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I. Chapter Summary

This chapter introduces the essential biological processes that are vital for maintaining life in organisms, known as life processes. These include nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion. The chapter covers how these processes occur in plants and animals, focusing on the structure, function, and mechanism behind each. The physiological and biochemical functions are explained with diagrams and examples, linking them to human health and environment.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Concept	Description
Life Processes	Fundamental activities such as nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion needed to maintain life.
Nutrition	Mode of intake and utilization of food.
– Autotrophic (plants): Photosynthesis
– Heterotrophic (animals): Ingestion, digestion, absorption
Photosynthesis	Process by which green plants synthesize food using sunlight, CO₂, and water.
Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Respiration	Release of energy from food.
– Aerobic: With oxygen
– Anaerobic: Without oxygen
Transportation	Movement of materials in organisms.
– Plants: Xylem and phloem
– Animals: Circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, blood)
Excretion	Removal of metabolic waste.
– Human excretory system: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra
– Plants: No specialized organs

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. Which is the site of photosynthesis in a plant cell?
   a) Mitochondria
   b) Chloroplast ✅ (PYQ 2020)
   c) Cytoplasm
   d) Ribosome
2. Which of the following transports water in plants?
   a) Phloem
   b) Xylem ✅ (PYQ 2019)
   c) Root hair
   d) Stomata
3. Which organ is responsible for the removal of nitrogenous waste in humans?
   a) Liver
   b) Lungs
   c) Kidneys ✅ (PYQ 2021)
   d) Skin
4. In which form is glucose stored in the human body?
   a) Cellulose
   b) Starch
   c) Glycogen ✅
   d) Protein

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. What are the different modes of nutrition? Describe autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition with examples.
2. Write any two differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (PYQ 2020)
3. Draw a well-labeled diagram of the human excretory system. (PYQ 2021)
4. Why do herbivores have longer small intestine than carnivores?

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain the process of photosynthesis. What are the raw materials required and where does it take place in the plant? (PYQ 2019)
2. Describe the structure and functioning of the human heart with a labeled diagram.
3. Explain the double circulation of blood in humans. Why is it necessary?
4. Describe the process of urine formation in the human excretory system.

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. Why do athletes breathe faster and deeper than usual after finishing a race? Explain.
2. In what way are the functions of alveoli and nephrons similar? Explain with reasoning.

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

Concept	Formula/Definition
Photosynthesis Equation	6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (in presence of sunlight and chlorophyll)
Aerobic Respiration	C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy
Anaerobic Respiration (in yeast)	C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂ + Energy
Double Circulation	Blood flows twice through the heart in one cycle:
– Pulmonary circulation (heart-lungs-heart)
– Systemic circulation (heart-body-heart)

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Chapter 5: Life Processes	9–11 Marks	1 Long Answer, 2–3 Short Answers, 1–2 MCQs

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2021	3	Draw the human excretory system and explain urine formation.
2020	2	Write two differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
2019	5	Explain the process of photosynthesis with a balanced chemical equation.
2018	5	Describe double circulation in humans with a labeled diagram.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples

Concept	Application
Photosynthesis	Agricultural productivity, greenhouse design.
Respiration	Sports science, understanding exercise fatigue.
Blood Circulation	Basis of ECG, blood pressure measurement, organ transplantation.
Excretion	Dialysis in kidney failure, water purification in plants.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

Time Management

• Allocate time for diagrams + theory every alternate day.
• Use flowcharts to remember steps in nutrition, respiration, and excretion.

Exam Preparation

• Practice drawing labeled diagrams: human heart, nephron, excretory system.
• Memorize equations and their significance (e.g., respiration, photosynthesis).
• Solve NCERT back exercises + PYQs thoroughly.

Stress Management

• Use visuals and animations for better understanding.
• Study in small chunks (25–30 minutes) and take breaks in between.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific)

For Classes 9–10

Academic Streams

• Science: Biology, Zoology, Botany
• Commerce: Health Management, Medical Equipment Business
• Arts: Science Journalism, Health Education

Career Paths

• Doctor, Biotechnologist, Physiologist, Environmental Biologist, Public Health Officer

Foundation Exams

• NTSE, Junior Science Olympiad, NSO, KVPY (Class 11+)

XI. Important Notes

• Refer to https://ncert.nic.in and https://cbseacademic.nic.in for the latest updates.
• Give extra attention to diagrams, labeling, and processes in biology.
• Write to-the-point answers in biology with relevant examples and figures.