📘Class 10 Science – Chapter: How do Organisms Reproduce? Notes


🌱 Introduction

  • Reproduction is the biological process by which new organisms are produced from existing organisms.

  • Essential for continuation of species.

  • Two main types:

    • Asexual reproduction

    • Sexual reproduction


🐟 Asexual Reproduction

  • Involves a single parent.

  • Offspring are genetically identical (clones).

  • Common in unicellular organisms and some multicellular organisms.

Methods of Asexual Reproduction:

Method Description Example
Binary Fission Parent splits into two equal halves Amoeba, Bacteria
Budding New organism develops from a bud Hydra, Yeast
Spore Formation Spores germinate under suitable conditions Rhizopus (fungus)
Fragmentation Organism breaks into parts that grow Spirogyra
Regeneration Lost parts develop into new organisms Planaria, Starfish
Vegetative Propagation New plants from roots, stems, leaves Potato, Bryophyllum

Example: In Hydra, buds develop as outgrowths and later detach.


🌿 Vegetative Propagation in Plants

  • A form of asexual reproduction in plants.

  • Parts used: roots, stems, leaves.

Natural Methods:

  • Roots: Sweet potato

  • Stems: Potato (tubers), Ginger (rhizomes)

  • Leaves: Bryophyllum (leaf buds)

Artificial Methods:

Method Description Example
Cutting Cutting stem and planting it Rose
Layering Branch bent and covered with soil Jasmine
Grafting Joining parts of two plants Mango

Advantage: Identical quality and faster propagation.


👶 Sexual Reproduction

  • Involves two parents: male and female.

  • Offspring are genetically different.

Sexual Reproduction in Plants:

  • Stamens: Male reproductive part

  • Carpels/Pistil: Female reproductive part

Steps:

  1. Pollination: Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma.

  2. Fertilization: Male gamete fuses with female gamete.

  3. Zygote forms → embryo → seed → new plant.

Types of Pollination:

  • Self-pollination: Same flower or same plant.

  • Cross-pollination: Between two different plants.


👩‍👦 Sexual Reproduction in Humans

  • Involves fusion of male and female gametes.

  • Fertilization occurs internally.

Male Reproductive System:

Organ Function
Testes Produce sperm and testosterone
Vas deferens Transport sperms
Urethra Passes semen and urine
Penis Transfers sperm into female body

Female Reproductive System:

Organ Function
Ovaries Produce eggs (ova) and hormones
Fallopian Tube Fertilization occurs here
Uterus Development of embryo
Vagina Receives sperm; birth canal

Fertilization:

  • Sperm + Egg → Zygote

  • Zygote divides → Embryo → Fetus → Baby


🌸 Reproductive Health

  • Awareness about safe sex practices and birth control.

Methods of Contraception:

Method Example/Tool Function
Barrier Method Condom, Diaphragm Prevents sperm entry
Chemical Method Pills, Spermicides Alters hormonal cycle
Surgical Method Vasectomy, Tubectomy Permanent solution

Example: Condoms prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy.