CHAPTERWISE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

1 mark questions

1. Which of the following part in a flower is diploid?

(a) Pollen grain (b) Egg
(c) PEN (d) Secondary nucleus
2. In some seeds the nucellus may be persistent. Such nucellus is called…………..
3. Observe the relationship between the first two terms and fill in the blank.
a. Overy wall : Pericarp
Integuments : --------------------
b. 2 celled pollengrain :- vegetative cell +generative cell
3 celled pollengrain :- vegetative cell +……………………..
4. Development of fruit without fertilization and are seedless known as
a) Polyembryony b) Apomixis
c) Parthenocarpy d) Parthenogenesis
5. ------------- is the proteinaceous layer which separate endosperm & embryo in a monocot seed
6. Observe the relationship between the first pair and fill in the blanks.
a. Perisperm :- Remnants of nucellus
------------: - Fruit wall
b. Parthenocarpy : Formation of fruit without fertilization
Apomixis : ---------------------
7. In maize, the chromosome number present in the meiocyte is 20. Give the number of chromosomes
present in the following.
a. Maize pollen
b. Maize endosperm
8. After syngamy & triple fusion in embryo sac, embryo will be diploid and endosperm will be………..
9. Innermost wall layer of microsporangium which nourishes the pollengrain is called-------------
10. Fruit which develop from any part of the flower other than ovary is called……………..
11. A date palm seed discovered during archeological investigation retained viability even after
10000years. The retention of viability is due to the state of inactivity of embryo is called…………..
12. Which among the following is a parthenocarpic fruit?
( Banana , Apple , Strawberry , Guava)
13. From the following, select the two having haploid chromosome number
(Egg, Endosperm, Zygote, Pollen)
14. In albuminous seed, food is stored in ------------
15. In the Coconut fruit, the coconut water is ………………
16. Observe the relationship between the first pair and fill in the blanks.

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 Epicotyl :- Embryonal axis above the level of cotyledon
………….. :- Cylindrical portion below the level of cotyledon
17. Formation of more than one embryo in the seed is called……………
18. Animal visitors which consume pollengrains or nector without bringing about pollination are
called………………
19. Observe the relationship between the first pair and fill in the blanks
Pollen viability :- The period for which pollen grains remain fuctional
………………… :- Storage of pollengrains for years in liquid nitrogen (-196°C)
20. Most resistant organic material on exine of pollengrains
(a) Sporopollenin (b) Cellulose (c) Chitin (d) Pectin
21. Name two plants where remnants of nucellus can be found in the seed

2 mark questions
22. Most of the plants produce single type of flowers but Viola, Commelina and Oxalis produce two
types of flowers. Explain
23. A microsporangium is surrounded by four layers. Name the first three layers and write their
function
24. Flowering plants have developed many devices to discourage self pollination and to encourage
cross pollination. List out such features found in plants (any 2 point)
25. Differentiate true fruits from false fruits. Give one example for each.
26. A typical angiosperm embryo sac is 7 celled and 8 nucleate.
a. Explain monosporic type of embryo sac development
b. Name haploid cells present in embryosac other than egg cell
27. Observe the events given below
(Embryogenesis , Gametogenesis , Syngamy)
Choose a post fertilization event from the above and define it
28. Zygote is dormant for some time in fertilized ovule. Why?
29. Apomictic seeds are used in hybrid industry. Why?
30. Give reason
a. Hybrid seeds have to be produced year after year
b. Ground nut seeds and Castor seeds are dicot seeds. But ground nut seeds are ex-
albuminous and castor seeds are albuminous.
31. Fusion of polar nuclei with male gamete in double fertilisaton result in the formation of endosperm.
a. Write down the function of endosperm
b. Write briefly about the endosperm development in coconut.
32. The early stages of embryo development are similar in both dicots and monocots. However,
mature embryos have differences. Write the difference between dicot embryo and monocot
embryo.
33. (a) What is meant by Seed dormancy?
(b)Write any two significance of seed dormancy
34. Analyse the table given below and fill in the blanks.
Stalk of the ovule ……………(a)………………..

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 …………(b)……….. Nucellus

Protective envelopes ……………..(c)………….

of the ovule
Junction between ……………..(d)………….
ovule and its stalk
35. (a) Pollengrains are preserved as fossil. Why?
(b)How do pollengrains of many species affect human health ?
36. Explain pollen pistil interaction
37. If the female parent produces bisexual flowers, emasculation is necessary in artificial hybridization.
a. What is emasculation
b. Write down the importance of emasculation
38. Give reasons.
(a) Pollen tablets are in use by people these days
(b) Self incompatibility discourage self pollination.
39. A typical angiosperm embryosac is 7 celled 8 nucleate stage.
(a) Name the cells that constitute egg apparatus?
(b) Name the diploid cell present in embryosac
40. Different stages of development in a dicot embryo are given below. Arrange them in the correct
sequential order
(Heart shaped embryo , Globular embryo , Mature embryo, Proembryo)
41. Name the special cellular thickening present in the synergids at micropylar end. Write its function
42. Polyembryony is the formation of more than one embryo in the seed.
a. What are the reasons for polyembryony
b. Give one example
43. How is it possible in Oxalis and Viola plants to produce assured seed set even in the absence of
pollinators?
44. What are the features of tapetum?

3 mark questions
45. You are supplied with vallisneria & Zostera
a. Write down the type of pollination among these flowers.
b. Write down any four floral characters to suit the pollination
46. Wind is a common abiotic agent of pollination.
a. Write any four features of wind pollinated flowers
b. Give two examples for wind pollinated flowers
47. In large number of plants, pollination is carried out by insects.
a. List out four characters of flowers that helps insect pollination
b. Give two examples for such flowers
48. Depending on the source of pollen, pollination can be divided into three types.
a. What are they?
b. Explain each
49. Artificial hybridization is one of the major approaches for crop improvement programme.
a. How can we protect stigma from unwanted pollen

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 b. How artificial hybridization can be performed?
50. The diagram given below shows the transverse section of a young anther.
a. Identify the parts a,b,c and d.
b. How many microsporangia are present in a typical bilobed anther of angiosperm?
c. Expand PMC

51. Identify the given figure & explain the following terms
( Scutellum , Coleoptile, Coleorhiza)

52. (a) Differentiate between microsporogenesis and megasporogenesis.

(b)Name male and female gametophyte in angiosperm
53. Observe the figure of mature pollengrain and answer the questions
a. Identify the two cells
b. Write the peculiarities of each of them

54. Arrange the following terms in their correct developmental sequence

(Pollengrain , Sporogenous tissue , Anther , Microspore tetrad, Pollen mother cell , Male gamete)
55. Describe in sequence the process of megasporogenesis and female gametophyte in angiosperms.
56. Double fertilization is a characteristic feature of angiosperms.
a. Which are the events in double fertilization?
b. Identify A, B, C & D
Male gamete + …………(A)…….. →Zygote (2n) → ………(B)………
Male gamete + ………(C)……… → PEN (3n) → ……………(D)……
57. Flowers are classified into Chasmogamous and Cleistogamous flowers.
a. Cleistogamous flowers are autogamous. Justify
b. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Cleistogamous flowers

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 Answer Key
Category Questi Answer key / Value points Split Total
on No: score score

Part Ι Each carries 1 mark

1. Secondary nucleus 1 1

2 Perisperm 1 1

3 a. Protective envelope of ovule ½x2 1

b. 2 male gametes
4 Parthenocarpy 1 1

5 Aleurone layer 1 1

6 a. Pericarp ½ x2 1
b. Formation of seeds without fertilization
7 a. 10 ½x2 1
b. 30
8 Triploid / 3n 1 1

9 Tapetum 1 1

10 False fruit 1 1

11 Dormancy 1 1

12 Banana 1 1

13 Egg & Pollen ½x2 1

14 Endosperm 1 1

15 Liquid endosperm 1 1

16 Hypocotyl 1 1

17 Polyembryony 1 1

18 Pollen robbers 1 1

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 19 Pollen bank 1 1

20 Sporopollenin 1 1

21 Black pepper and Beet ½x2 1

Part ΙΙ Each carries 2 mark

22 Chasmogamous flowers :-– Flowers with exposed anther and 1+1 2

stigma
Cleistogamous flowers :- Closed flowers

23 Epidermis, Endothecium & Middle layers ½x4 2

Function :- Protection & dehiscence
24 Self incompatibility (genetic mechanism to prevent pollen 1+1 2
germination / pollen tube formation) / Pollen release & stigma
receptivity not synchronized ( Anther & stigma mature at
different time) / Anther & stigma are placed at different positions
/ Unisexual flowers. (any 2 points)
25 True fruit – develop from the ovary . e.g., mango ,coconut etc ½*4 2
(any 1 example)
False fruit – develop from the part of the flower other than
ovary. e .g., Apple , Strawberry , Cashew etc (any 1 example)
26 a. Embryosac developed from single haploid megaspore. 1+1 2
b. Synergids and Antipodals
27 Embryogenesis 1+1 2
Development of embryo from zygote
28 Endosperm provide food to developing embryo. So zygote divide 2 2
only after certain amount of endosperm is formed.
29 Apomixis helps in the production of hybrid seeds with a 2 2
combination of desirable characters. In apomictic hybrid seeds,
there is no segregation of characters . Farmers do not have to
buy hybrid seeds every year because apomixis preserve good
characters over generations for crop plants.
30 a. The plants grown from the hybrid seeds show segregation 1+1 2
of traits and do not maintain the hybrid characters.
b. In ground nut, endosperm is not present in the seed. In
castor, some amount of endosperm left in the seeds

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31 a. Endosperm provide nourishment (food) to developing 1+1 2
embryo
b. PEN undergoes free nuclear divisions to form many
triploid nuclei . This is liquid endosperm / nuclear
endosperm (Coconut water from tender coconut ). Then
cell wall formed from periphery towards centre to form
solid endosperm /multicellular endosperm. (White kernel)
32 Dicot embryo – Two cotyledon, Monocot embryo – 1 cotyledon 2 2
(scutellum)
33 a. Temporary inactive state of a viable seed. 1 2
b. helps the storage of seeds / help to use as food
throughout the year / helps to raise crops in next season ½x2
/ hard seed coat provide protection to young embryo
(any 2)
34 (a)Funicle , (b) Multicellular mass of tissue with resrerve food ½x4 2
materials (c) Integument (d) Hilum
35 a. Due to the presence of Sporopollenin (Organic material 1+1 2
resistant to high temperature, strong acids & alkali &
cannot be degraded by enzymes)
b. Cause allergies & lung disorders (asthma, bronchitis).
36 All events from pollen deposition of stigma until the entry of 2 2
pollen tube into ovule / Through chemical conversation
between pollen & stigma Pistil recognize right pollen and wrong
pollen, then pistil accept (Promote pollen germination) or reject
(prevent pollen germination) pollengrain
37 a. Removal of anther from the flower buds of female flower 1+1 2
before maturity
b. prevent self pollination.
38 a. Pollen grains are rich in nutrients . Pollen consumption 1+1 2
increase the performance of athletes & race horses
b. Self incompatibility is the genetic mechanism to prevent
pollen germination / pollen tube formation.
39 a. Eggcell & 2 synergids 1+1 2
b. Polar nuclei / Secondary nucleus
40 Proembryo – Globular embryo – Heart shaped embryo – Mature ½x4 2
embryo
41 Filiform apparatus 1+1 2
It guide pollentube into synergid
42 a. Presence of more than one egg cells & all get fertilized / ½x3 2
Presence of more than one embryosac / Many embryos
develop from parts like synergids, antipodals, nucellus,
integuments etc

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 b. Seeds of orange, citrus, mango (any 1) ½

43 Cleistogamous flowers are closed flowers, anthers & stigma lie 2 2

close to each other. When anther dehisce in the flower buds,
pollen grains fall on the stigma and fertilization is effected .
44 Innermost wall layer of microsporangium / Nutritive tissue which ½x4 2
nourishes the pollen grain / Tapetal cells possess dense
cytoplasm / more than one nuclei (multinucleate) present
Part ΙΙΙ Answer any 3 questions from 17- 20. Each carries 3 marks

45 a. Water pollination / Hydrophily 1 3

b. Colourless / Nector less / Odourless / Unisexual flowers /
Pollen grains are protected by mucilagenous covering / ½x4
Sticky and unwettable stigma / Female flowers have long
coiled stalk / Female flowers remain submerged / Male
flowers are released on to the surface of water and
carried by water currents to the surface of stigma / Long,
ribbon like pollen grain (any 4)
46 a. Light pollengrain / non sticky pollengrain / dry ½x4 3
pollengrains / Well exposed stamens / Feathery stigma /
Colourless / nectorless / Odourless (Do not have smell) /
Pollen grains are produced in large quantities / Single
ovule in each ovary / Numerous small flowers are packed
into an inflorescence / Unisexual flowers.
½ x2
b. Coconut, rice, wheat, grasses, maize, date palm etc (any
2)
47 a. Large flowers / colourful flowers / Produce nector / ½x4 3
Produce fragrance. ( pleasant or foul) / Sticky and spiny
pollen grains / Sticky stigma.
b. Rose, Sunflower, Jasmine, Orchids , Rafflessia,
Aristolochia etc (any 2) ½x2

48 a. Autogamy / Self pollination , Geitonogamy and ½x3 3

Xenogamy / Cross pollination
b. Autogamy:- Transfer of pollen grains from anther to
stigma of same flower
Geitonogamy – Transfer of pollen grains from anther to
stigma of another flower of the same plant
½ x3
Xenogamy – Transfer of pollen grains from anther of a
flower to stigma of the flower of another plant of same
species.

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49 a. Emasculation to prevent self pollination and Bagging to ½x2 3
prevent cross pollination
b. Select male and female parents , Remove anthers from
female parent before maturation (emasculation)
Emasculated flowers are covered with a bag to prevent 2
cross pollination (Bagging). pollen grains from male parent
are dusted on stigma of female parent , when stigma attain
receptivity (artificial pollination). Rebagging to prevent cross
pollination. Tagging and labeling
50 a. (a)- Connective, (b) Epidermis (c) Sporogenous tissue (d) ½x4 3
Tapetum
b. 4 ½
c. Pollen mother cell
½

51 Scutellum – Single cotyledon of monocot embryo, situated 1+1+1 3

towards the lateral side of the embryonal axis.
Coleoptyle – Covering of plumule
Coleorhiza – Covering of radicle.
52 a. Microsporogenesis :- formation of microspore from 1+1 3
Microspore mother cells or pollen mother cells through
meiosis
Megasporogenesis :– Formation of megaspore from
megasporemother cell through meiosis
b. Male gametophyte – Pollengrain. Female gametophyte – ½x2
Embryosac
53 a. Vegetative cell and generative cell ½x2 3
b. Vegetative cell :– Bigger cell. Contain reserve food
materials. Large irregularly shaped nucleus. 1+1
Generative cell :– Small cell. Float in the cytoplasm of
vegetative cell. Spindle shaped with dense cytoplasm and
nucleus.

54 Anther – Sporogenous tissue – Pollen mother cell – Microspore ½x6 3

tetrad – Pollengrain – Male gamete
55 Megaspore mother cell (single cell at mycropylar end of nucellus) 3 3
develops within the Ovule (megasporangium). MMC undergo
meiosis to form 4 megaspores (Linear tetrad). Three megaspores
degenerate .. Functional megaspore undergo 3repeated mitotic
divisions (8 nucleus formed). Out of 8 nucleus, 3 located at
chalazal region, 3 located at micropylar region , 2 remain in the

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 centre. Cytokinesis leads to the formation of 7 celled 8 nucleate
stage called Embryosac / Female gametophyte
56 a. Syngamy & Triple fusion ½x2 3
b. (A) – female gamete / egg cell. (B) – Embryo (C) – Polar
nuclei / Secondary nucleus. (D) - Endosperm ½x4

57 a. Cleistogamous flowers are Closed flowers . Anther and 1 3

stigma lie close to each other .So there is no chance of
cross pollination 1
b. Advantage- Assured seed set in the absence of pollinators
Disadvantage - No chance for variation & causes ½+ ½
inbreeding depression

x--------------------------------x

BIOTECHNOLOGY – PRINCIPLES AND PROCESSES

1 mark questions

1. In rDNA technology, Precipitated DNA threads can be removed by ……………….

2. Which of the enzymes removes nucleotides from the ends of a DNA?
(a) Exonuclease (b) Endonuclease (c) DNA ligase (d) DNA polymerase
3. What is the principle of PCR?
4. Who constructed the first rDNA?
5. In Gel electrophoresis, separated DNA fragments can be visualized after staining. Name the stain used
for it.
6. DNA fragments with same kind of sticky ends can be joined by
(a) Ligase (b) Endonuclease (c) Exonuclease (d) polymerase
7. The first restriction endonuclease isolated is………….
8. The restriction enzyme EcoRΙ is isolated from the bacterium…………..
9. Ti plasmid used in genetic engineering is obtained from…………….
10. Name the process through which a piece of DNA is introduced into host bacterium
11. Identify the substance used as a matrix in Gel electrophoresis
12. Name the specific base sequence in the DNA , which is recognised by particular restriction
endonuclease
13. Small chemically synthesized oligonucleotides that are complementary to the template DNA are
called …………..
14. Name two commonly used vectors for genetic engineering
15. Self replicating extra chromosomal circular DNA present in prokaryoytic cells are called………..
16. Name the enyme used for the digestion of bacterial cell wall
17. Name the enzyme used for the digestion of fungal cell wall
18. Which gene is used as an alternative selectable marker?
19. protein formed in a heterologous host is called………….

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 2mark questions

20. (a) Which enzymes are known as ‘ molecular scissors’?

(b) What is the use of these enzymes in Genetic engineering?
21. How can we visualize DNA fragments in Gel electrophoresis?
22. Distinguish Spooling from Elution
23. Write notes on (a) Microinjection (b) Biolistics
24. Observe the figure and answer the questions
a. Identify the instrument in the figure
b. Write the role of this instrument in biotechnology.

25. Observe the nucleotide sequence given below

a. Name this kind of nucleotide sequence
b. Define this sequence

26. Multiple copies of gene of interest can be synthesized through PCR. Expand PCR and write its steps
27. EcoRΙ is a restriction endonuclease. What do E, co, R, Ι represent?
28. Briefly describe Down stream processing and Bioreactor
29. Bioreactor is an apparatus used for large scale production of proteins.
a. Name two types of bioreactors.
b. Write any two feature of bioreactors
30. Isolation of DNA from plant cell involves many steps. Explain the different steps.
31. (a) Agrobacterium tumifaciens is a natural genetic engineer of plants. Justify
(b) What is the role of retrovirus in rDNA technology?
32. What is meant by sticky ends? Why are they called sticky ends?
33. Explain (a) ‘Ori’ (b) Selectable marker
34. Name two disarmed pathogen vectors used in rDNA technology.
35. (a) What is meant by Insertional inactivation?
(b) How insertional inactivation is used to identify recombinants?
36. Mention the key tools (any 4) in biotechnology?
37. Cloning vectors are used to transfer gene from one cell to another.
a. Name an artificially reconstructed plasmid vector.
b. What are the features of cloning vector?
38. DNA fragments of size 500 bp , 1600 bp & 2000 bp are separated by Gel electrophoresis. Which
fragment will migrate fast? Why?
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39. What is the basic principle of Gel electrophoresis?
40. (a) Mention the technique of genetic engineering
(b)What is recombinant DNA / rDNA ?
41. Observe the sketch of stirred - tank bioreactor and label the parts A, B, C & D

42. (a) What are the two kinds of nuclease enzyme?

(b)Write their role in rDNA technology

3 mark questions
43. The cell which is capable of taking up alien DNA is called Competent host
a. How can we make a host cell competent to receive a foreign gene or DNA?
b. Why should the host cell be made competent ?

44. Observe the figure given below

(a) Name the technique?

(b) How can we separate DNA fragment using this technique?
(c) Write the name of technique used to remove the DNA from the gel?
45. Observe the figure and answer the questions.
a. Write the name of the process given in the figure
b. What is the purpose of this technique in rDNA technology?
c. What is the name of thermostable DNA polymerase enzyme used in this technique?
d. Name the bacterium from which DNA polymerase is extracted in this process
e. What is the peculiarity of this DNA polymerase enzyme?
f. What is the purpose of primers in this process

46. Obseve the figure and answer the questions

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 a. Name two selectable markers in this cloning vector
b. Write any two cloning sites / restriction sites present in pBR322
c. Write the function of ‘rop’ in this cloning vector

47. Describe the contribution od Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer in genetic engineering.
48. What are the two core techniques that enabled birth of modern biotechnology (principles of
biotechnology) ? Explain them
49. How can we identify recombinants / transformants using selectable markers?
50. Different steps in rDNA technology are given below. Arrange them in correct sequential order.
a. Ligation of DNA fragment into vector
b. Culturing of host cells in a medium at large scale
c. Isolation of DNA
d. Transferring the rDNA into host
e. Fragmentation of DNA
f. Separation of desired DNA fragment

Answer Key
Category Questi Answer key / Value points Split Total
on No: score score

Part Ι Each carries 1 mark

1. Spooling 1 1

2 a. Exonuclease 1 1

3 Amplification of genetic material 1 1

4 Stanly Cohen & Herbert Boyer ½ x2 1

5 Ethidium bromide 1 1

6 a. Ligase 1 1

7 Hind ΙΙ ½x2 1

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 8 Escherichia coli RY 13 1 1

9 Agrobacterium tumefaciens 1 1

10 Transformation 1 1

11 Agarose gel 1 1

12 Recognition sequence 1 1

13 Primers 1 1

14 Plasmids & bacteriophages ½x2 1

15 Plasmid 1 1

16 Lysozyme 1 1

17 Chitinase 1 1

18 Gene for β galactosidase enzyme 1 1

19 Recombinant protein 1 1

Part ΙΙ Each carries 2 mark

20 Restriction endonuclease 1+1 2

Used to cut DNA into fragments at specific sites within molecules

21 Separated DNA fragments can be visualised after staining with 2 2

Ethidium bomide followed by exposure to UV light. bright orange
coloured bands obtained.
22 Spooling :- Process by which DNA threads wind on a reel. Last 1+1 2
step of Isolation of DNA
Elution - Separated bands of DNA are cut out from the agarose
gel and extracted from gel piece. Last step of separation using
Gel electrophoresis
23 Microinjection - Recombinant DNA is directly injected into the 1+1 2
nucleus of an animal cell using micropipette.
Biolistics / Gene gun - High velocity microparticles of gold or
tungsten coated with DNA and is bombarded into the host cell

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 (plant cell)
24 a. Bioreactor 1+1 2
b. Large scale production of recombinant proteins /
extraction of biological products in large quantities
25 a. Palindromic sequence 1+1 2
b. sequence of base pairs that read the same on the two
strands when orientation of reading is kept the same
26 Polymerase Chain reaction. ½x4 2
Steps :- Denaturation , annealing, & Extension
27 E - First letter of genus from which it is isolated ½x4 2
Co - first two letters of species name of the prokaryotic cell from
which they were isolated
R - denotes the strain
I - romen number , denotes the order in which they are
isolated from that strain of bacteria.
28 Downstream Processing :- All process after biosynthetic phase is 1+1 2
collectively called Downstream processing / Downstream
processing include Separation of Products , Purification of
Products, Addition of Preservative , Clinical trials for drugs,
Quality control test
Bioreactor : – Large vessel in which raw materials are biologically
converted into products.
29 a. Stirred tank bioreactors & Sparged stirred-tank ½x2 2
bioreactor
b. Possess an agitator system / Oxygen delivery system / A ½x2
foam control system / A temperature control system/ pH
control system / Sampling ports for periodic withdrawal
of culture (any two feature)
30 The cells are treated with Cellulase to digest cellwall. ½x4 2
Treated with protease , ribonuclease etc to remove other
impurities.
The purified DNA is precipitated on the addition of chilled
ethanol and are seen as threads in suspension.
Spooling :- Process by which DNA threads wind on a reel. Last
step of Isolation of DNA
31 a. Agrobacterium can deliver T- DNA to host 1+1 2
b. Retrovirus is used as a disarmed pathogen vector
32 sticky ends - When a fragment of DNA is cleaved by restriction 1+1 2
enzyme, Two separate strands obtained. Both are overhanging

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 piece of DNA.
They called sticky ends because they form hydrogen bonds with
their complementary cut counter parts.
33 a. Origin of replication (Ori) :- Specific sequence from 1+1 2
where replication starts.
b. Selectable markers :- A gene which helps to identify and
eliminate recombinants/ transformants from non-
recombinants/non-transformants
34 Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens & Retrovirus 1+1 2

35 a. Inactivation of an enzyme due to inactivation of a gene as 1+1 2

a result of insertion of foreign DNA
b. A recombinant DNA is inserted within the coding
sequence of an enzyme β galactosidase. So the enzyme
is inactivated.
Recombinants do not produce colour, but Non -
recombinants gives bluish coloured colonies
36 Restriction enzymes / Polymerase enzymes / Ligase or ½ x4 2
Molecular glue / Vectors / Host (any 4)
37 a. pBR322 ½x4 2
b. Origin of replication
Single recognition sequence / cloning site , Selectable
marker
38 500 bp. 1+1 2
DNA fragments are separated according to their size through a
sieving effect provided by agarose gel . Smaller fragments move
farther
39 Negatively charged DNA molecules are forced to move towards 2 2
anode under an electric field through agarose medium

40 a. Creation of recombinant DNA , Gene cloning (making ½x3 2

identical copies) and Gene transfer
b. Artificially made DNA that is composed of a combination ½
of DNA sequences from two or more organisms.

41 A – Motor. B – Foam breaker. C- Flat bladed impeller. D – Acid ½x4 2

/ Base for pH control.
42 a. Exonuclease & Endonuclease ½x2 2
b. Exonucleases - Cut the DNA at the end
Endonucleases - Cut at specific site within the DNA ½x2

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Part ΙΙΙ Answer any 3 questions from 17- 20. Each carries 3 marks

43 a. DNA enters the bacterium through the pores in cell 2 3

wall.The bacterial cell is treated with divalent cation such
as calcium. Incubate Recombinant DNA and bacterial cell
on ice. Place this bacterial cell at 42° C which provides a
heat shock & then Put them back on ice. Now bacteria
can take up the Recombinant DNA
b. To take up hydrophylic DNA molecule from external
medium. 1

44 a. Gel electrophoresis 1+1+1 3

b. Negatively charged DNA molecules move towards anode
under an electric field through agarose medium . DNA
fragments are separated according to their size through
a sieving effect provided by agarose gel
c. Elution
45 a. PCR /Polymerase chain reaction ½x6 3
b. Amplification of gene to make multiple copies
c. Taq DNA polymerase
d. Thermus aquaticus
e. remains active in high temperature /Thermostable
f. DNA Polymerase enzyme extend the primer by adding
nucleotides.
46 a. ampicillin resistance gene / ampR and tetracycline ½x2 3
resistance gene / tetR
b. Hind ΙΙΙ , Cla Ι , EcoR Ι , BamH Ι, Sal Ι, Pvu Ι, Pst Ι, Pvu ΙΙ. ½x2
(any 2)
c. codes for the proteins involved in the replication of 1
plasmids
47 Cohen & Boyer create first rDNA. They isolate antibiotic 3 3
resistance gene from plasmid of Salmonella typhimureum .
Piece of DNA was cut at specific site by restriction endonuclease
& linked it to the plasmid of Escherichia coli. By DNA ligase and
then these rDNA was transferred to E.coli host.

48 Genetic engineering and Bioprocess engineering ½x2 3

Genetic engineering :- Technique to alter chemistry of genetic
1+1
material (DNA or RNA) to introduce these into host organisms
and thus change the phenotype of the host organisms.
Bioprocess engineering :- Maintenance of sterile environment in
chemical engineering process to enable the growth of only the

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 desired microbe/ eukaryotic cell in large quantities for the
manufacture of biotechnological products like antibiotics,
vaccines , enzymes etc.

49 The foreign DNA is ligated at a restriction site present in one of 3 3

the two antibiotic resistance genes. (eg. Foreign DNA is inserted
at the BamHΙ site of tetracycine resistance gene in the vector
pBR322).
Recombinant plasmids lose tetracycline resistance due to
insertion of foreign DNA.
simultaneous plating of bacteria on ampicillin containing
medium and tetracycine containing medium.
Recombinants grow in ampicillin medium but not on
tetracycline medium.
50 Isolation of DNA ½x6 3
Frgmentation of DNA
Separation of desired DNA fragments
Ligation of DNA fragments into vector
Transferring the rDNA into host
Culturing of host cells in a medium at large scale

x……………………………………………x

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 BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATIONS

1 mark questions

1. Name the first transgenic cow that produce human protein enriched milk
2. Name the gene that control corn borer insect?
a. cry Ι Ac
b. cry ΙΙ Ab
c. cry Ι Ab
d. cry ΙΙ Ac
3. What does Bt stands for in Bt cotton?
4. Name the nematode which infects the roots of tobacco plants , resulting in the reduction of yield?
5. Clones with radioactivity can be detected by
(a) Gel electrophoresis (b) Autoradiography (c) Chromatography (d) ELISA
6. Insulin consists of two short polypeptide chains A and B and the two chains are joined by
(a) Peptide bond (b) Disulphide bond (c) Hydrogen bond (d) Ionic bond
7. Name two gens that control cotton bollworms
8. Which company prepared genetically engineered human insulin ?
9. In which year first clinical gene therapy was performed and to whom ?
10. Expand ADA
11. Name the toxic protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis?
12. Name a Bioinsecticide
13. Name a genetically modified pest resistant crop
2 mark questions
14. Bt- toxin does not kill bacillus, but it kill insects. Write the reason
15. Expand ELISA. What is the principle of this process?
16. Write four uses of transgenic animals.
17. How gene therapy is practiced for a permanent cure of disease?
18. How cancer due to mutation can be detected by molecular diagnostic method?
19. First clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 to a 4 year girl with Adenosine deaminase (ADA)
deficiency.
a. What is gene therapy?
b. What are the two alternative methods to cure ADA deficiency?
20. Bt-cotton is an example of genetically engineered plant.
a. Name the gene responsible for Bt-toxin production.
b. Cry protein is harmless to bacillus. Why?
21. Explain how Bt-toxin kill the insect
22. RNA can suppress the activity of a gene. Explain it with suitable examples.
23. The first clinical gene therapy was given to a 4 year old girl child.
a. What was her disorder?
b. What is the cause of this disorder?

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 24. How does the inactive protoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis gets converted into active toxin when an
insect ingest it?
25. Early diagnosis is essential for the effective treatment of a disease. Write molecular diagnostic
methods.
26. Write any two critical research areas of biotechnology
27. What is the structural difference between proinsulin and mature insulin?
28. Define (a) Biopatent (b) Biopiracy
29. The first clinical gene therapy was given to a 4 year old girl child.
a. Briefly describe the clinical procedure adopted in this case.
b. What is the role of Adenosine deaminase enzyme ?
30. Expand GEAC . Mention their aim

3 mark questions

31.

a. Identify I,ii,iii.
b. How did Eli Lilly company manage to produce mature human insulin?
32. Transgenic animals are produced to obtain biological products.
a. Define transgenic animals?
b. What is the use of Alpha -1 antitrypsin?
c. Name the protein present in the milk of transgenic cow
33. The genes of organisms can be altered by manipulation. Such organisms are called genetically
modified organisms (GMO) . List any three merits of GM plants
34. A novel strategy was adopted to prevent the infestation of a nematode in the roots of tobacco plants.
a. Name the strategy
b. Explain the principle behind this strategy
c. What is the role of Agrobacterium in this strategy?
35. Biopiracy is the unauthorised use of bioresources by multinational companies & other organisations
,without compensatory payment
a. Mention reason for biopiracy
b. Give an example for biopiracy?
c. How can we stop biopiracy?

Answer Key
Category Questi Answer key / Value points Split Total
on No: score score

Part Ι Each carries 1 mark

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 1. Rosie 1 1

2 cryΙ Ab 1 1

3 Bacillus thuringiensis 1 1

4 Meloidegyne incognitia 1 1

5 Autoradiography 1 1

6 Disulphide bond 1 1

7 cryIAc & cryIIAb ½x2 1

8 Eli Lilly 1 1

9 1990 1 1

10 Adenosine Deaminase 1 1

11 Cry protein /Bt toxin 1 1

12 Bt Cotton 1 1

13 Tobacco 1 1

Part ΙΙ Each carries 2 mark

14 The Bt toxin exist as inactive protoxins in bacillus. 1+1 2

When an insect ingest the inactive toxin, it is converted into an
active toxin
15 Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay 1+1 2
Antigen – Antibody reaction
16 To study how genes are regulated & how they affect normal ½x4 2
functions of the body and its development (Study of complex
factors involved in growth) / to study how genes contribute to
the development of disease. ( Transgenic models exist for cancer,
cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, & Alzheimers) / To Produce
biological products / To test the safety of vaccines / To test
safety of chemicals (toxicity / safety testing)
(any 4 response)

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17 Gene therapy at embryonic stage /ADA gene from bonemarrow 2 2
is introduced into cells at early embryonic stage
18 Clone having mutated gene will not appear on photographic film 2 2
because probe will not have complimentarity with the mutated
gene

19 a. collection of methods that allows correction of a gene 1 2

defect that has been diagnosed in a child / embryo.
b. Bone marrow transplantation . ½x2
Enzyme replacement therapy( functional ADA is given by
injection) .
20 a. cry gene 1+1 2
b. The Bt toxin exist as inactive protoxins in bacillus.
21 When an insect ingest the inactive toxin, it is converted into an 2 2
active toxin due to the alkaline pH of the gut which solubilise the
crystals. The activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut
epithelial cells and create pores that cause cell swelling and lysis
and eventually leads to death of the insect.
22 RNA interference (RNAi) , a cellular defence mechanism suppress 1+1 2
the activity of a gene / RNAi is mRNA silencing or Silencing of
mRNA due to complementary double stranded RNA (dsRNA).
We can prevent nematode infestation through RNAi in
transgenic tobacco plant.
23 a. ADA deficiency 1+1 2
b. The gene which produce ADA enzyme is deficient .
24 When an insect ingest the inactive toxin, it is converted into an 2 2
active toxin due to the alkaline pH of the gut which solubilise the
crystals.
25 PCR based on amplification of DNA , ELISA based on antigen ½x4 2
antibody reaction , Radioactive probe and rDNA technology
26 Applications of biotechnology in agriculture 1+1 2
Applications of biotechnology in medicine
27 prohormone (Proinsulin) - contains an extra stretch called the C 1+1 2
peptide. This C peptide is removed during maturation .
or
C peptide present in proinsulin . C peptide absent in mature
insulin
28 a. Biopatent – Patent granted for biological products and 1+1 2

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 processes.
b. Biopiracy- Unauthorised use of bioresources by
multinational companies & other organisations ,without
compensatory payment.

29 a. Lymphocytes from the blood of the patient are grown in a ½x3 2

culture outside the body.
A functional ADA cDNA is then introduced into these
lymphocytes using retroviral vector & are returned to
the patient.
Lymphocytes are not immortal, so periodic transfusion is
necessary.
b. Activate immune system

30 a. Genetic Engineering Approval Committee 1 2

b. Take decision regarding validity of GM research and
safety of introducing GM organisms for public services ½ x2

Part ΙΙΙ Answer any 3 questions from 17- 20. Each carries 3 marks

31 a. i - A peptide. ii – B peptide. iii – C peptide ½x3 3

b. Prepare two DNA sequences corresponding to chain A &
chain B of human insulin ½x3
Introduced them in plasmids of E.coli to produce insulin
chains.
Chain A and B were produced separately, extracted and
combined by creating disulfide bonds to form human insulin
32 It makes crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses / reduce the use 1+1+1 3
of chemical pesticides / Helped to reduce post harvest loses /
Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants / Enhanced
nutritional value of food, eg., Vitamin ‘A’ enriched rice (Golden
rice)
(any 3 response)
33 a. RNA interference / RNAi 1+1+1 3
b. mRNA silencing / Silencing of mRNA due to
complementary double stranded RNA (dsRNA)
c. Nematode specific gene is introduced into tobacco plant
using Agrobacterium as a vector.
34 a. Developed countries are rich financially but poor in 1+1+1 3
biodiversity & traditional knowledge. In contrast
developing & underdeveloped countries are rich in
biodiversity & traditional knowledge. This inequality
leads to biopiracy

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 b. Indian Basmathi was crossed with semidwarf varieties by
an American company and claimed as a new invention &
got patent on Basmathi rice through US Patent and
Trademark office. This allowed the company to sell a new
variety of Basmathi in US &abroad. / Turmeric & Neem
are some of the products have patents in other countries
(any 1 example)
c. Take legal actions by government / develop laws against
biopiracy
x…………………………………………x

ORGANISMS AND POPULATION

1 mark questions

1. Name the interaction in which both the interacting species are benefited
2. Name the relationship between an orchid plant and a mango tree
3. Name the interaction in which one organism captures and feeds on another
4. Insects which are feeding on plant saps are called…………..
5. Name the Interaction between two organism for same resource.
6. A mechanism that promote co-existance rather than exclusion is…………..
7. Name the interaction in which one species is harmed and the other is neither benefited nor harmed.
8. Relative measure of reproductive success of an organism is called…………..
9. Number of individuals present per unit area at a given time is called…………
10. The size of a population is not static. Which of the following leads to increase in population?
(a) Natality & Mortality (b) Mortality & Emigration
(c)Mortality & Immigration (d) Natality & Immigration
11. Observe the relationship between the first two terms anf fill in the blanks.
a. Mycorrhiza :- Mutualism
Lice on humans :- …………….
b. Mortality :- No of death in the population during a given period
…………..:- No of births in the population during a given period
12. The feeding efficiency of one species is reduced due to the interfering & inhibitory presence of the
other species even if resources are abundant is …………….
2 mark questions
13. Observe the diagram and answer the questions.
a. Identify the growth model a & b
b. Which type of growth model is considered to be more realistic? Why?

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14. Differentiate ectoparasites and endoparasites. G Give
ive an example for ectoparasites & endoparasites
endo
15. Write any two methods to measure population density?
16. What is meant by interspecific competition? Give example.
17. List out four adaptations of prey to protect from predation in plants.
18. Write any two physical factors that affect population density ?
19. The density of population in a given habitat during a given period fluctuates due to changes in four
basic process.
a. List out them
b. How do these process affect the population density.
20. Define the following.
(a) Natality (b) Mortality (c) Immigration (d) Emigration
21. Predation is an interaction which has great significance in nature. Write down two significance of
predation.
22. What is brood parasitism? Give one example for it
23. Nt+1 = Nt + [(B + I) – (D + E)] is the equation to find the population density at a given time. What does
B, I, D & E stands for?
24. What are the effects of parasites on their host?
25. (a) Howw does monarch butterfly protect itself from predation?
(b) How do some species of insects and frogs avoid being easily detected by the predators?
26. Observe the equation
dN/dt =rN [K-N/k]
a. What do ‘N’ , ‘r’ and ‘K’ represent?
b. Define K
27. Population growth may be exponential or logistic. Differentiate between them.
28. Fill in the blanks
Species A Species B Name of interaction
+ - Parasitism

- - …………….

+ + …..........

+ 0 …………

- 0 …………..

29. Population has certain attributes that an individual organism does not. What are they?
30. Parasites evolved special adaptations to live on host. What are they?

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 31. Explain life history variations
ations with examples.

3 mark questions

32. Competition is an interaction between two organisms for same resource.

a. Define Gause’s competitive exclusion principle?
b. What is meant by competitive release? Give example
33. Given below are examples of some ecological interactions. Identify the interactions.
a. Sea anemone and Clown fish
b. Loranthus and host tree
c. Balanus and Cathamalus barnacle
d. Cuckoo and crow
e. Fig tree & wasp
f. Cattle egret and grazing cattle
34. Observe the
he figure and answer the questions
a. Identify A, B &C

b. Compare the nature of population growth in A, B & C

A B C
35. Observe the figure given below and answer the questions

a. If ‘N’’ is the population density at time ‘t’, then write down the population density equation at time
‘t+1’
b. Which two processes contribute to an increase in population density?
c. Which two processes contribute to a decrease in population density?

Answer Key
Category Questi Answer key / Value points Split Total
on No: score score

Part Ι Each carries 1 mark

1. Mutualism 1 1

2 Commensalism 1 1

3 Predation 1 1

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 4 Phytophagous insects 1 1

5 Competition 1 1

6 Resource partitioning 1 1

7 Ammensalism 1 1

8 Darwinian fitness 1 1

9 Population density 1 1

10 d. Natality & Immigration 1 1

11 a. Parasitism ½ x2 1
b. Natality
12 Interference competition 1 1

Part ΙΙ Each carries 2 mark

13 a. Exponential /Geometric growth model / J shaped curve ½x2 2

Logistic growth model / verhulst pearl logistic growth /
S shaped growth curve.
b. Logistic growth model.
Resources for growth for most animal populations are ½ x2
finite & become limiting sooner or later
14 Ectoparasites :- depend on the external surface of the host. ½ x2 2
Endoparasites :- take shelter within the body of the host
organism
Ectoparasite, example :- head lice on humans / ticks on dogs / ½ x2
Copepods on marine fish / Cuscuta / Loranthus (any 1)
Endoparasite, example – Liverfluke / Plasmodium (any 1)
15 Counting number of individuals of a population / measure % 1+1 2
cover / biomass ( e.g., 200 parthenium plant and one huge
banyan tree in an area. The role of banyan tree in that
community is greater than parthenium) / measure relative
population density. ( e .g., The number of fish caught /trap is
used to measure total population density of fish in the lake) /
Counting the colonies in a bacterial culture / Indirect method – In
tiger reserves tiger census is done on pug marks (foot prints)and
fecal matter (any 2 method)

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16 Competition between unrelated species for the same resource. 1+1 2
eg., in some shallow south American lakes visiting flamingoes &
native fishes compete for common food, zooplankton
17 Thorns in cactus, opuntia, Acacia etc / Poisonous chemical ½ x4 2
content kill insects / Poisonous cardiac glycosides seen in
calotropis / Presence of alkaloids (nicotine, caffeine, quinine,
strychnine , opium etc ) against grazers & browsers
18 Food availability /Predation pressure / Weather (any 2) 1+1 2

19 a. Natality, Mortality, Immigration & Emigration 2 2

b. Natality & Immigration leads to increase in population.
Mortality & Emigration leads to decrease in population
20 a. Natality – Number of births in a population during a given 2 2
period
b. Mortality – Number of deaths in the population in a given
period.
c. Immigration – Number of individuals of the same species
that have come into the habitat from elsewhere during a
given period. population Increase
d. Emigration – Number of individuals of the population
who left the habitat during a given period.
21 Predation act as a channel for energy transfer across trophic 1+1 2
levels / Predators keep prey population under control /
Predators help in maintaining species diversity (by reducing
competition among competing prey species) / If predator
overexploits the prey, then the prey become extinct. When
there is a shortage of prey the predator will also become extinct
(any 2)
22 Brood parasitism – seen in parasitic bird e.g., between cuckoo & 1+1 2
crow . Cuckoo lays its eggs in the nest of its host, Crow for
incubation, hatching &rearing of youngones. The eggs of cuckoo
resembles the eggs of crow in size, shape & colour. Crow cannot
detect the foreign egg.
23 B – Natality. ½ x4 2
I – Immigration
D – Mortality
E – Emigration
24 Reduce the survival of host / Growth and reproductive rate of ½x4 2
host reduced / Render the host vulnerable to its predators by
making them weak / Reduce the population density of host

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 25 a. Monarch butterfly is distasteful to its predator (bird) due 1+1 2
to poisonous chemical content in the body.
b. Camouflaged (cryptically coloured)
26 a. N – population density , r- intrinsic rate of natural ½ x3 2
increase , K - Carrying capacity
b. Maximum number of individuals of a particular species ½
that can live in a particular area.
27 Exponential /Geometric growth model :- Growth curve is J 1+1 2
shaped. Initial slow growth or lag phase, followed by rapid
growth . Growth stops suddenly due to death of individuals.
There is an unlimited supply of resources .There is no
environmental resistance/ check
Logistic growth model / verhulst pearl logistic growth :- S
shaped growth curve. Initial slow growth (lag phase) followed
by rapid growth (exponential /log phase) . When environmental
resistance come into play / when carrying capacity reaches,
growth slows down (Stationary phase)
28 Competition ( - -) ½x4 2
Mutualism (+ +)
Commensalism ( + 0)
Ammensalism (- 0)
29 Birth rate, death rate, sex ratio and age group ½ x2 2

30 Loss of unnecessary sense organs / Hooks and sucker / Loss of ½x4 2

digestive system / High Reproductive capacity
31 Certain organism breed only once in their life time( eg., bamboo, 1+1 2
pacific salmon fish). Others breed many times during their life
time. eg., Most birds & mammals
Some produce large number of small- sized offspring ( eg.,
Oysters, pelagic fishes). Others produce small number of large-
sized offspring ( eg., birds, mammals)
Part ΙΙΙ Answer any 3 questions from 17- 20. Each carries 3 marks

32 a. Two closely related species competing for the same 1 3

resources cannot co-exist indefinitely & the
competitively inferior one will be eliminated eventually.
b. Competitive release :- A species is restricted to a small
geographical area due to competitively superior species.
When the superior species is experimentally removed,
1+1
the small species flourish. eg., Connell’s field experiment.

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 Competitively superior barnacle called Balanus
dominates the intertidal area & excludes the smaller
barnacle Chathamalus from that zone
33 a. Commensalism ½x6 3
b. Parasitism
c. Competition
d. Brood parasitism
e. Mutualism
f. Commensalism
34 a. A- Expanding population. B- Stable population. C- ½x3 3
Declining population
b. Expanding age pyramid – More number of pre-
reproductive individuals. Population is growing.
Stable age pyramid – Pre-reproductive &reproductive ½ x3
individuals are almost equal. No increase or decrease in
population.
Declining age pyramid – Pre-reproductive individuals are
lesser in number. Large number of reproductive
individuals
35 a. Nt+1 = Nt + [(B + I) – (D + E)] 1+1+1 3
b. Natality & Immigration
c. Mortality & Emigration

x…………………………………..x

ECOSYSTEM
1 mark questions

1. Natural interlinked food chains are called……………

2. Which of the following is a detritivore?
(a) Earthworm (b) Virus (c) Lion (d) Deer
3. Detritus food chain begins with…………
4. What is the percentage of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in the incident solar radiation?
(a) 100% (b) 20 % (c) 39% (d) 50%
5. Vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels in an ecosystem is called…………..
6. Total biomass of living organisms at a particular time in a given ecosystem is called…………
7. Organism which breakdown detritus is called……………
8. Dead remains of plants and animals are called…………….
9. Annual NPP of biosphere is …………..
10. Linear sequence of energy transfer in an ecosystem by eating and being eaten is called………..
2 mark questions
11. What are the limitations of ecological pyramids ?(4 points)
12. What are the different trophic levels?

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13. Decomposition takes place through different steps. Mineralisation is the last step. Write the other
four steps.
14. Observe the equation given below
NPP = GPP – Respiration
a. What does NPP and GPP stand for?
b. GPP depends on various factors. Write any ttwo factors.
15. What are the factors which affect decomposition?
16. The figure depicts pyramid of energy.

a. Pyramid of energy is always upright, can never be inverted. Justify.

b. Which are the other two ecological pyramids?
17. (a) Define productivity
(b) Distinguish primary productivity from secondary productivity
18. Ecological pyranids are usually upright. Meanwhile some pyramid of biomass is inverted. Give reason
with example
19. What is an ecological pyramid? Name the different types of ecological pyr
pyranids.
anids.
20. Ecological pyranids are usually upright. Meanwhile some pyramid of number is inverted. Give reason
with example
21. What is 10% law?
22. Flow of energy in plant is based on the law of thermodynamics. Explain
23. A list of different organisms in an ecosystem are given below. Arrange them in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
trphic levels.
(Phytoplanktom, Man, Fish, Zooplankton)
24. Given number of individuals in a grassland ecosystem.
Grasshopper – 1500, Grass – 5842000 , Wolf – 28 , Birds – 215
a. Draw a pyramid of number show showing various trophic levels
b. Explain trophic level
25. In a marine ecosystem, a population of phytoplankton (150000) supports a standing crop of fishes
(4000)
a. Draw a pyramid of biomass
b. Draw a pyramid of number
26. Humification leads to accumulation of a dark coloure
colouredd amorphous substance.
a. Identify the substance
b. Write its peculiarities
27. Match the following
A B
Fragmentation Water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil

Leaching Breakdown of detritus into smaller particles

Catabolism Formation of inorganic nutrients from humus

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 Mineralisation Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances

28. Distinguish Grazing food chain from Detritus food chain.

29. (a) Construct a grazing food chain using the following organisms.
( Frog, Grass, Grasshopper, Snake)
(b)Write the trophic level of Grass hopper and Snake.

Answer Key
Category Questi Answer key / Value points Split Total
on No: score score

Part Ι Each carries 1 score

1. Food web 1 1

2 Earthworm 1 1

3 Detritus / Dead remains 1 1

4 50 % 1 1

5 Stratification 1 1

6 Standing crop 1 1

7 Decomposer / Detritivore 1 1

8 Detritus 1 1

9 170 billion tons 1 1

10 Food chain 1 1

Part ΙΙ Each carries 2 score

11 Ecological pyramid does not accommodate food web / Do not ½x4 2

take into account same species belonging to two or more trophic
levels. / Assumes simple food chain, which never exist in nature, /
Saprophytes are not included.
12 Producers – first trophic level ½ x4 2
Primary consumers – second trophic level
Secondary consumer – third trophic level
Teritiary consumer – fourth trophic level

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13 Fragmentation , Leaching , Catabolis, Humification ½ x4 2

14 a. NPP – Net primary productivity. GPP – Gross primary ½x2 2

productivity
b. Sunlight, temperature, moisture, plants in that area, ½ x2
photosynthetic capacity, availability of nutrients etc (any
2)
15 Warm and moist environment favour decomposition ½x4 2
Decomposition rate becomes high if detritus, rich in nitrogen and
water soluble substances .
Decomposition rate is slow in detritus, rich in lignin & chitin.
Low temperature and lack of Oxygen inhibit decomposition
16 a. Flow of energy is always unidirectional. Only 10% of 1 2
energy is transferred to next trophic level, rest is lost as
heat ½x2
b. Pyramid of number and Pyramid of energy
17 a. Productivity :- Rate of biomass /Organic matter produced 1 2
per unit area during a given period of time.
b. Primary productivity :- Rate of biomass produced per
unit area during a given period of time by plants through
photosynthesis /Rate of biomass production at producer 1
level
Secondary productivity :- Rate of biomass production at
consumer level
18 In aquatic ecosystem, pyramid of biomass is inverted 1+1 2
because biomass of phytoplankton is less as compared
with that of small herbivorous fish, that feed on these
producers.
19 Ecological pyramids :- Representation of food chain in the form of ½ 2
pyramid
½ x2
Pyramid of number , Pyramid of biomass and Pyramid of energy

20 In tree ecosystem, pyramid of number is inverted because 1+1 2

tree is single in number, primary consumers are more in
number.
21 10% law of energy transfer :- 10% of the energy in the food is 2 2
fixed into their flesh & is available to next trophic level. 90% of
energy is utilized for life activities & released as heat energy
22  Solar energy captured by plants and flows through 1+1 2
different organisms in an ecosystem as food energy.
(first law of thermodynamics- - Energy can neither be

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 created nor destroyed it can only be transformed from
one form to another
 Only 10% of energy is transferred to next trophic level,
rest is lost as heat (Second law of thermodynamics states
that Whenever energy is transferred fron one form to
another, there is a decrease in tthe amount of useful
energy).
23 Phytoplankton – first trophic level ½x4 2
Zooplankton – second trophic level
Fish – third trophic level
Man – fourth trophic level
24 a. 1+1

Wolf 28

Birds 215
Grass hopper 1500
Grass 5842000

b. Trophic levels ::- Based on the source of food, organisms

occupy a specific place in the food chain
25 a. Pyramid of biomass. 1+1 2

b. Pyramid of number

26 a. Humus 1 2
b. partially decomposed dark coloured amorphous
substance . Humus is resistant to microbial action . ½ x2
colloidal in nature so iit undergoes slow decomposition .
Humus is Reservoir of nutrients. (any 2)

27 Fragmentation – Breakdown of detritus into smaller particles ½x2 2

Leaching – Water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the
soil
Catabolism – Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into

Prepared
repared by Nandini. K. N, NHSS Kolathur, Malappuram. For MBTA Page 34
 simpler inorganic substances
Mineralisation – Formation of inorganic nutrients from humus

28  Grazing food chain (GFC)– Begins from plants. Takes 1+1 2

place in major aquatic ecosystems. Less fraction of energy
flow. eg., Grass →Goat→Lion→Hawk
 Detritus food chain (DFC) – Energy transfer begins from
detritus. It include Saprophytes which take food from
detritus. Takes place in major terrestrial ecosystem. Large
fraction of energy flow takes place.

29 a. Grass →Grass hopper→Frog→Snake 1 2

b. Grass hopper – second trophic level
Snake – Fourth trophic level ½x2

x……………………………x

Prepared by Nandini. K. N, NHSS Kolathur, Malappuram. For MBTA Page 35