TS SCERT – Class X Biological Science
TOP-50 QUESTIONARY
Chapter 1: Nutrition
Photosynthesis – equation & product test
VSA: Write the chemical equation of photosynthesis and name the test used to detect its
product.
SA: Explain why destarching is necessary before performing the starch test on a leaf.
Mention the role of chlorophyll and light.
LA: Describe an experiment to prove that starch is formed during photosynthesis. Include
aim, materials, step-by-step procedure (with decolorization), observations, and inference.
Iodine starch test (leaf decolorization steps)
VSA: Why is alcohol heated in a water bath and not directly over a flame during the starch
test?
SA: Write the complete procedure for the iodine test on a green leaf after exposure to
sunlight.
LA: A leaf is partially covered with black paper and exposed to sunlight. Design the
experiment and predict the results with reasons.
Factors affecting photosynthesis (light/CO₂/chlorophyll)
VSA: Name any two factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis.
SA: Define ‘limiting factor’ and explain how CO₂ concentration acts as a limiting factor for photosynthesis.
LA: Discuss the effect of light intensity, CO₂ concentration and chlorophyll on photosynthesis
with suitable experimental evidence/diagrams.
Modes of nutrition (auto/hetero; holozoic/saprophytic/parasitic)
VSA: Define autotrophic nutrition with one example.
SA: Differentiate between saprophytic and parasitic nutrition with examples.
LA: Explain modes of nutrition in organisms. Add a note on holozoic nutrition in humans with
a flow diagram of ingestion to egestion.
Digestive enzymes (site & pH)
VSA: Name the enzyme in saliva and its substrate.
SA: Write any four digestive enzymes with their site and pH condition.
LA: Trace the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats mentioning enzymes, site and
pH; add a neat labelled villus sketch for absorption.
Peristalsis & villi – absorption
VSA: What is peristalsis?
SA: Explain how the structural features of villi help in absorption of digested food.
LA: Describe the journey of food through the alimentary canal highlighting peristalsis and
absorption; add a labelled diagram of a villus.
Balanced diet & deficiencies
VSA: Define balanced diet.
SA: Write symptoms and preventive measures for vitamin-A and vitamin-D deficiencies.
LA: Conduct a mini-survey on classmates’ diet and present findings on malnutrition; frame
conclusions and suggestions for a balanced diet.
Chapter 2: Respiration
Aerobic vs anaerobic respiration (ATP & products)
VSA: Give one difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
SA: Write the end products and approximate ATP yield of aerobic vs anaerobic respiration.
LA: Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration with site, steps, energy yield and
applications (yeast fermentation, muscle fatigue).
CO₂ release – germinating seeds
VSA: Which chemical turns milky in the presence of CO₂?
SA: Write the setup and observation to show CO₂ is released during respiration in
germinating seeds.
LA: Write a full experiment (A–M–P–O–I) to prove CO₂ is released during respiration using
germinating seeds and lime water with a control.
Heat production during respiration
VSA: Name the apparatus you would use to minimize heat loss while testing heat production
in seeds.
SA: How does temperature change in flasks containing germinating vs boiled seeds?
Explain.
LA: Design an experiment to prove respiration is exothermic using thermos flasks; include
controls, precautions and result analysis.
Breathing mechanism (inhalation/exhalation)
VSA: Which muscle flattens during inhalation?
SA: Explain the role of ribs and diaphragm during breathing.
LA: Describe human breathing mechanism with diagrams showing thoracic volume changes;
relate to pressure differences and airflow.
Alveoli: structure ↔ function
VSA: Name the site of gaseous exchange in lungs.
SA: How are alveoli adapted for efficient diffusion of gases?
LA: With a labelled diagram of an alveolus and capillaries, explain diffusion of O₂ and CO₂,
partial pressure gradient and the importance of moist surfaces.
Cellular respiration pathway
VSA: Where does glycolysis occur?
SA: Mention the cellular sites of glycolysis and Krebs cycle/ETC.
LA: Outline the pathway of cellular respiration from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation;
differentiate ATP yield under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Chapter 3: Transportation (Circulation)
Human heart structure
VSA: How many chambers are present in the human heart?
SA: Name the valves present between atria and ventricles and state their function.
LA: Draw a neat labelled diagram of human heart and explain the course of blood through
each chamber and major vessels.
Double circulation (pulmonary + systemic)
VSA: Define double circulation.
SA: Distinguish pulmonary and systemic circulation.
LA: Explain double circulation with a flow chart; write advantages of keeping oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood separate.
Blood components (RBC/WBC/platelets)
VSA: Which blood component helps in clotting?
SA: Write functions of RBC and WBC.
LA: Prepare a comparative table of RBC, WBC and platelets (number, structure, function);
add notes on plasma composition.
Blood groups & Rh
VSA: Who is universal donor in ABO system?
SA: Explain Rh factor and its significance in transfusion.
LA: With a compatibility chart, discuss ABO and Rh systems; add a note on precautions
before transfusion.
Lymph & lymphatic system
VSA: Name the lymph vessels present in intestinal villi.
SA: Write any two functions of lymph.
LA: Describe formation, composition and functions of lymph; explain its role in transport of
fats and immunity.
Chapter 4: Excretion
Kidney & nephron
VSA: Name the functional unit of kidney.
SA: What is ultrafiltration and where does it occur?
LA: Draw and label a nephron. Explain urine formation through ultrafiltration, selective
reabsorption and tubular secretion.
Urine formation steps
VSA: Where does selective reabsorption mainly occur?
SA: Write the sequence of processes in urine formation.
LA: Explain regulation of urine volume and composition; relate to water balance and
homeostasis.
Dialysis: principle & need
VSA: What is the principle of dialysis?
SA: When is dialysis advised?
LA: Describe hemodialysis with labelled diagram of dialyser; compare with peritoneal dialysis
and list patient care measures.
Excretion in plants
VSA: Name any one excretory product of plants.
SA: How do plants remove or store their wastes?
LA: Write a short essay on excretion in plants with examples of gums, resins, latex and leaf
fall; add adaptive significance.
Chapter 5: Coordination
Reflex arc – path & features
VSA: Define reflex action.
SA: Draw and label a simple reflex arc.
LA: Compare reflex and voluntary actions; explain components and pathway of reflex arc
with examples.
Brain parts & functions
VSA: Which part of brain controls balance and posture?
SA: Write functions of cerebrum and medulla oblongata.
LA: With a labelled sketch of human brain, explain functions of cerebrum, cerebellum and
medulla.
Nervous vs endocrine coordination
VSA: Name the chemical messengers of endocrine system.
SA: Give two differences between nervous and endocrine coordination.
LA: Discuss how nervous and endocrine systems coordinate during ‘fight or flight’ and
homeostasis; give suitable examples.
Endocrine glands + disorder
VSA: Name the hormone secreted by pancreas that regulates blood sugar.
SA: Write one function and one disorder related to thyroid or pituitary gland.
LA: Describe the major endocrine glands (pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal) with
hormones and functions; add common disorders.
Tropisms – box experiment
VSA: What is phototropism?
SA: Describe a simple box experiment to demonstrate phototropism.
LA: Explain the role of auxins in phototropism and geotropism; design an experiment and
interpret observations.
Chapter 6: Reproduction
Yeast budding – slide & sketch
VSA: Name the type of asexual reproduction shown by yeast.
SA: Write steps to prepare a yeast budding slide and mention the observation.
LA: Explain asexual reproduction by budding in yeast; compare with binary fission and
fragmentation.
Rhizopus sporangia – slide & sketch
VSA: What is the function of sporangium in Rhizopus?
SA: Describe the microscopic features of Rhizopus (hyphae, sporangiophore, sporangium).
LA: Explain spore formation in Rhizopus with a labelled diagram; add its significance in
reproduction and survival.
Sexual reproduction (plants)
VSA: Define pollination.
SA: Describe the process from pollination to fertilization in a flower.
LA: Explain double fertilization in flowering plants with neat labelled diagrams (if in scope) or
write detailed steps up to seed formation per TS text.
Human reproductive system; menstrual cycle
VSA: On which day does ovulation usually occur in a 28-day cycle?
SA: Write the phases of menstrual cycle in sequence.
LA: Describe male and female reproductive systems briefly and explain menstrual cycle with
hormonal control and significance.
Reproductive health – hygiene & spacing
VSA: Expand the term ‘STD’.
SA: Write two points on menstrual hygiene and two on family planning.
LA: Prepare an awareness note on reproductive health, myths and safe practices
appropriate for adolescents.
Chapter 7/8: Heredity & Evolution
Mendel’s monohybrid cross; Punnett
VSA: What phenotypic ratio is obtained in F₂ generation of a monohybrid cross?
SA: Construct a Punnett square for Tt × Tt (tall × tall) showing F₂ outcomes.
LA: Explain Mendel’s monohybrid cross with laws stated; differentiate genotype and
phenotype with examples.
Genotype vs phenotype; alleles
VSA: Define allele.
SA: Distinguish genotype and phenotype with one example.
LA: Discuss dominance, recessiveness and segregation using pea plant examples; include
symbolic notation.
Sex determination in humans (XX/XY)
VSA: Which gamete decides the sex of the child?
SA: Write short notes on XX (female) and XY (male) mechanisms.
LA: Explain sex determination in humans with a suitable diagram; clarify common
misconceptions.
Variation, adaptation & natural selection
VSA: Define variation.
SA: How does variation help a population survive environmental change?
LA: Explain natural selection with examples showing adaptation leading to evolution.
Fossils as evidence for evolution
VSA: What is a fossil?
SA: How do fossils provide evidence for evolution?
LA: Describe relative dating of fossils and how fossil records indicate transitional forms.
Acquired vs inherited traits
VSA: Are acquired traits inherited?
SA: Differentiate acquired and inherited traits with examples.
LA: Discuss why acquired traits are not inherited using the concept of germline vs somatic
changes (as per class scope).
Chapter 9: Our Environment
Ecosystem basics (biotic/abiotic; roles)
VSA: Define ecosystem.
SA: Write the roles of producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem.
LA: Using a pond as example, explain structure and functions of an ecosystem with a simple
food-web sketch.
Food chain vs food web (pond example)
VSA: What is a food chain?
SA: Differentiate between food chain and food web.
LA: Construct a food web for a pond ecosystem and explain energy flow between trophic
levels.
Decomposers & nutrient cycling
VSA: Give one example of a decomposer.
SA: How do decomposers help in nutrient cycling?
LA: Describe decomposition and nutrient cycling with nitrogen and carbon flow (class-level
details).
Vermicomposting – steps & benefits
VSA: Name the organism used in vermicomposting.
SA: Write steps for preparing a vermicompost pit.
LA: Explain the process, conditions required and advantages of vermicomposting over
chemical fertilizers.
4Rs with practical examples
VSA: Expand 4Rs.
SA: Give one school-level example each for 4 R ‘S
LA: Prepare a school action plan implementing 3Rs and waste segregation with roles for
students.
Chapter 10: Natural Resources
Soil profile & texture; humus & crops
VSA: Name the topmost layer in a soil profile.
SA: How does texture (sand/silt/clay) affect water holding capacity?
LA: With a labelled diagram of soil profile, explain the properties of each horizon and relate
to crop suitability.
Water quality tests: pH + hardness
VSA: What pH range is acceptable for drinking water?
SA: How is hardness of water tested using soap solution?
LA: Write the complete procedure to test pH and hardness of three local water samples and
present an inference.
Conservation of forest & water (school/community)
VSA: What is afforestation?
SA: Suggest two school-level activities for water conservation.
LA: Write an essay on conservation of forests and water with local examples and community
participation.
Sustainable use: renewable vs non-renewable
VSA: Give one example each of renewable and non-renewable resource.
SA: Why is sustainable development necessary?
LA: Discuss strategies for sustainable use of natural resources with reference to energy,
water and biodiversity.