Class 10 ICSE Biology – Life Processes (Short
Notes)
1. Definition of Life Processes
Life processes are the basic activities performed by living organisms to maintain life: • Nutrition
• Respiration
• Transportation (Circulation)
• Excretion
2. Nutrition
Nutrition is the process by which organisms obtain and utilize food.
Types:
• Autotrophic Nutrition – organisms prepare their own food.
• Heterotrophic Nutrition – organisms depend on others for food.
Photosynthesis Equation:
6CO■ + 6H■O → C■H■■O■ + 6O■
3. Human Digestive System
Main parts: Mouth, Oesophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum and Anus.
4. Respiration
Respiration is the process of releasing energy from food.
• Aerobic respiration – requires oxygen.
• Anaerobic respiration – occurs without oxygen.
5. Human Respiratory System
Organs: Nostrils, Nasal cavity, Trachea, Bronchi, Lungs and Alveoli.
Alveoli are the sites of exchange of gases.
6. Transportation in Humans
RBCs – carry oxygen.
WBCs – fight diseases.
Platelets – help in clotting.
Plasma – transports nutrients and wastes.
7. Transportation in Plants
Xylem transports water and minerals.
Phloem transports food.
8. Excretion in Humans
Excretory organs: Kidneys, Ureters, Urinary bladder and Urethra.
Nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney.
Important Exam Questions
1. Define photosynthesis.
2. Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
3. State the functions of RBCs and WBCs.
4. What is the role of xylem and phloem?
5. Why are kidneys called excretory organs?
Notes)
1. Definition of Life Processes
Life processes are the basic activities performed by living organisms to maintain life: • Nutrition
• Respiration
• Transportation (Circulation)
• Excretion
2. Nutrition
Nutrition is the process by which organisms obtain and utilize food.
Types:
• Autotrophic Nutrition – organisms prepare their own food.
• Heterotrophic Nutrition – organisms depend on others for food.
Photosynthesis Equation:
6CO■ + 6H■O → C■H■■O■ + 6O■
3. Human Digestive System
Main parts: Mouth, Oesophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum and Anus.
4. Respiration
Respiration is the process of releasing energy from food.
• Aerobic respiration – requires oxygen.
• Anaerobic respiration – occurs without oxygen.
5. Human Respiratory System
Organs: Nostrils, Nasal cavity, Trachea, Bronchi, Lungs and Alveoli.
Alveoli are the sites of exchange of gases.
6. Transportation in Humans
RBCs – carry oxygen.
WBCs – fight diseases.
Platelets – help in clotting.
Plasma – transports nutrients and wastes.
7. Transportation in Plants
Xylem transports water and minerals.
Phloem transports food.
8. Excretion in Humans
Excretory organs: Kidneys, Ureters, Urinary bladder and Urethra.
Nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney.
Important Exam Questions
1. Define photosynthesis.
2. Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
3. State the functions of RBCs and WBCs.
4. What is the role of xylem and phloem?
5. Why are kidneys called excretory organs?
