CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 7 How Do Organisms Reproduce — 20 MCQs with Answers

Asexual reproduction allows a single organism to produce offspring without gamete fusion, maintaining genetic identity. NCERT describes six primary modes: binary fission (Amoeba, bacteria), multiple fission (Plasmodium), budding (Hydra, yeast), fragmentation (Spirogyra), regeneration (Planaria, starfish), vegetative propagation (potato, rose, bryophyllum), and spore formation (Rhizopus, ferns). Board exam MCQs often ask which organism uses which method, or present a diagram and ask the mode. Understanding the distinguishing feature of each mode is critical — binary fission produces two equal-sized individuals; budding forms an unequal bud; fragmentation requires each fragment to regenerate missing parts; spores are covered by resistant walls and dispersed by wind. Vegetative propagation is exploited commercially for rapid plant multiplication, a favourite application-based MCQ theme.

Sexual reproduction in flowering plants involves flower structures, pollination (transfer of pollen from anther to stigma), and fertilisation (fusion of male gamete with egg cell inside the ovule). NCERT Chapter 7 describes the flower as the reproductive unit with male parts (stamen: anther + filament) and female parts (pistil: stigma, style, ovary). Pollination can be self (same flower) or cross (different flower, often insect or wind mediated). After pollination, the pollen tube grows through the style into the ovule, delivering male gametes for fertilisation. The zygote develops into an embryo within the seed, and the ovary matures into a fruit. Board MCQs test labelling of flower diagrams, identifying pollination agents, and sequencing fertilisation steps. Application questions link agricultural practices like hand pollination or hybrid seed production to these concepts.

The human male reproductive system includes testes (sperm and testosterone production), vas deferens (sperm transport), seminal vesicles and prostate (seminal fluid secretion), and penis (sperm delivery). The female system comprises ovaries (egg and hormone production), fallopian tubes (fertilisation site), uterus (embryo implantation and development), and vagina (birth canal). NCERT diagrams label each organ and describe their functions. Board MCQs frequently ask which organ performs which function, or present a labelled diagram requiring identification. Understanding the path of sperm from testis to urethra and the path of egg from ovary through fallopian tube to uterus is essential. Questions also test hormone roles: testosterone in males, oestrogen and progesterone in females.

The menstrual cycle is a 28-day (average) hormonal cycle in females, regulated by oestrogen and progesterone. NCERT outlines four phases: menstruation (days 1-5), follicular phase (egg maturation), ovulation (day 14, egg release), and luteal phase (preparation of uterine lining). If fertilisation does not occur, the lining sheds, causing menstruation. If fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tube, the zygote undergoes cleavage, forms a blastocyst, and implants in the uterine wall. The embryo develops over ~38 weeks, nourished via the placenta. Board MCQs test cycle timing, hormone roles, implantation site, and placenta functions. Assertion-reason questions often link menstruation to hormone withdrawal or pregnancy prevention.

Reproductive health encompasses family planning, prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), safe motherhood, and awareness of rights under the POCSO Act. NCERT lists contraceptive methods: barrier (condoms), chemical (pills, IUDs), surgical (vasectomy, tubectomy), and natural (rhythm, withdrawal). Condoms also prevent STIs like HIV/AIDS, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. The POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act 2012 criminalises sexual abuse of minors, a topic introduced in NCERT for social awareness. Board MCQs test types of contraception, their mechanisms, STI prevention, and legal awareness. Application questions ask which method prevents both pregnancy and disease, or the most effective permanent method.

The CBSE board paper now includes assertion-reason (A-R) MCQs worth 20 per cent of the marks. Each A-R question has two statements: an assertion and a reason. You must decide if both are true, and if the reason correctly explains the assertion. Common reproduction A-R themes: 'DNA copying is essential in reproduction' (reason: maintains species characteristics), 'Variation is advantageous' (reason: aids adaptation), 'Bisexual flowers can self-pollinate' (reason: contain both organs). HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) MCQs ask you to apply, analyse, or evaluate. For instance, given a scenario where all Rhizopus spores are genetically identical, predict the impact of environmental change. Or compare the survival advantage of sexual over asexual reproduction in changing climates. Practising these sharpens analytical skills and saves time in the exam.

In the 2025 CBSE Class 10 Science Theory paper, MCQs constitute 20 marks (20 questions × 1 mark). Chapter 7 typically contributes 2-3 MCQs. Time management is critical: aim for 30-40 seconds per MCQ to leave time for long answers. Read the question stem carefully before looking at options — many students rush and misread 'NOT' or 'EXCEPT'. Eliminate obviously wrong options first; often two choices are easily incorrect. For assertion-reason MCQs, evaluate the assertion independently, then the reason, then their linkage. If unsure, mark and return later; there is no negative marking, so never leave a question blank. Practise NCERT diagrams thoroughly — board papers often lift diagrams directly. Finally, revise the one-word or one-line answers in NCERT exercise questions; these form the backbone of MCQ content. Using CBSETUTOR.ai, students can snap a photo of any MCQ doubt and get instant, step-by-step explanations aligned with NCERT, all for a flat ₹999 per month across classes 6-12 with a 3-day free trial — a reliable 24×7 tutor in your pocket.

Analysis of previous board papers reveals recurring errors. First, students confuse asexual modes: calling budding 'fission' or mixing up fragmentation and regeneration. NCERT distinguishes them clearly — fragmentation breaks the organism into fragments that grow into new individuals (Spirogyra), while regeneration is the ability to regrow lost parts (Planaria, starfish). Second, flower part functions are often misremembered: ovary becomes seed (wrong — ovule becomes seed, ovary becomes fruit). Third, in the menstrual cycle, students mix up the hormones regulating each phase. Fourth, contraceptive method classification is confused — Copper-T is an IUD (intrauterine device), not a barrier method. Fifth, assertion-reason MCQs are rushed; students mark (A) without checking if the reason genuinely explains the assertion. Systematic NCERT reading and diagrammatic revision eliminate these errors. Creating a one-page summary of all modes of reproduction, flower parts, and contraceptive types is an excellent pre-exam tool.