for a bio patent’. What did the friend mean
by biopiracy and biopatent? 2 Marks
21. a) State the law of independent assortment.
b) With the help of Punnett square, explain how Mendel arrived at the law of independent
assortment.
c) State any one condition under which this law is not applicable. 4 Marks
22. The diagram shows various pathways of water movement. What kind of pathway is shown by
the (i) thin arrow and (ii) curved arrow Distinguish between the two pathways. 4 Marks
23. Explain how muscle contract and relax to cause locomotion. 4 Marks
24. The blood pressure of a person was falling. Explain to your friend the role of Renin – Angiotensin
which elevated the blood pressure to the normal state. 4 Marks
25. Parturition, Ovulation, implantation are technical terms used to describe reproductive events in
a human female.
(i) Place them in the correct sequence of occurrence.
(ii) In a sentence each, state their meanings. 4 Marks
26. Your friends insist that round worm and earthworm are too similar to be placed in separate phyla.
Convince your friends by comparing two very different characteristics in them. Mention their
phyla and give one major feature of each phylum. 4 Marks
27. State two contrasting features each of sex determination, in humans, birds and honey bees.
6 Marks
28. Green house gases cause Acid rain, Global warming. What is the difference between these two
phenomenon? Add a note of the change in ozone layer due to particular greenhouse gases.
6 Marks
29. State the salient points of Darwin’s theory of Natural selection. What is Neo Darwinism?
6 Marks
30. (i) Define Photosynthesis and give a generalized balanced equation for photosynthesis.
(ii) Describe Calvin cycle in four steps. Or express Calvin cycle by a diagram. 6 Marks
338 BIOLOGY
Marking Scheme
MARKING SCHEME
1. (b) 1
2. (a) 1
3. (c) 1
4. (a) 1
5. (d) 1
6. (a) 1
7. (b) 1
8. Nitrogen fixing bacteria 1
9. Respiration, photosynthesis, burning fossil fuels (Combustion), Decomposition (of living
organisms) 1/2 × 4 = 2
10.
Transpiration Guttation
Water lost as vapour As water drops
Through stomata Through hydathodes
During day/High temperature At night/low temperature
No minerals in lost water Minerals in lost water
(any two) 1+1=2
11.
Cockroach Humans
Ventral Dorsal
Cerebral ganglia, Thoracic ganglia, Brain spinal cord Spinal cord
abdominal ganglia 1+1=2
12. Ovum drops off; Corpus luteum forms Estrogen (before); Progesterone (after) ½ × 4=2
BIOLOGY 339
Marking Scheme
13. Cleavage: Zygote divides & each cell forms a separate embryo.
Adventive: Other cells of embryo sac/synergids/antipodal cells divide and forms embryos
1+1=2
14.
Innate Acquired
Natural defense mechanisms which Mediated through lymphocytes
prevent entry of germs reacting to antigen.
Mediated through general body surface, Antigenic specificity
phagocytes, secretions etc. General
prevention no specificity
No memory Memory
(any two differences) ½ × 4=2
15.
Cell mediated Response Humoral response
Mediated by (cytotoxic) T cells and Mediated through antibodies secreted
natural killer cells by B cells.
Defence against intracellular viruses Major protection against bacteria and
and cancer cells viruses in intercellular fluid.
½ × 4=2
16. a) Addictive disorder
b) Deficiency/Hormonal disorder
c) Viral/Communicable
d) Genetic/Hereditary ½ × 4=2
17. Father (XCY) Mother (XCX)
(Colour blind) (Carrier)
F1 XCXC XCX XCY XY

Colour blind Daughter with Normal Colour blind son Normal son
daughter vision (Carrier)
Parents genotype = 1+1

Offspring genotype = ½ × 4
340 BIOLOGY
Marking Scheme
18. Protein – body building food required during healing after surgery.
Source: Dal, pea, beans, soybean, gram (any one)
Iron: Builds blood as it is part of Hb molecule
Source: Liver, Leafy vegetables like spinach, egg, molasses, grains, peanuts (any one)
½×4
19. Cost effective (cheap)/environment friendly as organic waste recycled does not give out gases
like SO2 (any two) 1+1=2
20. Biopiracy is when another country takes away without permission a beneficial invention. Bio
patent is kind of a copyright for a particular invention and registered by the government for
not being used by others without permission. 1×4
21. In the inheritance of two features, genes for the two different features are passed down to
the offspring independently.
Genes for Tall TR Tr tR tr
plant and Red
flowers in
gametes
TR TTRRTall Red TT RrTall red Tt RRTall Red TtRr Tall Red
Tr TT RrTall Red TTrrTall white TtRr Tall red Ttrr Tall white
tR Tt RRTall Red TtRrTall Red tt RR Dwarf Red ttRr Dwarf Red
tr Tt RrTall Red TtrrTall White ttRrDwarf Red ttrr Dwarf White
1 mark for stating law

1 mark for correctly writing the gametes
1 mark for correctly writing the phenotype
1 mark for arriving at 9:3:3:1 ratio (9 tall red, 3 dwarf red, 3tall white, 1dwarf white)
22. Thick arrow – Symplast pathway, Thin arrow – Apoplast pathway. Symplast pathway =
movement across cytoplasm.Apoplast pathway = across cell wall & intercellular spaces
1 × 4=4
23. Stimulus arrives; calcium enters sarcoplasmic reticulum of each sarcomere. Sarcomere
shortens due to contraction of myofibrils of A band; go close to I band; H band remains
unchanged; all sarcomere contract at the same time; muscle contracts. The opposite happens
for relaxation. ½ × 8=4
BIOLOGY 341
Marking Scheme
24. Juxtaglomerular cells secrete Renin; acts on Angiotensin I; Converts it to angiotensin II; acts
upon adrenal cortex; Aldosterone secreted; makes blood vessels permeable to salt; water
follows salt due to osmosis; blood volume increases; blood pressure increases and becomes
normal. ½ × 8=4
25. Sequence: Ovulation, Implantation, Parturition.
Parturition: Uterine contraction under influence of oxytocin; to deliver fully formed foetus.
Implantation: Egg is fertilized in fallopian tube and Zygote begins dividing upto blastocyst
formation;
Blastocyst sticks to thickened endometrium (uterine inner wall) to develop further.
Ovulation: Egg released from graafian follicle; under influence of LH or Luteinising hormone.
Mark for correct sequence 1
Mark for Parturition ½×2
Mark for Implantation ½×2
Mark for Ovulation ½×2 4 Marks
26. Earthworm: Phylum Annelida
Round worm: Phylum Aschelmenthes 1+1=2
Characteristics distinguishing the two 2
Earthworm: Segmented
clitellum present
Setae present (any two)
Roundworm : Smooth cylindrical body, sexual dimorphism ½ × 4=2
Total 6
Distinguishing feature
Phylum Annelida - Segmented body or any other
Phylum Aschelminthes – Endoparasites or any other 1+1=2
Total=6
27. Humans
Chromosomal basis; homogametic female (XX) and hetrogametic male (XY); gametes fuse
to give XX daughter & XY male.
Birds
Chromosomal basis; heterogametic female (ZW) and homogametic male (WW); females fuse
to give ZW female offspring & WW male offspring.
342 BIOLOGY
Marking Scheme
Honey Bees
Chromosomal basis; male haploid & female diploid; unfertilized eggs give to males by
parthenogenesis; fertilized eggs give female. 2 × 3=6
28. Acid Rain
Green house gases like CO2, SO2 and NOx dissolve in water present in air to form, carbonic
acid, sulphuric acid & nitric acid which falls as rain.
Global warming: Greenhouse gases especially CO2 trap long wave length sun rays radiated
back from earth. This increases temperature of earth & causes global warming
Ozone hole; Ozone layer formed in the upper reaches of atmosphere is damaged by chlorine
from CFC & the hole due to damage causes solar radiations to penetrate. 2×3=6
29. Darwin’s theory
Over- population due to enormous potential for reproduction of all species.
Struggle for existence
Variation among individuals of population
Natural selection causes Survival of fittest.
Fittest best adapted to environment 1×4
Neo-Darwinism
Based on progress in genetics, Darwin’s theory modified to state that Population evolves
through interaction of variation and Natural Selection and differential reproduction takes place.
2
4+2=6
30. Process by which green plants, in presence of light & chlorophyll, combine water and carbon-
dioxide to form carbohydrates and O2 is released. 1
Sunlight
6CO2 + 12H2O
Chlorophyll
o C6H12O6 + 6H2O + 6O2 1
RuBP accepts CO2; forms 2 mols of PGA using ATP and NADPH PGA reduced to Triose
Phosphate; 1.mol of sugar produced & RUBP regenerated. 4
2 + 4=6
Or
Expressed as a diagram
BIOLOGY 343
 
Jaspal Singh
Enrolment No.: Secondary - 27020212195
Senior Secondary – 92279300066
Forced to discontinue his tenth class in 1993 in order to earn a livelihood

to support his family, when his parents met with an accident, Jaspal
Singh resumed his studies in 2003 by enrolling for the Secondary level
course in NIOS. The flexibility of the NIOS system enabled him to
pursue his studies along with his vocation. He acquired skills in fashion
designing while working as a freelancer in garment export houses.
Having completed his Senior Secondary course from the NIOS and
moved by the desire to continue studies, Jaspal Singh has managed to
obtain admission to a three year course in Fashion Management at the
University of Thames Valley, London.
Ms. Sudha
Enrolment No. : 27029182593
Ms. Sudha was a only housewife until such time that her husband passed
away and she was offered the job of a constable in the Delhi Police. She
then took up the job to support the family consisting of her two children.
Sudha who had not completed her schooling was motivated by her
children to join the NIOS. She then passed the Secondary examination
from NIOS in April 2009. A resident of Sant Nagar, Burari, Delhi and
posted at the Rohini Court, Delhi, Sudha today feels more confident and
empowered by the qualification acquired by her through the NIOS.
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Senior Secondary Course

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OPEN SCHOOLING

© National Institute of Open Schooling

Let me wish you all a happy and successful future.

(Dr. Kuldeep Agarwal)

(Dr. Sanghmitra Suryapani)

Module Lesson Name of the Lesson Mode of Assessment

Page No. Mode of Assessment

Question Paper Design, Marking Scheme 335

Reproduction is one of the most important characteristics of all living beings. It is

After completing this lesson, you will be able to :

z differentiate between vegetative, asexual and sexual reproduction;

z describe the methods of asexual and sexual reproduction in unicellular lower

z describe the mode of reproduction in flowering plants;

z explain the parts of a dicot flower and their functions;

z describe stages of microsporogenesis;

19.1 MODES OF REPRODUCTION

INTEXT QUESTIONS 19.1

19.2 REPRODUCTION IN LOWER PLANTS

Fig. 19.1a A Chlamydomonas cell

A. Asexual reproduction takes place with the help of zoospores, aplanospores

z Male and female cells lose flagella and become non-motile.

(a) (b) (c) (i)

INTEXT QUESTIONS 19.2

Fig. 19.3 Sexual Reproduction by Anisogamy in C.braunii

Two or more male

Fig. 19.4 Sexual Reproduction by Oogamy as in C.oogamum and C. coccifera

Structure Cell wall

B. Sexual Reproduction : It takes place by scalariform and lateral conjugation.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 19.3

4. How many filaments are involved in lateral conjugation ?

19.3 REPRODUCTION IN ANGIOSPERMS (FLOWERING PLANTS)

In cereals a minimum of seven leaves must be developed before the plant

Fig. 19.5 L.S. of a typical flower

INTEXT QUESTIONS 19.4

Pollen sac with

Fig. 19.6 T.S. of anther to show the various tissues.

Fig. 19.8 (a) Various parts of ovule (b) Pistil

Function of cells and nuclei of embryo sac

Secondary Nucleus : During fertilization, the secondary nucleus fuses with

Synergid Cells : Considered to help in fertilization by directing the pollen

Antipodal Cells : Degenerate just before fertilization and contribute

INTEXT QUESTIONS 19.5

Fig. 19.9 Pollination in Salvia by bees

Some Adaptations to Promote Cross Pollination :

INTEXT QUESTIONS 19.6

Post fertilisation changes

(a) Endosperm : The endosperm development begins before embryo development.

Nuclear type : The primary endosperm nucleus undergoes repeated mitotic

(b) In Cellular type, each nuclear division of primary endosperm nucleus is

(c) In Helobial endosperm, the first mitosis of primary endosperm nucleus is

Endosperm may be completely consumed by the developing embryo before seed

(b) (c) (d)

Fig. 19.10 Development of embryo, A-H

(ii) The lower cell divides and forms the suspensor.

A. Structure of Gram (dicot) Seed :

B. Structure of Maize grain : (Monocot)

Commercial value of parthenocarpic fruits :

INTEXT QUESTIONS 19.7