Q28
5 marksLong AnswerSection C

Draw a neat diagram showing fertilisation in a flower and label (a) Pollen tube, (b) Male germ cell and (c) Female germ cell, on it. Explain the process of fertilisation in a flower. What happens to the (i) ovary and (ii) ovule after fertilisation?

OR

(a) What is puberty?

(b) Describe in brief the functions of the following parts in the human male reproductive system:

(i) Testes (ii) Seminal vesicle (iii) Vas deferens (iv) Urethra

(c) Why are testes located outside the abdominal cavity?

(d) State how sperms move towards the female germ cell.

How do Organisms Reproduce?
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
Official Answer

Part 1: Fertilisation in a Flower


#### Diagram of Pollen Germination and Fertilisation on Stigma





#### Explanation of the Process of Fertilisation

  1. Pollination: Pollen grains from the stamen land on the sticky surface of the stigma.
  2. Growth of Pollen Tube: After landing, a pollen tube grows out of the pollen grain and travels down through the style to reach the ovary.
  3. Entry and Fusion: The male germ-cell travels through this pollen tube to reach the ovule inside the ovary. It enters the ovule and fuses with the female gamete (egg cell). This fusion is called fertilisation, resulting in the formation of a zygote.

#### Post-Fertilisation Changes

  • (i) Ovary: Grows rapidly and ripens to form the fruit.
  • (ii) Ovule: Develops a tough coat and is gradually converted into a seed.



OR


(a) Puberty:

Puberty is the period of adolescence during which the rate of general body growth begins to slow down, and reproductive tissues begin to mature, leading to sexual maturity and the capability to reproduce.


(b) Functions of parts in the human male reproductive system:

  • (i) Testes: Produce male germ-cells (sperms) and secrete the hormone testosterone, which regulates sperm production and controls secondary sexual characteristics.
  • (ii) Seminal vesicle: Secretes a fluid that provides nutrition to the sperms and makes their transport easier by providing a liquid medium.
  • (iii) Vas deferens: A long tube that transports the mature sperms from the testes towards the urethra.
  • (iv) Urethra: Forms a common passage for both sperms (semen) and urine to exit the body.

(c) Location of Testes:

Testes are located outside the abdominal cavity in the scrotum because the formation of sperms requires a temperature lower than the normal internal body temperature (23C2\text{--}3^\circ\text{C} lower).


(d) Movement of Sperms:

Sperms are highly motile cells consisting of a head containing genetic material and a long tail. The tail helps them swim through the fluid medium of the female reproductive tract towards the female germ-cell (egg).

pollen tubemale germ cellfemale germ cellovaryfruitovuleseedpubertytestestestosteronescrotumseminal vesiclevas deferensurethra

Marking Scheme

  • 12 marks
  • 21.5 marks
  • 31.5 marks
  • 41 mark
  • 52 marks
  • 61 mark
  • 71 mark

Hint

Remember that the ovary becomes the outer fleshy part we eat (fruit), while the ovules inside become the seeds. For the male system, think about temperature requirements for sperm survival.

Quick Oral Answer

After fertilisation, the ovule develops a tough coat and becomes a seed, while the ovary ripens to become a fruit.

Analysis & Explanation

This question tests the student's understanding of sexual reproduction in both plants and animals.


In plants, the pollen tube is a critical structure that delivers the non-motile male gametes directly to the female gamete inside the ovule, overcoming the physical distance. Post-fertilisation, the transformation of the ovary into a fruit and the ovule into a seed ensures the protection and dispersal of the next generation.


In human males, the reproductive system is adapted to produce, nourish, and transport sperms. The external location of the testes in the scrotum is a crucial physiological adaptation for temperature regulation, as spermatogenesis is highly temperature-sensitive.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Drawing the pollen tube ending in the style instead of entering the ovule.
  2. 2Confusing the post-fertilisation fates: writing that the ovule becomes the fruit and the ovary becomes the seed.
  3. 3Forgetting to mention the hormone testosterone when describing the function of the testes.

Interesting Facts

The pollen tube is one of the fastest-growing plant cells, navigating its way precisely to the ovule using chemical signals guides!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2020?

This question carries 5 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper?

This is a Long Answer question from Section C in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper.