Class 10 Biology - Life Processes

Life Processes are the basic functions performed by living organisms to maintain their life on earth.

1. Nutrition

The process of taking in food and using it for growth, metabolism, and repair.

Autotrophic Nutrition

• Organisms (like plants) make their own food using CO₂, water, and sunlight (Photosynthesis).
• Equation: 6CO₂ + 12H₂O + Sunlight → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ + 6H₂O

Heterotrophic Nutrition

• Organisms depend on others for food.
• Holozoic: Humans, Amoeba (ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation, egestion).
• Saprophytic: Fungi (breakdown outside the body).
• Parasitic: Cuscuta, Leech (live on/in host).

2. Respiration

The process by which energy is released from food.

3. Transportation

In Humans (Circulatory System)

• Heart: A muscular pumping organ.
• Blood: Contains Plasma, RBC (carries O₂), WBC (immunity), and Platelets (clotting).
• Double Circulation: Blood passes through the heart twice in one complete cycle.

In Plants

• Xylem: Transports water and minerals (Unidirectional).
• Phloem: Transports food/sucrose (Bidirectional - Translocation).

4. Excretion

The process of removal of nitrogenous wastes from the body.

• Excretory System in Humans: Includes a pair of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
• Nephron: The structural and functional unit of the kidney.
• Plants: Excrete via transpiration, shedding leaves, and storing wastes as resins/gums.

⭐ Quick Recall Tips

• Photosynthesis: 6-12-Sun-6-6-6
• ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate (Energy Currency)
• Hemoglobin: Respiratory Pigment in humans.
• Transpiration: Suction pull that helps water move upward in tall trees.

Revise regularly and draw diagrams for better marks! 🧬