Life Processes Class 10 Notes

Class 10 science covers essential biology concepts, and one of the most important chapters is Life Processes. This chapter introduces you to various processes essential for the survival of living organisms Life Processes Class 10 Notes. Understanding these concepts will not only help in your board exams but also lay a foundation for further studies in biology.

In this article, we will go over the key life processes: nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion. We’ll also explain the functions of these processes in both plants and animals.

1. Introduction to Life Processes

Life processes are the essential processes carried out by living organisms to maintain and sustain life. Without these processes, organisms cannot survive. The main life processes include:

• Nutrition: The intake and utilization of food.
• Respiration: The breakdown of food to release energy.
• Excretion: The removal of metabolic waste.

Living organisms, whether plants, animals, or microorganisms, all depend on these processes to function.

2. Nutrition Life Processes Class 10 Notes

Nutrition is the process by which organisms obtain and use food to sustain life. It provides energy and materials needed for growth, repair, and maintaining body functions.

Autotrophic Nutrition

Autotrophic nutrition occurs in organisms that can produce their own food. This process mainly takes place through photosynthesis, which is how green plants, algae, and some bacteria make their food.

Photosynthesis Process:

• Raw Materials: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
• Energy Source: Sunlight.
• End Products: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).

Reaction of Photosynthesis:

6CO2+6H2O→sunlightC6H12O6+6O26CO₂ + 6H₂O \xrightarrow{sunlight} C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂6CO2​+6H2​Osunlight​C6​H12​O6​+6O2​

Heterotrophic Nutrition

Heterotrophic nutrition involves organisms that depend on other organisms for food. These organisms cannot produce their own food and include humans, animals, and fungi.

There are three types of heterotrophic nutrition:

1. Holozoic: Ingestion of solid food (e.g., humans, animals).
2. Saprophytic: Absorption of nutrients from decaying matter (e.g., fungi).
3. Parasitic: Feeding on a host organism (e.g., tapeworms).

Nutrition in Humans Life Processes Class 10 Notes

Human nutrition involves five main processes:

1. Ingestion: Intake of food.
2. Digestion: Breaking down food into smaller molecules.
3. Absorption: Nutrients enter the bloodstream from the small intestine.
4. Assimilation: Nutrients are used by the body cells.
5. Egestion: Removal of undigested waste (feces).

The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and pancreas. Enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and protease help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Nutrition in Plants Life Processes Class 10 Notes

In plants, nutrition is primarily through photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy. Plants absorb minerals and water through their roots and CO₂ through their stomata.

3. Respiration

Respiration is the process by which organisms release energy from food. It involves the breakdown of glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).

Aerobic Respiration

Aerobic respiration takes place in the presence of oxygen and is the most efficient form of respiration. It occurs in the mitochondria of cells.

Reaction of Aerobic Respiration:

C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+Energy(ATP)C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (ATP)C6​H12​O6​+6O2​→6CO2​+6H2​O+Energy(ATP)

Anaerobic Respiration Life Processes Class 10 Notes

Anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen. It produces less energy than aerobic respiration and occurs in some bacteria, fungi (like yeast), and human muscle cells under intense activity.

In yeast:

Glucose→Ethanol+CO2+EnergyGlucose → Ethanol + CO₂ + EnergyGlucose→Ethanol+CO2​+Energy

In muscles:

$$Glucose\to LacticAcid+Energy$$

Respiration in Humans Life Processes Class 10 Notes

Humans primarily use aerobic respiration to meet their energy needs. The respiratory system includes the nose, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and diaphragm. Oxygen is inhaled, and carbon dioxide is exhaled.

Respiration in Plants Life Processes Class 10 Notes

Plants respire both day and night. They take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide during respiration. The exchange of gases occurs through the stomata and lenticels.

4. Transport Life Processes Class 10 Notes

Transportation refers to the movement of substances such as nutrients, gases, and waste products within an organism.

Transportation in Plants

Plants have a vascular system consisting of xylem and phloem.

• Xylem: Transports water and minerals from roots to other parts of the plant.
• Phloem: Transports food (sugar) produced during photosynthesis to all parts of the plant.

Transportation in Animals (Humans)

In humans, transportation is managed by the circulatory system, which includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels. The circulatory system performs two key functions:

1. Pulmonary circulation: Carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood back to the heart.
2. Systemic circulation: Distributes oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body and returns deoxygenated blood.

Blood consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The heart pumps blood through arteries (carry oxygenated blood) and veins (carry deoxygenated blood).

5. Excretion

Excretion is the process of eliminating waste products of metabolism from the body. In living organisms, waste materials include carbon dioxide, urea, and excess water.

Excretion in Humans

In humans, excretion is managed by the excretory system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The main function of the kidneys is to filter blood and produce urine.

The process of excretion in humans involves:

1. Filtration: Blood is filtered in the kidneys.
2. Reabsorption: Useful substances are reabsorbed.

Excretion in Plants

Plants excrete waste through several mechanisms:

• Gaseous excretion: Oxygen and carbon dioxide are released through stomata.
• Waste storage: Some waste products are stored in leaves, bark, or other tissues and are removed when these parts shed.

6. Summary and Key Points

• Life processes are essential functions that maintain life in organisms.
• Nutrition involves autotrophic and heterotrophic modes. Plants produce food through photosynthesis, while animals consume food.
• Respiration releases energy from food, either aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen).
• Excretion eliminates waste from the body. Humans use the kidneys to filter blood and excrete waste as urine, while plants release gases through stomata.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the four main life processes covered in Class 10?

The four main life processes covered in Class 10 are nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion.

Q2: What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more energy, while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and generates less energy.

Q3: How do plants transport nutrients?

Plants transport water and minerals through xylem and food through phloem.

Q4: What is the role of the excretory system in humans?

The excretory system filters blood and removes waste products like urea and excess water through urine.

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