BEACON HIGH SCHOOL

(SESSION 2024-25)
BIOLOGY
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (CONTROL AND COORDINATION)

Question 1.(a) Name one gustatory receptor and one olfactory receptor in human beings.
(b) Write a and b in the given flow chart of neuron through which information travels as an electrical
impulse.

Answer:(a) Gustatory receptors are receptors for taste present in taste buds on tongue and olfactory receptors
are the receptors for smell present in nasal chambers.

In the given flow chart, a is cyton and b is axon.

Question 2.Write the main functions of the following :

(a) sensory neuron
(b) cranium
(c) vertebral column
(d) motor neuron. (Board Term I, 2017)
Answer:(a) Sensory neuron occur in sense organs and receive stimuli through their dendrites. The sensory
neurons transmit impulses towards the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) with the help of their
axons.
(b) Cranium : The bones of cranium or brain box protect the brain from mechanical injury.
(c) Vertebral column : Major function of the vertebral column is protection of the spinal cord and carries the
weight of the upper body.
(d) Motor neuron: The dendrites of these neurons synapse with axons of interneurons in central nervous
system. They transmit impulses from central nervous system towards effectors (muscles or glands). The
latter respond to stimuli.

Question 3.Why does the flow of signals in a synapse from axonal end of one neuron to dendritic end of
another neuron take place but not in the reverse direction? Explain. (AI 2019)
Answer:At the synapse, (functional junction between neurons) axon terminal comes in close proximity to the
dendron terminal of next neuron. Axon terminal is expanded to form pre-synaptic knob and the other
dendrite terminal forms post- synaptic depression.

In between the two, lies a narrow fluid filled space called synaptic cleft. As the nerve impulse reaches the
pre-synaptic knob, the synaptic vesicles get stimulated to release neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft. The
neurotransmitter molecules diffuse across the gap to come in contact with post-synaptic membrane. In this
 BEACON HIGH SCHOOL
(SESSION 2024-25)
BIOLOGY
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (CONTROL AND COORDINATION)
way, nerve impulse passes across the minute gap to stimulate dendron of other neuron. The synapse acts as a
one-way valve to conduct impulse in one direction only. This is so because chemical substance called
neurotransmitter is secreted only on one side of the gap, i.e., on axon’s side. It carries impulse across the
synapse and passes it to the dendron of the other neuron. In this way, impulses travel across the neurons only
in one direction, i.e., from axon of one neuron to dendron of other neuron through a synapse.

Question 4.“Reflex arcs continue to be more efficient for quick responses”. Justify this statement giving
reason. (Board Term I, 2017)
Answer:Reflex action is an automatic and spontaneous response to a stimulus. The pathway taken by nerve
impulses and responses in a reflex action is called a reflex arc. It consists of receptor, sensory nerve
(afferent), spinal cord, motor nerve (efferent) and effector (muscles or glands). Reflex arc is evolved in
animals because the thinking process of the brain is not fast enough. Reflex arc enables the body to give
quick responses to harmful stimuli so that chances of damage to body are decreased. It also prevents
overloading of brain, so prevents its fatigue. Many animals have very little or none of the complex neuron
network needed for thinking. So, it is likely that reflex arc has evolved as an efficient way of functioning in
the absence of true thought processes. However, even after complex neuron networks have came into
existence, reflex arcs continue to be more efficient for quick responses.

Question 5.(a) Define reflex arc.

(b) Trace the sequence of events which occur in our body when a bright light is focussed on your eyes.
(Board Term I, 2016)
Answer:(a) The pathway taken by the nerve impulses in a reflex action, from receptor organ to spinal cord
and back to effector organ of reflex action is called reflex arc. Receptor organ could be a sense organ such as
eyes, skin, etc., and effector organ could be muscles, glands, etc.

(b) When a bright light is focussed on eye, receptor cell receives the stimulus and an impulse is generated.
This impulse is passed on to sensory neuron, then it goes to brain, brain sends the impulse to the motor
neuron which contracts the pupil. Sequence of events can be summarised as : Photoreceptors in eye →
Sensory (Receptor) neuron → Brain → Motor (Effector) neuron → Eye muscle → Constriction of pupils

Question 6.(a) Draw a neat diagram of a neuron and label (i) dendrite and (ii) axon.
(b) Which part of the human brain is:
(i) the main thinking part of the brain?
(ii) responsible for maintaining the posture and balance of the body? (Board Term I, 2015)
Answer:(a) Diagrammatic representation of a neuron is as follows:
 BEACON HIGH SCHOOL
(SESSION 2024-25)
BIOLOGY
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (CONTROL AND COORDINATION)
(b) (i) Forebrain which includes cerebrum, olfactory lobes and diencephalon, is the main thinking part of the
brain.
(ii) Cerebellum, part of hindbrain is responsible for maintaining the posture and balance of the body.

Question 7. Define geotropism. Draw a labelled diagram of a plant showing geotropic movement of its parts.
(2020)
Answer:Geotropism refers to the upward and downward growth of shoots and roots respectively in response
to the pull of earth or gravity. If the plant part moves in the direction of gravity, it is called positive
geotropism. Likewise, if the plant part moves against the direction of gravity, it is termed as negative
geotropism. Shoots are usually negatively geotropic and roots are usually positively geotropic. A well
labelled diagram of plant showing geotropism is:

Question 8.What are plant hormones? Name the plant hormones responsible for the following :
(i) Growth of stem
(ii) Promotion of cell division
(iii) Inhibition of growth
(iv) Elongation of cells (Delhi 2019)
Answer:Plant hormones or phytohormones are chemical substances produced naturally in plants and capable
of translocation and regulating one or more physiological processes when present in low concentration.
These are also known as plant growth substances or plant growth regulators.

The plant hormones responsible for different functions are as follows:

(i) Growth of stem : Gibberellins (Gibberellic acid) promote growth in stems.
(ii) Promotion of cell division : Cytokinins promote cell division in plants.
(iii) Inhibition of growth : ABA (Abscisic acid) promotes dormancy in seeds as well as in buds and thus
inhibits growth.
(iv) Elongation of cells : Auxin and cytokinin both cause cell elongation.

Question 9. Define phototropism. Name the plant hormone which is responsible for phototropism. (Board
Term I, 2016)
Answer:Phototropism is the movement of a part of the plant in response to light. Shoots generally grow
towards light and are said to be positively phototropic, while roots grow away from light and are said to be
negatively phototropic.
The growth movement of the plant part (stem) is caused by the action of auxin hormone. Auxin causes cell
elongation. Thus, causing growth of stem towards the light stimulus.
 BEACON HIGH SCHOOL
(SESSION 2024-25)
BIOLOGY
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (CONTROL AND COORDINATION)
Question 10.(a) What are phytohormones? List four types of phytohormones. Where are these hormones
synthesised?
(b) What happens when a growing plant detects light? Explain in brief. (Board Term I, 2017)
Answer:(a) Phytohormones are chemical substances produced naturally in plants and are capable of
translocation and regulating one or more physiological processes when present in low concentration. Plant
hormones help to coordinate growth, development and responses to the environment. Plant hormones are
also known as plant growth substances or plant growth regulators.
Types of hormone and their site of synthesis are as follows:

Plant hormone Site of Synthesis

(i) Auxin Auxin hormone is synthesised by the meristematic tissue at the tip of the stem and roots

(ii) Gibberellins (Gibberellic Gibberellins are synthesised in young leaves, roots and shoots and transported to other

acid) parts of the plant.

(iii) Cytokinin It is synthesised in roots and transported to shoot region through xylem.

(iv) Ethylene It is formed in almost all plant parts – roots, leaves flowers, fruits, seeds, etc.

It is produced in many parts of the plant but more abundantly inside the chloroplast of
(v) Abscisic acid
green cells.

(b) Plants respond to light by showing growth movement towards light (phototropism). This growth
movement of the plant part (stem) is caused by the action of auxin hormone. The auxin hormone is
synthesised in the meristematic tissue at the tip of the stem. Auxin diffuses uniformly down the stem in
plants that are kept in the open and receive sunlight from above. Due to presence of auxin equally on both the
sides, the stem grows up straight because both the sides of the stem show growth at the same place. But when
 BEACON HIGH SCHOOL
(SESSION 2024-25)
BIOLOGY
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (CONTROL AND COORDINATION)
sunlight is unidirectional, auxin- gets accumulated towards the shady region of (he shoot. This causes the
cells to elongate and stem to bend towards light.

Question 11.List the sequences of events that occur when a plant is exposed to unidirectional light, leading to
bending of a growing shoot. Also name the hormone synthesised and the type of movement that takes place.
(Board Term I, 2016)
Answer: Plants respond to light by showing growth movement towards light (phototropism). This growth
movement of the plant part (stem) is caused by the action of auxin hormone. The auxin hormone is
synthesised in the meristematic tissue at the tip of the stem. Auxin diffuses uniformly down the stem in
plants that are kept in the open and receive sunlight from above. Due to presence of auxin equally on both the
sides, the stem grows up straight because both the sides of the stem show growth at the same place. But when
sunlight is unidirectional, auxin- gets accumulated towards the shady region of (he shoot. This causes the
cells to elongate and stem to bend towards light.

Question 12.(a) Define reflex arc. Draw a flow chart showing the sequence of events which occur during
sneezing.
(b) List four plant hormones. Write one function of each. (Board Term I, 2014)
Answer:(a) Reflex arc is defined as the pathway or route taken by nerve impulses in a reflex action.
Sequences of events that occur during sneezing can be depicted as :
 BEACON HIGH SCHOOL
(SESSION 2024-25)
BIOLOGY
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (CONTROL AND COORDINATION)
(b) Four plant hormones are:
(i) Auxins : These promote cell enlargement and cell differentiation in plants. These also promote stem and
fruit growth.
(ii) Gibberellins : These promote cell enlargement and cell differentiation in plants in the presence of auxins.
These also promote growth in stems and fruits.
(iii) Cytokinins : These promote cell division in plants. These play vital role in the morphogenesis in plants.
(iv) Ethylene : It promotes growth and ripening of fruits. It helps in breaking the dormancy in buds and
seeds.

Question 13.A squirrel is in a scary situation. Its body has to prepare for either fighting or running away.
State the immediate changes that take place in its body so that the squirrel is able to either fight or run.
(2020)
Answer:When squirrel is in a scary situation then its nervous system stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete
more adrenaline hormone into blood.

This adrenaline hormone increases heartbeat, breathing rate, blood flow into muscles and causes liver to put
more stored glucose into its blood. All these actions of adrenaline hormone produces a lot of energy in
squirrel’s body. In this way, squirrel prepares itself for fighting or running away action.

Question 14. Why is chemical communication better than electrical impulses as a means of communication
between cells in a multicellular organisms? (2020)
Answer:In animals, the message communicated in the form of nerve impulses, from receptors to central
nervous system and from latter to effectors is very quick. But nerve impulses can reach only those animal
cells which are connected by the nervous tissue. These cells after generation and transmission of nerve
impulses, take sometime to reset their mechanism before a new impulse is generated and transmitted. It
means, cells cannot continuously generate and transmit electrical impulses. This is the reason most
multicellular organisms use another means of communication called chemical communication. In chemical
communication information spreads out throughout the body by blood and its effects lasts longer. Chemical
communication is however slow but it can reach all the cells of body regardless of nervous connections.

Question 15.A cheetah, on seeing a prey moves towards him at a very high speed. What causes the
movement of his muscles? How does the chemistry of cellular components of muscles change during this
event? (2020)
Answer:The cheetah senses its prey by photoreceptors and the information is sent to the central nervous
system. The response is then carried by neurons. Along with nervous system, the hormonal system also plays
a role. Adrenaline hormone produced by the adrenal glands triggers the flight or fight action. On seeing a
prey, these hormones are released into the cheetahs blood stream. It speeds up heartbeat, breathing increases
blood flow into leg muscles and causes liver to put more stored glucose into cheetahs blood. All these actions
of adrenline hormone produces a lot of energy which helps cheetah to run fast.

Question 16.Name the hormones secreted by the following endocrine glands and specify one function of
each: (a) Thyroid (b) Pituitary (c) Pancreas. (2018)
Answer:(a) Thyroid gland secrete three hormones : thyroxine (T4), triiodothyroxine (T3) and calcitionin.
 BEACON HIGH SCHOOL
(SESSION 2024-25)
BIOLOGY
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (CONTROL AND COORDINATION)
Thyroxine and triiodothyronine maintain the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of the body by regulating the rate
of oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and production of energy in our body. They promote growth
of body tissues and development of mental faculties.

Calcitonin regulate the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

(b) Pituitary secretes following hormones :

1. Growth hormone (GH) or somatotropic hormone controls the overall development of body, muscles,
bones and tissues.
2. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) controls growth and functions of thyroid gland.
3. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol hormone.
4. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in males, stimulates sperm formation and in females, development
of follicle cells into mature eggs.
5. Luteinising hormone (LH) stimulates secretion of testosterone in males and estrogen and progesterone
in females.
6. Prolactin hormone (PRL) responsible for growth of mammary glands and milk production in females.
7. Melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) stimulates the synthesis of melanocytes.
8. Oxytocin stimulates lactation after child birth.
9. Vasopressin regulates water balance in body fluids.

(c) Pancreas secretes following hormones :

(i) Insulin regulates the conversion of glucose to glycogen, i.e., it lowers the blood glucose level.
(ii) Glucagon is responsible for regulation of glycogen to glucose, i.e., increase blood glucose level.

Question 17.(a) How does chemical coordination take place in animals?

(b) It is advised to use iodised salt. Give reason. (Board Term 1, 2017)
Answer:(a) The endocrine system consists of specialised glands (endocrine glands) which brings about
control by sending chemical messengers termed hormones. These glands secrete hormones directly into the
blood. Flormones reach the target organs via blood and regulate the activities of these organs, thus
coordinating the functioning of living organisms and also their growth.

(b) Iodine is necessary for the making of thyroxine hormone by thyroid gland. Therefore, deficiency of
iodine in the diet can cause deficiency of thyroxine hormone in the body.

Question 18.(a) An old man is advised by his doctor to take less sugar in his diet. Name the disease from
which the man is suffering. Mention the hormone due to imbalance of which he is suffering from this
disease. Which endocrine gland secretes this hormone?
(b) Name the endocrine gland which secretes growth hormone. What will be the effect of the following on a
person
(i) deficiency of growth hormone
(ii) excess secretion of growth hormone? (Board Term I, 2016)
Answer:(a) Old man who is advised by his doctor to take less sugar in his diet is suffering from diabetes
 BEACON HIGH SCHOOL
(SESSION 2024-25)
BIOLOGY
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (CONTROL AND COORDINATION)
mellitus that occurs due to imbalance of insulin hormone. Endocrine part of islets of Langerhans in pancreas
secrete insulin hormone.

(b) Growth hormone (GH) or somatotropic hormone (SH) is secreted by pituitary gland.
Effect of the following on a person:
(i) Deficiency of growth hormone (hypoactivity) causes dwarfness.
(ii) Excess secretion of growth hormone (hyperactivity) causes excessive growth of bones making the person
very tall (gigantism).

Question 19.Name the hormone required for the following. Also mention the name of endocrine gland from
which that hormone is secreted:
(a) Lowering of blood glucose.
(b) Development of moustache and beard in human males.
(c) Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. (Board Term I, 2015)
Answer:(a) The hormone that lowers blood sugar level is insulin. The function of insulin hormone is to lower
the blood sugar level (or blood glucose level, i.e., it controls the metabolism of sugar. It is secreted by the
endocrine part of pancreas called islets of Langerhans.
(b) Testes secretes the male sex hormone called testosterone, which is responsible for development of male
sex organs and male features such as deeper voice, moustache, beard and body hair.
(c) Thyroxine hormone is synthesised by thyroid gland. Thyroxine controls the rate of metabolism of
carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Question 20.State the functions of plant hormones. Name four different types of plant hormones.
Answer. Plant hormones help to coordinate growth, development and responses in environment.
Four different types of plant hormones are – Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Ethylene and Abscisic acid.

1. Auxins control the tropic (growth related) movements of the plants in response to light, gravity, touch
etc by increasing the size of cells. Under the influence of auxins, the plant stem bends towards
unidirectional light where as the roots bend away from it.
2. Gibberellins stimulate stem elongation and leaf expansion. Its application causes stem elongation in
small plants such as cabbage. Spraying gibberellins on sugarcane plant increases the stem size and
hence the yield.
3. Cytokinins are produced in regions of the plant body where rapid cell division occur, such as root tips,
developing shoot buds, young fruits and seeds. Cytokinins promote growth by stimulating cell
division. They also help in production of new leaves and chloroplasts in leaves.
4. Ethylene causes ripening of the fruits.
5. Abscisic acid inhibits (i.e., slows down) the growth in different parts of the plant body. It also inhibits
germination of seeds. It increases the tolerance of plant to different kinds of stresses such as
temperature changes. So, it is also called the stress hormone in plants. It also causes the drying and
falling of older leaves, flowers and fruits.

Question21.Why is chemical communication better than electrical impulses as a means of

communication between cells in a multicellular organisms? (2020)
Answer In animals, the message communicated in the form of nerve impulses, from receptors to
 BEACON HIGH SCHOOL
(SESSION 2024-25)
BIOLOGY
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (CONTROL AND COORDINATION)
central nervous system and from latter to effectors is very quick. But nerve impulses can reach only
those animal cells which are connected by the nervous tissue. These cells after generation and
transmission of nerve impulses, take sometime to reset their mechanism before a new impulse is
generated and transmitted. It means, cells cannot continuously generate and transmit electrical
impulses. This is the reason most multicellular organisms use another means of communication
called chemical communication. In chemical communication information spreads out throughout the
body by blood and its effects lasts longer. Chemical communication is however slow but it can reach
all the cells of body regardless of nervous connections.

Question 22.A cheetah, on seeing a prey moves towards him at a very high speed. What causes the
movement of his muscles? How does the chemistry of cellular components of muscles change during
this event? (2020)
Answer:The cheetah senses its prey by photoreceptors and the information is sent to the central
nervous system. The response is then carried by neurons. Along with nervous system, the hormonal
system also plays a role. Adrenaline hormone produced by the adrenal glands triggers the flight or
fight action. On seeing a prey, these hormones are released into the cheetahs blood stream. It speeds
up heartbeat, breathing increases blood flow into leg muscles and causes liver to put more stored
glucose into cheetahs blood. All these actions of adrenline hormone produces a lot of energy which
helps cheetah to run fast.

Question 23. Draw a labelled diagram of human brain. Discuss functions of cerebrum, cerebellum and
medulla. or Draw and describe the role of various parts of human brain. Ans : [CBSE S.R 2016-17]
Answer: Functions a. Cerebellum which controls posture, balance of body and accurate voluntary
movements. b. Pons regulates respiration c. Medulla oblongata which controls involuntary actions like blood
pressure, salivation, vomiting etc.