CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026 Question Paper

2026SET-170 Marks180 min37 Questions

Section A

1
1 markMCQSexual Reproduction in Flowering PlantsEmasculation in Artificial Hybridization

Identify the plant in which emasculation is not required for artificial hybridization.

(A)Rice
(B)Wheat
(C)Pea
(D)Papaya
2
1 markMCQHuman Health and DiseaseComponents of the Immune System

Which of the following is not a component of immune system ?

(A)Lymphocytes
(B)Plasma Proteins
(C)Red Blood Cells
(D)Bone Marrow
3
1 markMCQHuman ReproductionMenstrual Cycle — Hormonal Events

Select the option that shows correct statements : (i) Corpus luteum secretes progesterone. (ii) Only FSH attains a peak level in middle of cycle. (iii) LH surge induces rupture of graafian follicle. (iv) Luteal phase of menstrual cycle is also called proliferative phase.

(A)Only (ii) is correct.
(B)(i) and (iii) are correct.
(C)Only (iv) is correct.
(D)(ii) and (iv) are correct.
4
1 markMCQBiodiversity and ConservationBiodiversity — Facts and Conservation

Select the mismatched pair :

(A)Mega diversity countries in the world – 12
(B)Genetically different strains of rice in India – Less than 1000
(C)Robert Mays estimation on global species diversity – 7 million species worldwide
(D)Zoological parks – Ex-situ conservation
5
1 markMCQStrategies for Enhancement in Food ProductionSomatic Hybridization — Pomato

Pomato was produced by fusing protoplasts of

(A)Tomato and Potato
(B)Pomegranate and Tomato
(C)Pomegranate and Potato
(D)Pomegranate, Potato and Tomato
6
1 markMCQEcosystemEcosystem Structure — Stratification

In an ecosystem, different species occupy different levels and vertical distribution of species is found. This is called _________.

(A)Stratification
(B)Layering
(C)Fragmentation
(D)Population
7
1 markMCQBiodiversity and ConservationSacred Groves

Which of the following sacred groves is found in Meghalaya ?

(A)Jaintia hills
(B)Bastar
(C)Chanda
(D)Sarguja
8
1 markMCQPrinciples of Inheritance and VariationIndependent Assortment of Chromosomes

In the following figure, two ways of pairing of two homologous pairs of chromosomes are shown. Which of the following phenomena is expressed ?

(A)Linkage of genes
(B)Independent assortment of genes
(C)Multiple alleles
(D)Incomplete dominance
9
1 markMCQBiotechnology: Principles and ProcessesTools of Genetic Engineering (Matching)

Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option : Column-I: a. Biolistic gun, b. Chitinase, c. Ti, d. Ca++ Column-II: i. Bacterial cell, ii. Tumour inducing, iii. Animal cell, iv. Fungal cell, v. Plant cell

(A)a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv
(B)a-ii, b-v, c-i, d-iii
(C)a-v, b-iv, c-ii, d-i
(D)a-v, b-i, c-iv, d-ii
10
1 markMCQEvolutionTheories of Evolution

The idea of use and disuse of organs for evolution of organism was proposed by

(A)Charles Darwin
(B)Thomas Malthus
(C)Hugo De Vries
(D)Lamarck
11
1 markMCQBiotechnology: Principles and ProcessesPlasmids as Vectors

Which of the following statements about plasmids is incorrect ?

(A)Plasmids have the ability to replicate within the bacterial cell.
(B)Their replication is controlled by chromosomal DNA.
(C)They are autonomously replicating circular extra-chromosomal DNA.
(D)They often carry antibiotic resistant genes.
12
1 markMCQHuman ReproductionFemale Reproductive System (Ovary Attachment)

Which connective tissue connects ovary to pelvic wall and uterus ?

(A)Tendons
(B)Ligaments
(C)Cartilage
(D)Bone
13
1 markEvolutionIndustrial Melanism

Assertion (A) : The population of melanized moths increased in industrial areas after Industrial Revolution. Reason (R) : In Industrial environment lichen covered trees were replaced by soot-covered trees offering better camouflage to dark coloured moths.

(A)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
(B)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
(C)Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D)Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
14
1 markBiotechnology and its ApplicationsTransgenic Animals (Rosie the Cow)

Assertion (A) : The milk produced by transgenic cow `Rosie' was nutritionally more balanced product for human babies than natural cow milk. Reason (R) : It was human protein enriched milk containing human alpha lactaglobulin.

(A)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
(B)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
(C)Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D)Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
15
1 markMicrobes in Human WelfareSewage Treatment — Flocs

Assertion (A) : Flocs are masses of bacteria associated with fungal filaments in secondary treatment of sewage. Reason (R) : Flocs help in digestion of solid waste by anaerobic respiration.

(A)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
(B)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
(C)Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D)Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
16
1 markEcosystemEnergy Flow — Grazing vs Detritus Food Chain

Assertion (A) : In terrestrial ecosystem much larger fraction of energy flows through grazing food chain. Reason (R) : Grazing food chain may be connected to Detritus food chain at some levels.

(A)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
(B)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
(C)Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D)Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Section B

17
2 marksVery Short AnswerHuman Health and DiseaseHumoral Immune Response

(a) Define Humoral immune response. [1] (b) Name any two types of antibodies found to give humoral immune response in humans. [1]

18
2 marksVery Short AnswerSexual Reproduction in Flowering PlantsSeed Dormancy & Seed Structure / Oogenesis (OR)

(a) (i) How does a farmer use dormancy of seed to his advantage? [1] (ii) Differentiate between pea seed and castor seed. [1] OR (b) Identify the stage of follicle where primary oocyte undergoes first meiotic division. Also mention the products of this division. [2]

19
2 marksVery Short AnswerBiotechnology: Principles and ProcessesRestriction enzymes and palindromic sequences

Study the sequence of bases in a DNA molecule that is shown below and answer the questions. 5' – GAATTC – 3' 3' – CTTAAG – 5' (a) What are such sequences called? Name the enzyme used that recognises such nucleotide sequences. [1] (b) How do these enzymes function? [1]

20
2 marksVery Short AnswerPrinciples of Inheritance and VariationSex determination and heterogamety

(a) Analyse the following two cases of sex determination in different organisms: Case I : Males have (XO) sex chromosomes and females have two copies of same sex chromosome (XX). Case II : Females have two different sex chromosomes (ZW) and males have two copies of same sex chromosome (ZZ). Identify the type of heterogamety in each case, giving one example of each. [1+1] OR (b) (i) Differentiate between a DNA and RNA nucleotide. [1] (ii) Name the two types of bonds present within a single nucleotide. [1]

21
2 marksVery Short AnswerEcosystemEcological pyramids (inverted pyramid of biomass)

(a) Given below is a pyramid found in an ecosystem, where each bar represents the standing crop available in the trophic level. [Diagram: an inverted ecological pyramid – a wide upper bar labelled 'PC' resting on a narrower lower bar labelled 'PP'.] (i) Identify the kind of pyramid and with the help of an example explain the conditions where this kind of pyramid is possible in nature. [1] (ii) Write any two limitations of ecological pyramids. [1] OR (b) In an ecosystem there was loss of biodiversity due to some project in that area. (i) How will biodiversity be affected? (2 points) [1] (ii) List two major causes of loss of biodiversity. [1]

Section C

22
3 marksShort AnswerSexual Reproduction in Flowering PlantsPollen viability and pollen banks

(a) Do all pollen grains remain viable for the same length of time? Support your answer with two suitable examples. [2½] (b) How are pollen grains stored in pollen banks? [½]

23
3 marksShort AnswerPrinciples of Inheritance and VariationPedigree analysis and autosomal recessive inheritance

(a) What is pedigree analysis? Mention its importance in human genetics. (2 pts.) [1+1] (b) Analyse the following pedigree and write the (i) Pattern of inheritance. [½] (ii) Give one example of disease showing such an inheritance pattern. [½] [Pedigree chart provided below the question.]

24
3 marksShort AnswerEvolutionHardy-Weinberg principle and genetic equilibrium

(a) How is Hardy-Weinberg expression (p2+2pq+q2)=1(p^2 + 2pq + q^2) = 1 derived? [2] (b) List any two factors that disturb the genetic equilibrium. [1]

25
3 marksShort AnswerSexual Reproduction in Flowering PlantsMegasporangium (Ovule) Structure

Draw a neat diagram of megasporangium of an angiosperm and label any six parts. [12×6=3\frac{1}{2} \times 6 = 3]

26
3 marksShort AnswerHuman Health and DiseaseOpioids — Morphine and Heroin

(a) Mention the scientific name of the source plant and the part from which opioids are extracted. [1] (b) How are morphine and heroin related? Mention the effect each one of them has on human body. [2]

27
3 marksShort AnswerBiotechnology and its ApplicationsBt Toxin and Bt Crops (Pest Resistance)

A farmer grew two varieties of corn crop in field A and B. He grew normal corn crops in field A and GM corn crops in field B. He observed that corn borers attacked only in field A. To control it, spores of Bt were sprayed on field A. (a) Name the gene in the spores responsible for control of pest. [½] (b) What effect will the spores of Bt have on insect pest? [1½] (c) How has corn plants of field B developed resistance against this pest? Explain. [1]

28
3 marksShort AnswerBiotechnology: Principles and ProcessesGel Electrophoresis of DNA

Observe the given picture carefully. A mixture of DNA with fragments ranging from 100 base pairs to 1800 base pairs were separated by electrophoresis on agarose gel with the following arrangement: [Diagram 1 provided.] (a) What result will be obtained in staining with ethidium bromide? Explain with reasons. [1] (b) The above setup was modified as shown below and a band with 100 base pairs was obtained at X. [Diagram 2 provided.] What changes were made to the previous design to get a band at 'X'. Why did the band appear at 'X'? [2]

Section D

29
1 markOrganisms and PopulationsInterspecific Competition / Competitive Exclusion

(a) Identify and define the ecological phenomenon demonstrated by this observation. [1] OR (a) State the principle that explains the elimination of one species. [1]

30
1 markOrganisms and PopulationsExamples of Interspecific Competition

(b) Two different species can compete for the same resource. Give another example of it. [1]

31
2 marksOrganisms and PopulationsAvoiding Competition — Resource Partitioning

(c) How do species avoid competition in nature? Explain with an example. [2]

32
1 markPrinciples of Inheritance and VariationGenotype of Parents in Monohybrid Crosses

(a) What can you infer about the genotype of parents in crosses I and II? [1] OR (a) Which genetic cross is represented by these crosses? [1]

33
2 marksPrinciples of Inheritance and VariationTest Cross and Its Importance

(b) Looking at bar graph of cross III, identify the type of cross performed and its importance in genetics. [2]

34
1 markPrinciples of Inheritance and VariationLaw of Dominance and Segregation

(c) What conclusion can you draw from the results of bar graphs of crosses I and II? Name the genetic principle illustrated. [1]

Section E

35
5 marksLong AnswerHuman ReproductionFertilisation to Implantation / Assisted Reproductive Technologies

(a) Trace the events from fertilization till implantation of blastocyst in human female. Also mention the site where fertilization takes place. [5] OR (b) (i) Case studies of some couples are given below. They were not able to have kids even though the parents were not taking any precautions. They also do not wish to adopt a child or take the help of donors. Study these cases and suggest an appropriate Assisted Reproductive Technology that could help them. Case I – Female – Normal Reports. Male – Normal sperms but no connection between epididymis and vas deferens. [1] Case II – Female – Normal eggs but Fallopian tube blocked. Male – Normal sperms. Male reports are normal. [1] Case III – Female – Normal Reports. Male – Low sperm count with less motility. [1] (ii) Copper releasing intrauterine devices are very effective and popular contraceptive devices. Name any two copper releasing IUDs. Write two reasons that make them effective contraceptives. [2]

36
5 marksLong AnswerMolecular Basis of InheritanceDNA Double Helix / Transcription and Splicing

(a) (i) Watson and Crick's discovery of double helical structure was based on which two findings. Also mention the name of the scientists associated with these findings. [2] (ii) Write down the salient features of double helix structure of DNA (any three points). [3] OR (b) Given below is a stretch of DNA showing the coding strand of structural gene of transcription unit. 5' - ATG ACC GTA TTT TCT GTA GTG CCC GTA CTT CAG GCA TTA 3' (i) Write the corresponding template strand and m-RNA strand that will be transcribed along with its polarity. [2] (ii) If GUA of transcribed mRNA is an intron, then depict the sequence involved in formation of mRNA / mature / processed hnRNA strand: (1) In a bacterium [1] (2) In humans [1] (iii) How many amino acids the resulting polypeptide will have after the process of translation in humans? [1]

37
5 marksLong AnswerHuman Health and DiseaseMalaria (Plasmodium) / Biofertilizers

(a) (i) Name the protozoan species that is responsible for causing the most serious and even fatal malarial disease. [½] (ii) Name the host in which the parasite completes its sexual stages and explain the changes taking place. [2] (iii) How does the parasite damage the human body after entering the blood stream? [1½] (iv) Suggest two effective preventive measures to control the spread of this disease in endemic regions. [1] OR (b) (i) What are bio-fertilizers? [1] (ii) Name the different types of microorganisms used as bio-fertilizers in organic farming and explain how each contributes to soil fertility. [3] (iii) Write two advantages of using bio-fertilizers over chemical fertilizers. [1]

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are in the CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026 paper?

The CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026 question paper has 37 questions carrying a total of 70 marks.

What is the maximum marks for CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026?

The maximum marks for the CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026 exam is 70.

How long is the CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026 exam?

The CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026 exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours).

Where can I find answers to the CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026 question paper?

Padhantu provides complete answers to all questions in the CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026 paper. You can read the answers directly on this page. Each question shows the official answer along with chapter and topic information.