Solved 2014 Question Paper ICSE Class 10

Biology
Class 10 - ICSE Biology Solved Question Papers

Section I (40 Marks)

Question 1(a)

Name the following: [5]

(i) The part of the brain associated with memory.

(ii) The ear ossicle which is attached to the tympanum.

(iii) The type of gene, which in the presence of a contrasting allele is not expressed.

(iv) The hormone secreted by islets of langerhans.

(v) The process of conversion of ADP into ATP during photosynthesis.

Answer

(i) Cerebrum

(ii) Malleus

(iii) Recessive gene

(iv) Insulin and Glucagon

(v) Photophosphorylation

Question 1(b)

State the main function of the following: [5]

(i) Cerebrospinal fluid

(ii) Eustachian tube

(iii) Suspensory ligament of the eye

(iv) Sperm duct

(v) Lenticels

Answer
(i) Cerebrospinal fluid acts like a cushion and protects the brain from shocks.

(ii) Eustachian tube equalises the pressure on either side of the ear drum.

(iii) Suspensory ligament holds the lens in position.

(iv) Sperm duct serves to transport sperm from the epididymis to urethra.

(v) Lenticels facilitate transpiration in older stems.

Question 1(c)

Copy and complete the following by filling in the blanks 1 to 5 with appropriate words: [5]

The human female gonads are ovaries. A maturing egg in the ovary is present in a sac of cells
called ............... (1). As the egg grows larger, the follicle enlarges and gets filled with a fluid
and is now called the ............... (2) follicle. The process of releasing the egg from the ovary is
called ............... (3). The ovum is picked up by the oviducal funnel and fertilisation takes
place in the ............... (4). In about a week, the blastocyst gets fixed in the endometrium of
the uterus and this process is called ............... (5).

Answer

The human female gonads are ovaries. A maturing egg in the ovary is present in a sac of cells
called ovarian follicle (1). As the egg grows larger, the follicle enlarges and gets filled with a
fluid and is now called the Graafian (2) follicle. The process of releasing the egg from the
ovary is called ovulation (3). The ovum is picked up by the oviducal funnel and fertilisation
takes place in the oviduct (4). In about a week, the blastocyst gets fixed in the endometrium
of the uterus and this process is called implantation (5).

Question 1(d)

Given below are six sets with four terms each. In each set one term is odd and cannot be
grouped in the same category to which the other three belong. Identify the odd one in each set
and name the category to which the remaining three belong. The first one has been done as an
example. [5]
Example: Calyx, Corolla, Stamens, Midrib
Odd term: midrib
Category: Parts of a flower

(i) Haemoglobin, Glucagon, Iodopsin, Rhodopsin

(ii) Urethra, Uterus, Urinary bladder, Ureter

(iii) Transpiration, Photosynthesis, Phagocytosis, Guttation

(iv) Cyton, Photon, Axon, Dendron

(v) Oxytocin, Insulin, Prolactin, Progesterone

Answer
(i) Odd term: Glucagon
Category: Pigments

(ii) Odd term: Uterus

Category: Parts of excretory system.

(iii) Odd term: Phagocytosis

Category: Processes in plants

(iv) Odd term: Photon

Category: Parts of a neuron.

(v) Odd term: Insulin

Category: Female reproductive / sex hormones.

Question 1(e)

The figure given below represents an experimental setup with a weighing machine to
demonstrate a particular process in plants. The experimental setup was placed in bright
sunlight. Study the diagram and answer the following questions: [5]

(i) Name the process intended for study.

(ii) Define the above mentioned process.

(iii) When the weight of the test tube (A & B) is taken before and after the experiment, what
is observed? Give reasons to justify your observation in A & B.

(iv) What is the purpose of keeping the test tube B in the experimental setup?

Answer

(i) Transpiration.

(ii) Transpiration is the process in which water is lost in the form of vapour from the aerial
parts of the plant.
(iii) Weight of test tube A before the experiment was more than its weight after the
experiment. This is because water from test tube A has evaporated due to transpiration.
Weight of test tube B remains the same before and after the experiment, because no loss of
water occurs in test tube B as there is no plant and the oil on the surface prevents direct
evaporation of water.

(iv) It is a control experiment where the purpose of using test tube B is to compare the level
of water in both test tubes.

Question 1(f)

Match the items given in Column A with the most appropriate ones in Column B and rewrite
the correct matching pairs from Column A and Column B: [5]

Sl. No. Column A

1 Pituitary gland Testostero

2 Sulphur dioxide Calcium

3 Seminiferous tubules Growth ho

4 Clotting of blood Acid rain

5 Guttation Sperms

Global wa

Magnesium

Hydathode

Answer

Sl. No. Column A

1 Pituitary gland Growth ho

2 Sulphur dioxide Acid rain

3 Seminiferous tubules Sperms

 Sl. No. Column A

4 Clotting of blood Calcium

5 Guttation Hydathode

Question 1(g)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below: [5]

(i) Cretinism and Myxoedema are due to

1. Hypersecretion of thyroxin
2. Hypersecretion of growth hormone
3. Hyposecretion of thyroxin
4. Hyposecretion of growth hormone

(ii) Which of the following is not a natural reflex action?

1. Knee-jerk
2. Blinking of eyes due to strong light
3. Salivation at the sight of food
4. Sneezing when any irritant enters the nose

(iii) After mitotic cell division, a female human cell will have

1. 44 + xx chromosomes
2. 44 + xy chromosomes
3. 22 + x chromosomes
4. 22 + y chromosomes

(iv) The antibiotic penicillin is obtained from

1. Protozoan
2. Bacteria
3. Virus
4. Fungus

(v) The site of maturation of human sperms is the

1. Seminiferous tubule
2. Interstitial cells
3. Epididymis
4. Prostate gland
Answer

(i) Hyposecretion of thyroxin

(ii) Salivation at the sight of food

(iii) 44 + xx chromosome

(iv) Fungus

(v) Epididymis

Question 1(h)

State the exact location of the following: [5]

(i) Tricuspid valve

(ii) Amnion

(iii) Yellow spot

(iv) Seminal vesicle

(v) Adrenal gland

Answer

(i) Tricuspid valve is located between right auricle and right ventricle.

(ii) Amnion covers the foetus in the uterus.

(iii) Yellow spot lies at the back of the eye almost at the centre on the horizontal axis of the
eyeball.

(iv) Seminal vesicles are located between the posterior surface of the urinary bladder and the
rectum in human males.

(v) Adrenal glands are located on top of both kidneys like caps.

Section II (40 Marks)

Question 2(a)

Differentiate between the following pairs on the basis of what is mentioned within
brackets: [5]

(i) Spinal nerves and Cranial nerves (number of nerves)

(ii) Near vision and Distant vision (shape of the eye lens)
(iii) Corpus callosum and Corpus luteum (function)

(iv) Turgor pressure and Wall pressure (explain)

(v) Disinfectant and Antiseptic (definition)

Answer

(i) Difference between Spinal nerves and Cranial nerves (number of nerves)

Spinal nerves Cr

Spinal nerves are composed of 31 nerve pairs Cranial nerves are composed of

(ii) Difference between near vision and Distant vision (shape of the eye lens)

Near vision D

In near vision, the lens is too curved. In distant vision, the lens is to

(iii) Difference between Corpus callosum and Corpus luteum (function)

Corpus callosum Corpu

Connect the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Secrete female sex hormones Oestrog

(iv) Difference between Turgor pressure and Wall pressure (explain)

Turgor pressure Wa

The pressure of cell contents on the cell wall is called Turgor The pressure exerted by the cell wa
pressure. pressure.

(v) Difference between Disinfectant and Antiseptic (definition)

Disinfectant Ant

These are strong chemical substances that are applied on spots These are mild chemical substances w
and places where germs thrive and multiply. germs. These substances cause no harm

Question 2(b)

The diagram below represents the simplified pathway of the circulation of blood. Study the
same and answer the questions that follow: [5]
(i) Name the blood vessels labelled 1 and 2.

(ii) State the function of blood vessels labelled 5 and 8.

(iii) What is the importance of the blood vessel labelled 6?

(iv) Which blood vessel will contain a high amount of glucose and amino acids after a meal?
(v) Draw a diagram of the different blood cells as seen in a smear of human blood.

Answer

(i) The blood vessels labelled 1 and 2 are:

 1 → Anterior / Superior venacava

 2 → Dorsal aorta

(ii) Function of blood vessels —

 5 → Supply oxygenated blood to liver.

 8 → Carries deoxygenated blood from the posterior parts of the body to the right
auricle of the heart.

(iii) Blood vessel 6 is called Hepatic portal vein. It carries deoxygenated blood from intestine
to liver. This blood contains excess glucose, some toxic substances etc. which are sent to liver
where they are detoxified and the excess glucose is converted to glycogen and stored. This
prevents these substances from directly entering and damaging the heart.

(iv) Hepatic portal vein (i.e., blood vessel 6) contains a high amount of glucose and amino
acids after a meal.

(v) Below diagram shows the different blood cells as seen in a smear of human blood:

Question 3(a)

A candidate in order to study the process of osmosis has taken 3 potato cubes and put them in
3 different beakers containing 3 different solutions. After 24 hours, in the first beaker the
potato cube increased in size, in the second beaker the potato cube decreased in size and in
the third beaker there was no change in the size of the potato cube. The following diagram
shows the result of the same experiment: [5]
(i) Give the technical terms of the solutions used in beakers 1, 2 and 3.

(ii) In beaker 3, the size of the potato cube remains the same. Explain the reason in brief.

(iii) Write the specific feature of the cell sap of root hairs which helps in absorption of water.

(iv) What is osmosis?

(v) How does a cell wall and a cell membrane differ in their permeability?

Answer

(i) The technical terms of the solutions used in beakers 1, 2 and 3 are:
Beaker 1 — Hypotonic solution.
Beaker 2 — Hypertonic solution.
Beaker 3 — Isotonic solution.

(ii) In beaker 3, the solution present is an isotonic solution, i.e. the relative concentration of
water molecules and solutes is the same in the solution as well as inside the cell. There is no
movement of water molecules across the cell membrane. Hence, the size of potato cubes
remains the same.

(iii) The cell sap of root hair has a higher concentration of solute than the surrounding water.
Due to this endosmosis takes place helping the root hairs in absorption of water.

(iv) Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from their region of higher concentration
(dilute solution or with a lower solute concentration) to their region of lower concentration
(concentrated solution or with a higher solute concentration) through a semi-permeable
membrane.

(v) The cell wall is freely permeable to all substances, while the cell membrane is selectively
permeable and allows only certain substances to enter or exit the cell.

Question 3(b)

A potted plant was taken in order to prove a factor necessary for photosynthesis. The potted
plant was kept in the dark for 24 hours. One of the leaves was covered with black paper in the
centre. The potted plant was then placed in sunlight for a few hours. [5]
(i) What aspect of photosynthesis was being tested?

(ii) Why was the plant placed in the dark before beginning the experiment?

(iii) During the starch test, why was the leaf (1) boiled in water (2) boiled in methylated
spirit.

(iv) Write a balanced chemical equation to represent the process of photosynthesis.

(v) Draw a neat diagram of a chloroplast and label its parts.

Answer

(i) The above experiment is conducted to show that Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis.

(ii) The plant was placed in the dark before beginning the experiment to destarch the leaves.

(iii) The leaf was boiled in water to kill the cells and boiled in methylated spirit to remove
chlorophyll.

(iv) Balanced chemical equation representing the process of photosynthesis is given below:

6��2+12�2� ⟶chlorophylllight energy �6�12�6+6�2�+6�2↑6

CO2+12H2O chlorophyll⟶light energy C6H12O6+6H2O+6O2↑
(v) Below is the labelled diagram of a chloroplast:

Question 4(a)

The diagram given below is a representation of a certain phenomenon pertaining to the

nervous system. Study the diagram and answer the following questions: [5]
(i) Name the phenomenon which is being depicted.

(ii) Give the technical term for the point of contact between the two nerve cells.

(iii) Name the parts 1, 2, 3 and 4.

(iv) Write the functions of parts 5 and 6.

(v) How does the arrangement of neurons in the spinal cord differ from that of the brain?

Answer

(i) The phenomenon that is depicted here is the reflex action.

(ii) The term for the point of contact between the two nerve cells is called the Synapse.

(iii) The parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 are:

 1 → Sensory / Afferent neuron

 2 → Dorsal ganglion / Dorsal root
 3 → White matter
 4 → Grey matter

(iv) Below are the functions of parts 5 and 6:

 The function of 5 (Synapse) — It transmits the sensory impulse from sensory

neurons to the motor neurons.
 The function of 6 (Motor neuron / Efferent neuron) — It transmits the command to
the effectors part (e.g. muscles).

(v) The arrangement of neurons in the spinal cord differs from that of the brain. In the brain,
Gray matter is present on the outside and white matter on the inner side. In Spinal cord,
white matter is present on the outside and Gray matter on the inner side.

Question 4(b)

Give scientific reasons for the following statements: [5]

(i) Use of CFC is banned in many countries.

(ii) We cannot distinguish colours in moonlight.

(iii) Balsam plants wilt during mid-day even if the soil is well watered.

(iv) Carbon monoxide is highly dangerous when inhaled.

(v) A person after consuming alcohol walks clumsily.

Answer

(i) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are one of the major causes for ozone depletion. Hence they
are banned in many countries.

(ii) Cone cells in the retina are responsible for colour vision. They are functional only in
bright light. Moon light is unable to stimulate the cone cells. However, the rod cells respond
to dim light. Hence, we can see in moon light but cannot distinguish colours.

(iii) In case of balsam plants, the rate of transpiration during mid-day exceeds the rate of
absorption of water by the roots. The cells therefore lose turgidity. In the evening or during
the night, the stomata are constricted and the temperature is not very high. Therefore, there is
no loss of water through transpiration, and the turgidity of the leaves is re-acquired.

(iv) Haemoglobin has very strong affinity for Carbon Monoxide forming a stable compound
Carboxyhaemoglobin (HbCO). This cuts down the capacity of the blood of transporting
Oxygen, sometimes resulting in death. Hence, Carbon monoxide is highly dangerous when
inhaled.

(v) Alcohol affects the cerebellum part of the brain which is responsible for muscular co-
ordination. So after consuming alcohol the cerebellum is unable to coordinate muscular
movements properly resulting in the person walking clumsily.

Question 5(a)

Given below is a diagram representing a stage during mitotic cell division. Study it carefully
and answer the questions which follow: [5]

(i) Is it a plant cell or an animal cell? Give a reason to support your answer.

(ii) Identify the stage shown.

(iii) Name the stage which follows the one shown here. How is that stage identified?

(iv) How will you differentiate between mitosis and meiosis on the basis of the chromosome
number in the daughter cells?

(v) Draw a duplicated chromosome and label its parts.

Answer

(i) Plant cell.

Reason — Cell wall present and Centrioles absent.

(ii) Prophase.

(iii) Metaphase follows the prophase. The chromosomes will be arranged at the equator
attached to the spindle fibre.

(iv) In Mitosis — The chromosome number in the daughter cell remains the same as that of
the parent cell.
In Meiosis — Daughter cells receive only half the number of chromosomes from the parent
cells.

(v) Below labelled diagram shows a duplicated chromosome:

Question 5(b)

(i) Name the disease for which the following types of vaccines are given: [5]

1. Salk's vaccine
2. BCG

(ii) Give one example of each of the following:

1. A water pollutant
2. An aquatic plant used in the lab to demonstrate O2 liberation during photosynthesis
3. An antibiotic
4. A nitrogenous base in DNA

(iii) Expand the following biological abbreviations:

 1. ATP
2. TSH
3. DPT
4. DNA

Answer

(i) The vaccines are given for:

1. Salk's vaccine → Poliomyelitis

2. BCG → Tuberculosis

(ii) One example of each are:

1. A water pollutant → Sewage

2. An aquatic plant used in the lab to demonstrate O2 liberation during photosynthesis →
Hydrilla.
3. An antibiotic → Penicillin
4. A nitrogenous base in DNA → Adenine

(iii) The full forms are:

1. ATP → Adenosine Triphosphate.

2. TSH → Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.
3. DPT → Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus.
4. DNA → Deoxyribonucleic Acid.

Question 6(a)

The given diagram represents a nephron and its blood supply. Study the diagram and answer
the following questions: [5]
(i) Label parts 1, 2, 3 and 4.

(ii) State the reason for the high hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus.

(iii) Name the blood vessel which contains the least amount of urea in this diagram.

(iv) Name the two main stages of urine formation.

(v) Name the part of the nephron which lies in the renal medulla.

Answer

(i) The parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 are:

 1 → Collecting duct.
 2 → Distal convoluted tubule.
 3 → Loop of Henle.
 4 → Bowman's capsule.

(ii) The efferent arteriole is narrower than the afferent arteriole. This creates a high
hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus.

(iii) Efferent arteriole.

(iv) Two main stages of urine formation are:

1. Ultrafiltration.
2. Selective Reabsorption.

(v) Henle's loop and Collecting tubules

Question 6(b)

Briefly explain the following terms. [5]

(i) Monohybrid cross

(ii) Biomedical waste

(iii) Innate immunity

(iv) Diapedesis

(v) Hormones

Answer

(i) A cross between two parents taking the alternative traits of one single character. For
example, a cross between tall and dwarf pea plants.
(ii) Biomedical waste refers to the waste from medical services such as needles, syringes,
dirty dressings, unused discarded medicinal tablets and powders, used surgical instruments,
etc.

(iii) Immunity which is by birth, i.e., acquired from parents, is called Innate immunity.

(iv) The process in which WBCs (specially monocytes and neutrophils) produce pseudopodia
and migrate through the walls of the blood vessels into the tissues to fight against disease
causing germs is termed as Diapedesis.

(v) Hormones are secretions from some glandular part of the body, that is poured directly into
blood and that acts on the target organs or cells of the same individual, bringing about
coordination between distant parts of the body.

Question 7(a)

(i) State any two harmful effects of noise pollution on human health. [5]

(ii) Categorize the following activities as per the functions of the Red Cross Society and the
WHO:

1. To suggest quarantine measures to prevent spread of disease.

2. Humanitarian services to victim of war.
3. To educate people in accident prevention.
4. To promote projects for research on disease.

(iii) Write any two major reasons for the population explosion in India.

(iv) State Mendel's Law of segregation

Answer

(i) Two harmful effects of noise pollution are:

1. It lowers efficiency of work.

2. It disturbs sleep and leads to nervous irritability.

(ii) The activities are categorized below:

1. To suggest quarantine measures to prevent spread of disease. → WHO

2. Humanitarian services to victim of war. → Red Cross
3. To educate people in accident prevention. → Red Cross
4. To promote projects for research on disease. → WHO

(iii) Two major reasons for the population explosion in India are —

1. Desire for a male child.

2. Illiteracy and Lack of awareness about birth control measures.
(iv) Law of Segregation (also called the law of purity of gametes) — The two members of a
pair of factors separate during the formation of gametes. They do not blend but segregate or
separate into different gametes. The gametes combine together by random fusion at the time
of zygote formation.

Question 7(b)

Give technical terms for the following: [5]

(i) A method of contraception in which the sperm duct is cut and ligated.

(ii) Statistical study of human population.

(iii) The protective covering of the heart.

(iv) A sudden heritable change in the gene.

(v) Repeated units of DNA molecule.

(vi) The fluid portion of blood.

(vii) The nerve that transmits impulses from the ear to the brain.

(viii) Group of hormones which influence other endocrine glands to produce hormones.

(ix) Thin walled sac of skin which covers the testes.

(x) The permanent stoppage of the menstrual cycle in a woman aged 50 years.

Answer

(i) Vasectomy

(ii) Demography

(iii) Pericardium

(iv) Mutation

(v) Nucleotide

(vi) Plasma

(vii) Auditory nerve

(viii) Tropic hormones

(ix) Scrotum

(x) Menopause.