CBSE Class 10 Science Question 9 of 13

Life Processes — Question 13

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Question 13

Compare the functioning of alveoli in the lungs and nephrons in the kidneys with respect to their structure and functioning.

Answer

Structure and functioning of alveoli in the lungs and nephrons in the kidneys is compared below:

AlveoliNephron
StructureAlveoli are balloon shaped tiny air sacs present in lungs.Nephron is cup shaped with long tube like structure present in kidneys.
The walls of alveoli are thin, allowing for efficient gas exchange.Each nephron consists of bowman's capsule, glomerulus and renal tubule.
FunctionAlveoli are the site of gaseous exchange.The nephron is the primary filtration unit of the kidney.
Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.The blood flows through capillary cluster i.e glomerulus under high pressure which results in collection of filtrate.
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Science | Chapter 5: Life ProcessesWeb Content

Chapter 5: Life Processes — Quick Revision Guide

Introduction

Life processes are the basic functions performed by all living organisms to sustain life. This chapter covers nutrition (autotrophic and heterotrophic), respiration, transportation, and excretion in plants and animals.

Key Points at a Glance

  1. Photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2 (in chloroplasts using chlorophyll and sunlight)
  2. Stomata: tiny pores for gas exchange and transpiration; guard cells control opening/closing
  3. Human digestive system: mouth (salivary amylase) → stomach (HCl, pepsin) → small intestine (bile, trypsin, lipase; absorption by villi) → large intestine → anus
  4. Aerobic respiration (mitochondria): glucose + O2 → CO2 + H2O + 38 ATP
  5. Anaerobic: in yeast → ethanol + CO2; in muscles → lactic acid; both yield 2 ATP
  6. Xylem: transports water upward (dead cells, transpiration pull); Phloem: transports food bidirectionally (living cells, uses ATP)
  7. Heart: 4 chambers, double circulation (pulmonary + systemic); septum prevents mixing
  8. Blood: plasma + RBCs (O2 via haemoglobin) + WBCs (immunity) + platelets (clotting)
  9. Nephron: Bowman's capsule + glomerulus → filtration → reabsorption → urine; dialysis for kidney failure
  10. Plant excretion: transpiration, leaf fall, stored in vacuoles, resins/gums

Real-World Connections

Photosynthesis is the basis of all food chains; fermentation used in bread and alcohol production; blood donation saves lives; dialysis machines sustain patients with kidney failure.

Quick Self-Test (5 Questions)

  1. What is the most important concept you learned from this chapter?
  2. Can you write three key equations/formulae from this chapter from memory?
  3. Draw a labelled diagram relevant to this chapter without looking at your notes.
  4. Explain one real-world application of a concept from this chapter.
  5. What is one common mistake students make in this chapter, and how can you avoid it?

Further Study

  • NCERT Textbook Chapter 5
  • NCERT Exemplar Problems
  • Bright Tutorials Detailed Notes: ch05-life-processes.html
  • Bright Tutorials Practice Questions: ch05-life-processes.html
  • Previous Year CBSE Board Papers

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