Life Processes
Life Processes
Nutrition
| Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Autotrophic | Plants make their own food using sunlight | Green plants |
| Parasitic | Plant takes food from another plant | Cuscuta |
| Insectivorous | Plant eats insects for nutrition | Pitcher plant |
| Saprophytic | Feeds on dead and decaying matter | Mushroom |
| Heterotrophic | Cannot prepare food, depends on others | Animals |
Memory Tip: AUTOTROPH = AUTO = SELF → Plants prepare food by themselves.
Exam Tip: Digestion path in humans: Mouth → Oesophagus → Stomach → Small Intestine → Large Intestine.
- Ruminants like cow chew cud for proper digestion.
- Amoeba engulfs food using pseudopodia.
- Photosynthesis needs sunlight, water, CO₂, chlorophyll.
Respiration
| Type | Oxygen Used | Energy Released |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic | Yes | More |
| Anaerobic | No | Less |
Memory Tip: BREATHING = Air in & out. RESPIRATION = Energy production.
Exam Tip: Fish breathe through gills. Earthworm breathes through moist skin.
- Human respiratory path: Nose → Trachea → Lungs.
- Plants respire through stomata and lenticels.
- Frog breathes through skin and lungs.
Transportation (Circulation)
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Xylem | Transports water in plants |
| Phloem | Transports food in plants |
| Arteries | Carry oxygen-rich blood |
| Veins | Carry oxygen-poor blood |
| Capillaries | Exchange nutrients and gases |
Memory Tip: X = Xylem = Water | P = Phloem = Food
Exam Tip: Humans have double circulation – blood passes through heart twice.
- Heart has four chambers.
- Blood consists of RBC, WBC, platelets and plasma.
Excretion
| Organism | Excretory Organ | Waste |
|---|---|---|
| Humans | Kidney | Urea |
| Fish | Gills | Ammonia |
| Earthworm | Nephridia | Waste fluids |
Memory Tip: KIDNEY = FILTER of the body.
Exam Tip: Plants remove waste through falling leaves and resins.
- Urine formation happens in the kidneys.
- Plants store waste in gums and old leaves.
Coordination
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Brain | Controls body activities |
| Spinal Cord | Controls reflex actions |
| Nerves | Carry messages |
Memory Tip: BRAIN = BODY MANAGER.
Exam Tip: Reflex actions are quick and automatic responses.
- Nervous system controls movement and thinking.
- Sense organs connect body to environment.
Reproduction
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Binary Fission | Amoeba |
| Budding | Hydra |
| Vegetative Propagation | Rose, Potato |
| Sexual Reproduction | Flowering plants |
Memory Tip: OVIPAROUS → Egg laying | VIVIPAROUS → Give birth.
Exam Tip: Seed dispersal happens by wind, water, animals and bursting of fruits.
- Flower is the reproductive part of plant.
- Frog and butterfly show metamorphosis.
Growing Up and Reproductive Health
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Adolescence | Period between childhood and adulthood |
| Puberty | Stage when body matures for reproduction |
| Hormones | Chemicals controlling body changes |
Memory Tip: ADOLESCENCE = AGE OF CHANGE.
Exam Tip: Good hygiene and nutrition are important during adolescence.
- Secondary sexual characters develop.
- Say NO to drugs and child marriage.
- Menstruation is a natural process in girls.