Chapter - 3 How_Do_Organisms_Reproduce
Chapter - 3 How_Do_Organisms_Reproduce
(Biology)
Chapter 3: How Do Organisms Reproduce?
BIOLOGY HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?
How Do Organisms Reproduce?
Reproduction
Reproduction is the ability of living organisms to produce living beings similar to
themselves.
The two modes of reproduction, i.e. asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction can be
seen in animals.
Importance of Variation
• Sexual reproduction provides great scope for variation.
• Variation is important for the survival of a species.
• Variation helps a species to adapt to different environmental changes.
Reproduction and its Kinds
Sexual Reproduction Asexual Reproduction
• It involves the formation of special • It does not involve the formation of
reproductive cells called gametes. gametes.
• Male and female gametes fuse to form the • New organisms are formed either by the
zygote which develops into a new division of the parent body or by the
individual. differentiation of the parent body.
Sexual Reproduction
• The sexual mode of reproduction involves two organisms, a male and a female to create
a new organism or offspring.
• The sexual reproduction allows greater variations in a species as the two individuals
involved in producing the offspring would have different patterns of variations. This
process includes the combination of DNA of two different individuals and the resultant
combination and variation would be unique.
• Hence this ensures a mixing of the gene pool of the species within a population and it
BIOLOGY HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?
also ensures the survival of the species as this process generates more variations due to
the genetic recombination.
• The process of combining DNA of two different individuals during sexual reproduction
will lead to an offspring with twice the amount of DNA than their previous generation.
• The solution to this lies in the fact that there are certain specialised cells in such
organisms called germ cells or gametes. These have half the number of chromosomes
and, therefore half the amount of DNA in comparison to the other non-reproductive
cells. The combination of these germ cells from two different individuals during the
process of sexual reproduction restores the original number of chromosomes and DNA
content in the new offspring.
• The germ cells may be similar and not much different from each other in simple
organisms. With the complexity of the organisms the germ cell also becomes specialised.
One of the germ cells becomes large and stores food. This is known as the female
gamete. The other germ cell which is small and motile is called the male gamete. These
gametes lead to the differences in the bodies and reproductive systems of males and
females.
Stalk/Pedicel
• Point of attachment.
Thalamus
• It is an enlarged, flattened tip of the stalk.
• Petals and other parts arise from the thalamus.
Calyx
• Outermost whorl of the flower consisting of sepals.
• The calyx protects the inner parts of the flower in their bud stage.
Corolla
• Second whorl of the flower which is made up of petals.
• Helps flowers in attracting insects to carry out pollination.
Androcium
• Third whorl and the male organ of the flower.
• Consists of stamens.
• Each stamen is made of the filament and anther.
• Anthers store pollegrains.
Gynoecium
• Innermost whorl and the female reproductive organ.
• Consists of pistils or carpels.
• Carpel is made of stigma, style and ovary.
BIOLOGY HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?
Pollination
The process of sexual reproduction in plants starts with the transfer of pollen grains from
the anther of the stamen to the stigma of the pistil. This process is termed as pollination.
This is facilitated by pollinating agents like wind, birds, animals, water etc. which transfer
the pollen grains.
There can be two types of pollination as follows:
Self-pollination Cross-pollination
This involves the transfer of pollen grains This type of pollination involves the transfer
from the anther to the stigma of the same of the pollen grains from the anther of one
flower. Example - wheat, peanut, etc. flower to the stigma of another flower of the
same species. Example - apples, pumpkin
etc.
Different agents help to bring about cross pollination. They are insects, wind, water, etc.
Fertilisation
Through the process of pollination, the pollen is deposited in the style of the pistil. For the
next process in reproduction, it needs to reach the female germ-cells which are present in
the ovary. To facilitate this, a tube grows out of the pollen grain and reaches the ovule in
the ovary of the pistil. Here in the ovule the male germ-cell fuses with a female germ-cell to
form a zygote. This process of fusion of the gametes is termed as fertilisation. After the
process of fertilization, the zygote thus formed, divides repeatedly to form an embryo
inside the ovule. The ovule later develops into a seed. And meanwhile the ovary grows and
ripens into a fruit and the other parts of the flower, namely the petals, sepals, stamens,
style and stigma may be shed off. The seed present inside the fruit encloses the future
plant in its embryo.
BIOLOGY HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?
Fruit and Seed Formation
• The seed that contains the new plant or embryo develops into a seedling when the
conditions are suitable. This process is termed as germination. Certain conditions like
nutrients, water and proper temperature are necessary for the process of germination.
• The embryo gets its food from the reserve food material stored in the cotyledons. It also
has a protective outer covering known as seed coat.
Reproduction in Human Beings
The mode of reproduction in human beings is sexual mode. The reproductive phase of an
individual is that phase of life when the individual is ready to reproduce an offspring.
Changes are noticed at every phase of growth right from birth.
But there are some changes that begin in the teenage age that start to prepare us for the
reproductive phase of life. This period of adolescence leads to sexual maturation. The body
needs to create specialised germ-cells to take part in the sexual reproduction. The period of
maturation of the reproductive tissues in the body is termed as puberty.
Numerous changes are noticed in both boys and girls during this period. The boys start to
have hair growth on their face and body, voice change, active functioning of sweat and
sebaceous glands, enlargement of penis etc. The changes in the girls include growth of
pubic hair, enlargement of breasts, oily skin leading to pimples, onset of menstruation etc.
Both of them undergo changes in their body appearance and they become more conscious
of these bodily changes.
The process of fusion of germ-cells in sexual reproduction, the actual transfer of these
germ-cells needs to be done. For the same special organs need to be present like penis in
males and uterus in females for carrying the baby.
Growth and Development
• Growth and development are gradual and irreversible processes.
• Size and complexity of the body increase gradually.
• Growth in humans is divided into the following stages:
Infant • Children between 1 month and 1 year of age are called infants.
• Children between 1 to 4 years of age.
Toddler • Growth is fast.
• Children learn to balance the body.
• Children between the ages of 11 to 19 years.
Adolescent • The period of transition from childhood to adulthood is called
adolescence
• It is from the age of 18 years onwards.
Adulthood • An individual attains full growth and emotional stability.
• Career and shouldering responsibilities are priorities.
BIOLOGY HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?
Puberty is the period during which the reproductive system matures in boys and girls.
• In girls, puberty begins at the age of 11 years.
• In boys, it begins at the age of 12–14 years.
• Puberty continues till the age of 18 years.
Changes Which Occur At the Time of Puberty
Changes in Boys Changes in Girls
Testes mature and start producing sperms. Ovaries mature and start producing ovum.
The menstrual cycle begins.
Pectoral girdle (shoulder girdle) grows. Pelvic girdle (hip girdle) becomes broad.
Hair growth in the pubic region. Hair growth in the pubic region.
The skin in the pubic region becomes The skin in the pubic region becomes darker.
darker.
Development of moustache and beard. Enlargement of breasts.
Development of a deep voice. The voice becomes shrill.
1. Testes (Testicles) • A pair of testes is located below the abdomen in the scrotal sac
or scrotum.
• The testes produce male gametes or sperms (germ cells).
• To maintain the temperature 2–3°C below the body
temperature, the scrotum is located outside the body cavity.
2. Epididymis • Tubes present in the testes join to form the epididymis.
• The epididymis stores sperms temporarily.
3. Vas deferens (sperm • Each epididymis continues further as the sperm duct or vas
duct) deferens.
• Each vas deferens unites with a tube coming from the urinary
bladder on either side.
• Thus, the urethra is the common passage for sperms and urine.
4. Seminal vesicles • The seminal vesicles produce a secretion which is responsible
for the transport of sperms.
5. Prostate gland • It is a bilobed structure which surrounds the urethra.
• It pours an alkaline secretion into the semen.
6. Cowper’s gland • These are two small ovoid glands.
• They open into the urethra.
• Their secretion serves as a lubricant.
7. Penis • The urethra passes through the penis.
• It carries either urine or semen at a time.
BIOLOGY HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?
Female Reproductive System
1. OVARIES • Two ovaries are present in the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the
uterus.
• Ovaries produce ova which are female gametes.
• One ovum is released by one ovary every month.
2. OVIDUCTS • Two oviducts or fallopian tubes are present, each close to one ovary of
(Fallopian tube) its side.
• When the egg is released by the ovary, it passes down to the uterus
through the oviduct.
3. UTERUS • The uterus is a hollow pear-shaped, muscular organ.
(Womb) • The inner lining of the uterus called endothelium protects and
nourishes the developing embryo.
4. VAGINA (Birth • The uterus opens into the vagina.
canal) • The vagina is a muscular, narrow tube.
5. VULVA • The vagina and urethra both open into the vulva.
Fertilisation
The process of fusion of the male gamete with the female gamete is called fertilisation.
The process of fertilization of a male and female gamete or sperm and egg starts when the
sperm enters the female reproductive system through the vaginal passage during a sexual
intercourse. From the vaginal passage they move up through the uterus towards the
fallopian tubes.
The eggs are present in the fallopian tube, meet the sperm and get fertilized.
The fertilized egg, which is known as the zygote, starts dividing repeatedly and travels down
the fallopian tube to the uterus.
The ball of cells or embryo gets implanted in the endometrial lining of the uterus and
continues to grow into a foetus. The embryo gets its nourishment from the mother through
a special tissue called the placenta which acts as a connection between the mother and the
BIOLOGY HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?
developing embryo. It helps to transport glucose and oxygen to the embryo and remove the
wastes generated by the embryo.
It takes about nine months for the complete development of the child inside the mother’s
body. The child is born due to the rhythmic contractions of the uterine muscles.
What Happens When the Egg is Not Fertilized?
An egg is released by the ovary every month in anticipation of it getting fertilised. In case
the egg does not get fertilized, it can survive for only a day. Similar to the ovary releasing an
egg every month, every month, the uterus too prepares itself to the fertilized egg by
creating a thick and spongy lining in order to provide nourishment to the embryo.
When the fertilization does not occur, this lining too is not required and this lining and the
egg is shed as blood and mucous through the vagina. This is called menstruation. This cycle
occurs every month and lasts for about 2 - 8 days roughly.
Implantation
• As soon as the zygote is formed, it starts developing.
• By the time it reaches the uterus, it is a mass of cells known as an embryo.
• It remains attached to the wall of the uterus throughout its development.
• The period of development of the embryo inside the uterus is called the gestation
period.
• In humans, the gestation period is of 9 months, i.e. about 280 days.
• The embryo after completing three months of development is called the foetus.
• The placenta is a special tissue which provides food and oxygen to the foetus.
If the ovum is not fertilised, then it lives for one day. The lining of the uterus
breaks down and disintegrates.
The ovum, lining of the uterus and some blood are discharged out of the body.
This is called menstruation.
After menstruation, the ovum is released, and the uterus again prepares itself for
the receival of the fertilised egg cell.
Function of Anther. To produce haploid pollen grains which on growth form pollen
tubes, each containing two male gametes.
Fusion of Male and Female Gametes. On germination over stigma, a pollen grain
forms a long pollen tube carrying two male gametes. Pollen tube enters an ovule
and bursts open in the embryo sac. One male gamete fuses with the egg to form
diploid zygote. It is generative fertilization. The second male gamete fuses with
diploid secondary nucleus of central cell to form triploid primary endosperm cell. It
is vegetative fertilization. The phenomenon of two male gametes fusing with
different cells in the same embryo sac to produce two different structures is called
double fertilization.
2. Answer: (a)
Labelling,
Anther—part that produces pollen grains.
Style—part that transfers male gametes to female gametes, by providing growth
medium to pollen tubes.
Stigma—part that is sticky to trap pollen grain.
Ovary—part that develops into a fruit.
➢ Assertion Reason Answer:
1. (c) A is true but R is false.
Explanation:
The fertilisation which occurs inside the female body is called internal fertilisation. Reptiles
show internal fertilisation
2. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
Explanation:
Ovule is gradually converted into a seed. A seed is the reproductive unit of a plant.
The seed contains a baby plant (or embryo) and food for the baby plant. The part of
baby plant in seed which develops into shoot with leaves is called plumule and the
part which develops into root is called radicle. The part of seed which contains stored
food for the baby plant is called cotyledon.
➢ Case study Questions:
1. i (b) Copper T.
Explanation:
Intrauterine device is placed inside the uterus by a doctor or a trained nurse. Copper
T is a common intra-uterine device.
ii. (b) Copper.
iii. (c) It suppresses fertilising capacity of sperm.
iv. (a) Device X might have got expelled without the knowledge of woman.
BIOLOGY HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?
Explanation:
Intra-uterine devices are highly effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies. But
they come with one disadvantage, that is they can get expelled anytime without the
knowledge of women. Couple continue active sexual life thinking that their birth
control device is still in action.
v. (d) Device X can cause heavy painful and longer duration periods or menstruation.
Explanation:
Intra-uterine devices do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Periods
may become heavier, longer, and more painful and there are chances of pelvic
infection.
2. i (d) Both (a) and (b).
Explanation:
In barrier methods of preventing pregnancy, the physical devices such as condom
and diaphragm are used. Condoms are rubber tubes used by males whereas
diaphragm are rubber cups used by females.
ii. (c) They prevent sperms from meeting the ovum.
Explanation:
Physical barriers prevent the sperm from meeting the ovum by acting as a barrier
between them.
iii. (d) Both (a) and (b).
Explanation:
Chemical methods of birth control include oral pills and vaginal pills. Oral pills are
combination of estrogen and progesterone which prevent ovulation (release of egg
during monthly cycle), so they prevent fertilisation. Vaginal pills are inserted in
vagina before intercourse and release spermicides which kill sperms.
iv. (d) Both (b) and (c).
v. (d) All of these.