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Important Questions: CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 6 Control and Coordination

Control and Coordination is a cornerstone chapter in CBSE Class 10 Science, bridging biology with everyday observations — why plants bend toward sunlight, how you pull your hand away from a hot surface, or what happens when adrenaline floods your body before an exam. This chapter consistently contributes 6-8 marks in the board paper and forms the foundation for Class 11 and 12 Biology. Below you will find topic-wise important questions with model answers, examiner insights and common pitfalls to avoid.

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Key takeaways

✓Control and Coordination carries 6-8 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science board exam; expect 1 MCQ, 1-2 short questions and 1 long or case-based question.
✓Reflex arcs, neuron diagrams and the path of nerve impulses are high-frequency diagram-based questions worth 3-5 marks.
✓Plant hormones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, ethylene) and their functions form a popular 3-mark table or comparison question.
✓Distinguish between nervous and hormonal coordination, voluntary and involuntary actions, and receptors and effectors — these are common 2-mark items.
✓Five-mark case-based questions often describe real-life scenarios (phototropism experiments, diabetic patients, adrenaline surge) requiring application of NCERT concepts.
✓Labelling diagrams of the human brain, neuron structure and reflex arc is compulsory; practise drawing these neatly with arrow directions and correct spellings.
✓Use CBSETUTOR.ai for instant doubt-clearing: upload a photo of any question and get step-by-step solutions at ₹999/month for all subjects (Classes 6-12), with a 3-day free trial.

Chapter Overview and Marks Weightage in CBSE Board Exam

Chapter 6 Control and Coordination explores how living organisms respond to internal and external stimuli through two principal systems: nervous control (fast, electrical signals via neurons) and hormonal control (slower, chemical messengers via endocrine glands). NCERT Class 10 Science divides the chapter into three main segments: the nervous system in animals (neurons, reflex arcs, brain, spinal cord), chemical coordination in animals (endocrine glands such as thyroid, pancreas, adrenal, pituitary) and chemical coordination in plants (plant hormones like auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid and ethylene). Typically, CBSE allocates 6-8 marks to this chapter in the final board exam. The 2025 pattern follows a competency-based approach: expect 1 objective-type question (1 mark), 1-2 very short answer or short answer questions (2 marks each), 1 structured short answer question (3 marks) and 1 long answer or case-based integrated question (4-5 marks). Diagram-based questions — labelling a neuron, reflex arc or human brain — appear almost every year and carry 3 marks on average. Understanding the difference between voluntary and involuntary actions, examples of tropic and nastic movements in plants, and the roles of specific hormones are high-yield areas.

Total weightage: 6-8 marks in the 80-mark theory paper.
One diagram question (neuron structure, reflex arc or brain) is nearly guaranteed for 3 marks.
Plant hormones table or comparison question appears frequently for 3 marks.
Case-based or application questions may integrate nervous and hormonal coordination (5 marks).

1-Mark Questions (Multiple Choice and Very Short Answer)

One-mark questions test recall and conceptual clarity. CBSE often frames MCQs from definitions, functions of specific glands or hormones, and the sequence of events in a reflex arc. Very short answer questions (VSAs) may ask you to name a hormone, define a term or give one-word answers. Practise these to secure quick marks and build confidence at the start of the exam. Below are ten representative 1-mark questions with answers. Remember that MCQs may also appear as assertion-reason pairs in the competency-based format, so read each statement carefully before selecting your answer. Pay attention to NCERT diagrams and their labels; CBSE often lifts questions directly from the textbook exercises and in-text questions. Mastering these fundamentals ensures you do not lose easy marks due to careless mistakes or confusion between similar-sounding terms like 'receptor' and 'effector'.

Q1. Which part of the brain controls posture and balance? A: Cerebellum.
Q2. Name the plant hormone responsible for cell elongation. A: Auxin.
Q3. The gap between two neurons is called: (a) dendrite (b) synapse (c) axon (d) cell body. A: (b) synapse.
Q4. Which gland secretes the hormone adrenaline? A: Adrenal gland.
Q5. What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system? A: Neuron.
Q6. Name one example of a nastic movement in plants. A: Folding of leaves in Mimosa pudica (touch-me-not plant).
Q7. Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of which hormone? A: Thyroxine (secreted by the thyroid gland).
Q8. True or False: Reflex actions are controlled by the brain. A: False (controlled by the spinal cord).
Q9. Which hormone regulates blood sugar level in humans? A: Insulin (secreted by the pancreas).
Q10. The response of a plant part towards light is called: (a) geotropism (b) phototropism (c) chemotropism (d) hydrotropism. A: (b) phototropism.

2-Mark Questions (Short Answer Type)

Two-mark questions require brief explanations, definitions with examples, or simple distinctions between two concepts. CBSE examiners look for concise, NCERT-aligned language; writing one or two sentences per mark is usually sufficient. Common themes include differences between types of coordination (nervous vs hormonal), types of actions (voluntary vs involuntary), types of movements in plants (tropic vs nastic), and the roles of specific hormones or brain parts. Always provide examples where asked — they earn you the second mark. Below are six high-probability 2-mark questions with model answers. Notice how each answer is structured: a clear definition or statement followed by an example or elaboration. Avoid vague phrases; be specific with names of glands, hormones and pathways. If a diagram is requested, ensure all parts are labelled neatly and arrows show the direction of nerve impulses or growth movements.

Q1. Distinguish between voluntary and involuntary actions. A: Voluntary actions are conscious movements controlled by the forebrain (e.g. writing, walking). Involuntary actions are unconscious responses controlled by the mid-brain and hind-brain (e.g. heartbeat, breathing).
Q2. What is a reflex arc? A: A reflex arc is the pathway taken by nerve impulses during a reflex action. It involves receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → effector (muscle or gland).
Q3. Name two plant hormones that promote growth and one that inhibits growth. A: Auxins and gibberellins promote growth; abscisic acid inhibits growth.
Q4. Why is the flow of signals in a synapse from axon to dendrite and not the reverse? A: Because neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of one neuron and bind to receptors on the dendrite of the next neuron, ensuring unidirectional signal transmission.
Q5. What is the function of the medulla in the hind-brain? A: The medulla controls involuntary actions such as blood pressure, salivation, vomiting and breathing.
Q6. Explain phototropism with an example. A: Phototropism is the directional growth of a plant part in response to light. Example: shoots grow towards light (positive phototropism) due to auxin accumulation on the shaded side, causing those cells to elongate.

3-Mark Questions (Structured Short Answer)

Three-mark questions demand structured answers with clear points or a labelled diagram. CBSE often awards 1 mark for the definition or introduction, 1 mark for the explanation or mechanism, and 1 mark for the example or diagram. Common question types include: 'Draw and label the structure of a neuron', 'Describe the reflex arc with a flow-chart', 'Explain how auxin causes phototropism', 'List the functions of the different parts of the human brain', or 'Prepare a table comparing plant hormones'. Practise writing these answers in bullet points or numbered lists; examiners appreciate clarity and easy-to-mark formats. Below are five representative 3-mark questions with model answers. Each answer follows a logical flow: define the concept, describe the process or structure, and conclude with an example or summary. When drawing diagrams, use a sharp pencil, label all parts with straight lines (no arrows for labels), and write neatly. Even if your diagram is not artistic, correct labels and clarity will fetch full marks.

Q1. Draw a labelled diagram of a neuron. A: [Diagram] Label: Cell body (cyton), Nucleus, Dendrites, Axon, Myelin sheath, Axon terminal (synaptic knob).
Q2. Explain the mechanism of phototropism in plants. A: (i) Auxin is a plant hormone synthesised at the shoot tip. (ii) When light falls from one side, auxin migrates to the shaded side. (iii) Cells on the shaded side elongate faster, causing the shoot to bend towards light (positive phototropism).
Q3. Describe the pathway of a reflex arc with an example. A: (i) Receptor detects stimulus (e.g. hot object touches skin). (ii) Sensory neuron carries impulse to the spinal cord. (iii) Spinal cord processes and sends impulse via motor neuron. (iv) Effector (muscle) responds by pulling hand away. This quick, automatic response protects the body from harm.
Q4. List the main parts of the human brain and state one function of each. A: (i) Cerebrum (forebrain): thinking, memory, voluntary actions. (ii) Cerebellum (hind-brain): balance, posture, precision of movements. (iii) Medulla (hind-brain): controls heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure.
Q5. Prepare a table showing five plant hormones and their functions. A: | Hormone | Function | |---|---| | Auxin | Cell elongation, phototropism, geotropism | | Gibberellin | Stem elongation, seed germination | | Cytokinin | Cell division, delays leaf ageing | | Abscisic acid | Stomatal closure, inhibits growth | | Ethylene | Fruit ripening |

5-Mark Questions and Case-Based Integrated Questions

Five-mark questions test application, analysis and synthesis of concepts. CBSE increasingly uses case-based or source-based integrated items: a short paragraph describes a real-life scenario or experiment, followed by sub-questions worth 1+1+3 or 2+3 marks. For example, a passage might describe Charles Darwin's experiments on phototropism in canary grass seedlings, then ask you to explain the role of auxin, predict outcomes if the tip is covered, and draw a labelled diagram. Long-answer questions may ask you to compare nervous and hormonal coordination across multiple parameters, explain feedback mechanisms in hormone regulation (e.g. blood glucose control by insulin and glucagon), or describe the human endocrine system with the location and function of each gland. Structure your answer in clear paragraphs or numbered points; use subheadings if the question has multiple parts. Always conclude with a summary sentence if space permits. Below are three representative 5-mark questions with detailed model answers. Practise writing these within 8-10 minutes under timed conditions to match board exam constraints.

Third 5-Mark Question: Case Study on Plant Hormones

Plant hormone questions often appear as case studies describing an experiment or observation. For instance, a passage may describe how farmers spray gibberellins on sugarcane crops to increase stem length and yield, or how bananas are ripened artificially using ethylene gas. You may be asked to identify the hormone involved, explain its mechanism, predict the outcome if the hormone is absent, and suggest one more application. Always relate your answer to the five main plant hormones covered in NCERT: auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, abscisic acid and ethylene. State their functions clearly and give at least one practical example for each. CBSE values application-based answers, so mentioning real agricultural or horticultural practices (use of auxins in rooting cuttings, gibberellins in brewing, cytokinins in tissue culture) will earn you bonus credit for clarity and relevance. Below is a worked case-based question.

How CBSE Frames Questions from Control and Coordination

Understanding CBSE question patterns helps you prepare strategically. Examiners follow NCERT closely: they lift definitions, diagrams and in-text examples directly from the textbook. High-frequency question types include: (i) Diagram-based: 'Draw and label a neuron', 'Trace the pathway of a reflex arc', 'Label the parts of the human brain'. These carry 3 marks and appear almost every year. (ii) Comparison tables: 'Distinguish between tropic and nastic movements', 'Compare nervous and hormonal coordination'. Examiners award 1 mark per correct row. (iii) Application and reasoning: 'Why does a plant shoot bend towards light?', 'Explain why reflex actions do not involve the brain'. These test understanding, not rote memory. (iv) Case-based integrated questions: A short paragraph describes a clinical condition (diabetes, goitre, Addison's disease) or a plant experiment, followed by sub-questions. CBSE released sample papers in 2024 that included a case on adrenaline release during stress. (v) Assertion-Reason MCQs: Both statements are given; you must decide if both are true, if the reason correctly explains the assertion, etc. For example, 'Assertion: Reflex arcs involve the spinal cord. Reason: The brain controls all reflex actions.' (Answer: Assertion true, Reason false.) Practise previous years' board papers (2020-2024) and CBSE sample papers to familiarise yourself with the exact wording and marking scheme. Pay special attention to command words: 'define', 'distinguish', 'explain', 'draw and label', 'list'. Each requires a specific answer format.

Diagram questions: Always use a sharp pencil, draw to scale, label with straight lines and correct spellings.
Command word 'distinguish' or 'compare': Present your answer as a table with at least three points of difference.
Command word 'explain': Provide the mechanism or reason, not just a definition. Use cause-and-effect language ('because', 'therefore', 'as a result').
Case-based questions: Read the passage carefully, underline key terms, map them to NCERT concepts, and answer in your own words.

Common Mistakes Students Make and How to Avoid Them

Even well-prepared students lose marks due to avoidable errors in Control and Coordination questions. First, confusing terms: 'neuron' vs 'nerve', 'receptor' vs 'effector', 'hormone' vs 'enzyme'. A neuron is a single nerve cell; a nerve is a bundle of neurons. A receptor detects the stimulus; an effector (muscle or gland) responds. Hormones are chemical messengers; enzymes are biological catalysts — completely different. Second, incorrect direction of arrows in diagrams. In a reflex arc, the arrow must point from receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → effector. In phototropism diagrams, show auxin moving to the shaded side and the shoot bending towards light. Third, incomplete labelling. If a question says 'Draw and label a neuron', you must label cell body, nucleus, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath and axon terminal. Missing even one label costs you marks. Fourth, writing 'brain' instead of 'spinal cord' for reflex actions. Reflex arcs involve the spinal cord; the brain is informed later. Fifth, vague or generic answers. Instead of 'hormones help in growth', write 'Auxin promotes cell elongation in shoots, causing phototropism and geotropism'. Specificity earns marks. Sixth, not practising diagram drawing under timed conditions. Spend 2-3 minutes on a 3-mark diagram; any longer and you risk running out of time. Seventh, ignoring the mark distribution. A 5-mark question needs five distinct points or a detailed explanation; a 1-mark question needs one sentence. Finally, many students skip NCERT in-text questions and back exercises. CBSE often repeats these verbatim or with minor tweaks. Solve every NCERT question at least twice before the board exam.

Confusing receptor (detects stimulus) with effector (responds to stimulus).
Drawing reflex arc arrows in the wrong direction or omitting the spinal cord.
Writing 'brain controls reflex actions' — incorrect; spinal cord controls them.
Incomplete labelling of neuron diagram (missing dendrites, myelin sheath or axon terminal).
Generic answers lacking specific hormone names, gland names or examples.
Not practising diagrams; uneven or unlabelled drawings lose marks.
Ignoring NCERT exercises and in-text questions, which are the primary source of board questions.

How CBSETUTOR.ai Helps You Master Control and Coordination

Preparing for Control and Coordination requires clear concept maps, repeated practice of diagrams and instant doubt resolution — especially when you encounter tricky case-based questions or forget the difference between gibberellin and cytokinin at 10 PM before the exam. CBSETUTOR.ai offers a 24×7 AI tutor that you can access from your phone. Stuck on a reflex arc diagram? Click a photo and upload it; the AI will provide a step-by-step explanation, correct any labelling errors and show you the exact NCERT-aligned answer. Confused about why auxin inhibits root growth but promotes shoot growth? Type or speak your question and get an instant, clear explanation in simple language. The platform covers all CBSE subjects for Classes 6-12 at a flat ₹999 per month — one price, no hidden fees, no per-subject charges. Whether you need help with Science, Maths, Social Science or languages, everything is included. You also get a 3-day free trial to explore the features risk-free. Thousands of CBSE students across India use CBSETUTOR.ai to clarify doubts after school hours, practise extra questions and build exam confidence. The AI tutor adapts to your pace, never judges repeated questions and is available even during late-night revision sessions. For Control and Coordination, you can practise labelling neurons and reflex arcs interactively, request additional 3-mark and 5-mark questions, and get your written answers evaluated for accuracy and completeness. This targeted, on-demand support bridges the gap between classroom teaching and self-study, ensuring you walk into the board exam fully prepared.

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Frequently asked questions

How many marks does Control and Coordination carry in the CBSE Class 10 Science board exam?+

Control and Coordination typically carries 6-8 marks in the 80-mark theory paper. Expect one objective question (1 mark), one or two short answer questions (2 marks each), one structured question (3 marks) and one long or case-based question (4-5 marks). Diagram-based questions are almost guaranteed.

Which diagrams are most important for Chapter 6 Control and Coordination?+

The three must-practise diagrams are: (i) structure of a neuron with labels (cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, axon terminal), (ii) reflex arc showing receptor, sensory neuron, spinal cord, motor neuron and effector with directional arrows, and (iii) human brain with labels for cerebrum, cerebellum and medulla. Practise drawing these neatly and accurately.

What is the difference between tropic and nastic movements in plants?+

Tropic movements are directional growth responses towards or away from a stimulus (e.g. phototropism towards light, geotropism towards gravity). Nastic movements are non-directional responses not dependent on the direction of the stimulus (e.g. folding of Mimosa leaves on touch, opening and closing of flowers). Both are important for 2-3 mark questions.

Why is the reflex arc pathway faster than voluntary actions?+

Reflex arcs bypass the brain and are processed directly by the spinal cord. The signal travels a shorter pathway — receptor to sensory neuron to spinal cord to motor neuron to effector — saving time. Voluntary actions require processing in the forebrain (cerebrum), which takes longer. This speed is crucial for protective responses like withdrawing from a hot object.

What are the five main plant hormones and their functions?+

Auxin: promotes cell elongation, phototropism and geotropism. Gibberellin: promotes stem elongation and seed germination. Cytokinin: promotes cell division and delays leaf ageing. Abscisic acid: closes stomata during water stress and inhibits growth. Ethylene: promotes fruit ripening. This table is a high-frequency 3-mark question.

How should I prepare for case-based questions in Control and Coordination?+

Read the passage carefully, underline key terms (hormone names, gland names, symptoms), and map them to NCERT concepts. Answer in your own words, do not copy the passage. Practise case studies from CBSE sample papers and previous years' boards. Common themes include diabetes (insulin), goitre (iodine, thyroxine), phototropism experiments (auxin) and stress responses (adrenaline).

What is the role of iodine in human health related to this chapter?+

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroxine hormone by the thyroid gland. Thyroxine regulates metabolism, growth and development. Deficiency of iodine leads to goitre (enlarged thyroid gland) and stunted growth. This is a common 2-mark question. Always mention the gland (thyroid), hormone (thyroxine) and deficiency disease (goitre).

How do I score full marks in diagram-based questions?+

Use a sharp pencil and draw to a reasonable scale. Label all parts with straight lines (not arrows) pointing precisely to the structure. Write labels neatly and spell them correctly (e.g. 'dendrite', not 'dendrit'). In reflex arc diagrams, show the direction of nerve impulse with arrows. Practise each diagram at least five times before the exam.

What is the difference between nervous and hormonal coordination?+

Nervous coordination uses electrical impulses transmitted via neurons; it is fast (milliseconds), short-lived and precise (e.g. reflex actions, voluntary movements). Hormonal coordination uses chemical messengers (hormones) carried by blood; it is slower (seconds to minutes), long-lasting and affects multiple organs (e.g. growth, metabolism, stress response). This is a popular 3-mark comparison question.

Can CBSETUTOR.ai help me practise Control and Coordination diagrams?+

Yes. Upload a photo of your hand-drawn neuron, reflex arc or brain diagram, and the AI tutor will check your labels, arrow directions and structure. You will get instant feedback on what is correct and what needs correction. You can also request step-by-step drawing guides and additional practice questions. All this is included in the ₹999/month subscription for Classes 6-12, with a 3-day free trial.

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Important Questions: CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 6 Control and Coordination

Key takeaways

Chapter Overview and Marks Weightage in CBSE Board Exam

1-Mark Questions (Multiple Choice and Very Short Answer)

2-Mark Questions (Short Answer Type)

3-Mark Questions (Structured Short Answer)

5-Mark Questions and Case-Based Integrated Questions

More 5-Mark Questions with Model Answers

Third 5-Mark Question: Case Study on Plant Hormones

How CBSE Frames Questions from Control and Coordination

Common Mistakes Students Make and How to Avoid Them

How CBSETUTOR.ai Helps You Master Control and Coordination

Frequently asked questions

Related resources

Keep learning — related guides

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