CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 5 Life Processes Important Questions 2027
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41 questions from Life Processes appeared in 6 of the 7 CBSE papers we analysed (2022–2026) — here are the topics that matter, the questions that repeat, and every previous-year question from this chapter.
Key facts
- World of Living unit — 25 marks in the official syllabus
- Asked in 6 of 7 analysed papers (2022–2026)
- About 5.9 questions per paper (OR alternatives counted separately)
- 9 question patterns repeated across papers
Important topics in Life Processes
| # | Topic | Asked in | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutrition in animals (human digestive system) | Board 2023Board 2024Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★★★☆ |
| 2 | Respiration (aerobic/anaerobic, human respiratory system) | Board 2023Board 2024Board 2025Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 3 | Nutrition in plants (photosynthesis) and experiments | Board 2023Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 4 | Transport in humans (heart, blood circulation, double circulation) | Board 2023Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 5 | Transport in plants (xylem/phloem, transpiration) | Board 2024Board 2025Board 2026Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 6 | Excretion in humans (nephron/kidney) and in plants | Board 2023Board 2026Sample 2025Sample 2026 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Repeated questions from Life Processes
1. Aerobic vs anaerobic glucose breakdown (products/sites/ATP)
4×Board 2023Board 2025Sample 2025Sample 20261/2 marks
Which of the following options indicates the products formed after breakdown of the glucose in our muscle cells when there is lack of oxygen? A. Ethanol + carbon dioxide + Energy B. Lactic acid + Energy C. Lactic acid + carbon monoxide + Energy D. Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy
2. Mechanism of water transport (soil to leaves)
2×Sample 2025Sample 20262/3 marks
Explain the mechanism by which the water is transported in plants.
3. Photosynthesis steps and desert-plant adaptation
3×Board 2023Board 2025Sample 20252/3 marks
[Case: Maintenance functions require energy from food prepared by autotrophs.] State in proper sequence the events that occur in synthesis of food by desert plants.
4. Heart chamber that pumps oxygenated blood
2×Board 2026Sample 20251 marks
In human beings the oxygen rich blood is pumped out to the body by: (A) contraction of right atrium (B) relaxation of left ventricle (C) contraction of right ventricle (D) contraction of left ventricle
5. Role of digestive substances/enzymes
2×Board 2024Sample 20252 marks
Attempt either option A or B. B. Explain the role of the following enzymes in the process of digestion of food in humans: (i) Salivary amylase (ii) Pepsin (iii) Trypsin (iv) Lipase
6. Balanced equation and events of photosynthesis
2×Board 2025Board 20261/5 marks
(a) Draw a labelled diagram showing open and closed stomatal pore. (b) List the main events that occur during the process of photo-synthesis. (c) Write a balanced chemical equation showing photo-synthesis in plants.
7. Saprophytic (extracellular) nutrition identification
2×Board 2023Board 20261 marks
Observe the given figure and select the statement that correctly states how these fungi obtain nutrition. (A) By eating the bread on which it is growing. (B) By using nutrients from the bread to prepare their own food. (C) By breaking down the nutrients of bread outside the body and then absorbing them. (D) By allowing other organisms to grow on the bread and then consuming them.
8. Nephron structure and function
2×Board 2023Board 20262/5 marks
(a) Draw a well-labelled diagram of nephron and label atleast 4 of its parts. (b) Write the role of capillary cluster inside Bowman's capsule. (c) What is meant by selective reabsorption?
9. Blood clotting to prevent blood loss
2×Board 2023Board 20251/2 marks
Besides minimising the loss of blood, why is it essential to plug any leak in a blood vessel ? Name the component of blood which helps in this process and state how this component performs this function.
Life Processes questions by paper
| Paper | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Board 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| Board 2023 | 8 | 15 |
| Board 2024 | 4 | 7 |
| Board 2025 | 8 | 12 |
| Sample 2025 | 7 | 12 |
| Board 2026 | 5 | 14 |
| Sample 2026 | 9 | 14 |
Counts include both options of internal-choice (OR) questions.
Previous year questions: Life Processes
Board 2026 5 questions
Observe the given figure and select the statement that correctly states how these fungi obtain nutrition. (A) By eating the bread on which it is growing. (B) By using nutrients from the bread to prepare their own food. (C) By breaking down the nutrients of bread outside the body and then absorbing them. (D) By allowing other organisms to grow on the bread and then consuming them.
In human beings the oxygen rich blood is pumped out to the body by: (A) contraction of right atrium (B) relaxation of left ventricle (C) contraction of right ventricle (D) contraction of left ventricle
"Transpiration in plants is a necessary evil." Comment on the statement giving two reasons.
(a) Draw a labelled diagram showing open and closed stomatal pore. (b) List the main events that occur during the process of photo-synthesis. (c) Write a balanced chemical equation showing photo-synthesis in plants.
(a) Draw a well-labelled diagram of nephron and label atleast 4 of its parts. (b) Write the role of capillary cluster inside Bowman's capsule. (c) What is meant by selective reabsorption?
Sample 2026 9 questions
Select the group in which all organisms have the same mode of nutrition. A. Cuscuta, yeast, legumes, leeches and tapeworm B. Cactus, ticks, lice, leeches and cow C. Cuscuta, ticks, lice, leeches and tapeworm D. Cactus, grass, lice, lion and tapeworm
Which of the following options indicates the products formed after breakdown of the glucose in our muscle cells when there is lack of oxygen? A. Ethanol + carbon dioxide + Energy B. Lactic acid + Energy C. Lactic acid + carbon monoxide + Energy D. Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy
[case context] Neha consumed boiled sweet potatoes and boiled eggs for breakfast; questions explore steps in the digestion of this food. C. Which of these food items is rich in starch? How is its digestion initiated?
[case context] Neha consumed boiled sweet potatoes and boiled eggs for breakfast; questions explore steps in the digestion of this food. D. The figure given below represents parts of the human alimentary canal (parts labelled L, M, N, O and P). Which of these parts will have the maximum amount of digested food as soon as the process of digestion is completed? (For visually impaired students: How will the digested food be taken up by the alimentary canal?)
Unlike animals, plants do not have any excretory products as they do not eat food. Comment upon the statement with justification.
How many chambers are there in the heart of the following organisms? How is mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood prevented in their body? (i) Fishes (ii) Humans
Explain the mechanism by which the water is transported in plants.
[case context] Neha consumed boiled sweet potatoes and boiled eggs for breakfast; questions explore steps in the digestion of this food. Attempt either subpart A or B. A. Which of these food items is rich in proteins? In which part of the alimentary canal is the digestion of this component initiated? Name the enzymes, conditions required and the glands associated with the digestion here.
[case context] Neha consumed boiled sweet potatoes and boiled eggs for breakfast; questions explore steps in the digestion of this food. B. Which of these food items contains fats? How is it digested?
Board 2025 8 questions
Secretion of less saliva in mouth will effect the conversion of : (A) proteins into amino acids (B) fats into fatty acids and glycerol (C) starch into simple sugars (D) sugars into alcohol
The breakdown of glucose has taken the following pathway : Glucose --(a)--> Pyruvate + Energy --(b)--> Lactic acid + Energy. The sites 'a' and 'b' respectively are : (A) Mitochondria and Oxygen deficient muscle cells (B) Cytoplasm and Oxygen rich muscle cells (C) Cytoplasm and Yeast cells (D) Cytoplasm and Oxygen deficient muscle cells
[Case: Maintenance functions of all living organisms must go on continuously; these processes require energy obtained from food prepared by autotrophs (producers).] Name and define the process by which green plants prepare food.
[Case: Maintenance functions require energy from food prepared by autotrophs.] Write chemical equation involved in the above process (photosynthesis).
Besides minimising the loss of blood, why is it essential to plug any leak in a blood vessel ? Name the component of blood which helps in this process and state how this component performs this function.
(i) The transport system in plants is relatively slower than in animals. Give reasons. (ii) State the role of phloem in the transport of materials in plants.
[Case: Maintenance functions require energy from food prepared by autotrophs.] State in proper sequence the events that occur in synthesis of food by desert plants.
[Case: Maintenance functions require energy from food prepared by autotrophs.] Explain giving reasons what happens to the rate at which the green plants will prepare food (I) during cloudy weather, and (II) when stomata get blocked due to dust.
Sample 2025 7 questions
During cellular oxidation of Glucose, ATP is produced along with formation of other products in this reaction. Which of the following events is associated with production of maximum ATP molecules per molecule of Glucose during this process? Synthesis of A. ethanol in yeast B. lactic acid in muscle cells C. carbon dioxide in yeast cells D. carbon dioxide in human cells
During which of the following stages of the circulation of blood in a normal human being, the oxygenated blood is pumped to all parts of the body? A. contraction of the left atrium B. contraction of left ventricle C. relaxation of the right atrium D. relaxation of the right ventricle
Which of the following adaptations in herbivores helps in digestions of cellulose? A. Longer large intestine B. Smaller large intestine C. Smaller small intestine D. Longer small intestine
Differentiate between alveoli and nephron on the basis of the following points: (1) Structure and location; (2) Function.
Attempt either option A or B. A. List the steps for the synthesis of glucose by the plants. What special feature is found in desert plants related to this process?
Attempt either option A or B. B. Explain the role of the following enzymes in the process of digestion of food in humans: (i) Salivary amylase (ii) Pepsin (iii) Trypsin (iv) Lipase
Water is used by the leaves of the plants for photosynthesis but rather than watering the leaves, we water the plant through the soil. How does this water reach the leaves of the plant?
Board 2024 4 questions
A stomata closes when: (i) it needs carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. (ii) it does not need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. (iii) water flows out of the guard cells. (iv) water flows into the guard cells. The correct reason(s) in this process is/are: (a) (i) only (b) (i) and (iii) (c) (ii) and (iii) (d) (ii) and (iv)
Assertion (A): The rate of breathing in aquatic organisms is much faster than in terrestrial organisms. Reason (R): The amount of oxygen dissolved in water is very high as compared to the amount of oxygen in air. Select the correct answer from codes: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. (c) A is true, but R is false. (d) A is false, but R is true.
State one role of each of the following in human digestive system: (i) Hydrochloric acid (ii) Villi (iii) Anal Sphincter (iv) Lipase
(i) Why is respiratory pigment needed in multicellular organisms with large body size? (ii) Give reasons for the following: (a) Rings of cartilage are present in the throat. (b) Lungs always contain a residual volume of air. (c) The diaphragm flattens and ribs are lifted up when we breathe in. (d) Walls of alveoli contain an extensive network of blood vessels.
Board 2023 8 questions
An organism which breaks down the food material outside the body and then absorbs it is (a) a plant parasite, Cuscuta (b) an animal parasite, Tapeworm (c) a bacteria, Rhizobium (d) a fungi, Rhizopus
Consider the following statements about small intestine and select the one which is NOT correct: (a) The length of the small intestine in animals differs as it depends on the type of food they eat. (b) The small intestine is the site of complete digestion of food. (c) The small intestine receives secretions from liver and pancreas. (d) The villi of the small intestine absorb water from the unabsorbed food before it gets removed from the body via the anus.
Assertion (A): Blood clotting prevents excessive loss of blood. Reason (R): Blood clotting is due to blood plasma and white blood cells present in the blood. Options: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). (b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). (c) (A) is true, but (R) is false. (d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Name the type of blood (oxygenated / deoxygenated) transported by each of the following mentioning the path (i.e. from one organ (which place) to another (which place)): (i) Vena cava (ii) Pulmonary artery.
With the help of a schematic flow chart, show the breakdown of glucose in a cell to provide energy - (i) in the presence of oxygen (ii) in lack of oxygen.
Name the part of the human excretory system where nephrons are found. Write the structure and function of nephrons.
(i) State the role of ATP in cellular respiration. (ii) What ensures sufficient exchange of gases in plants? (iii) State the conditions on which the direction of diffusion of gases in plant depend upon.
(i) What is the internal energy reserve in plants and animals? (ii) How desert plants perform photosynthesis if their stomata remain closed during the day?
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important topics in CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 5 Life Processes?
By how often and how recently they were asked: Nutrition in animals (human digestive system); Respiration (aerobic/anaerobic, human respiratory system); Nutrition in plants (photosynthesis) and experiments.
How many marks does Life Processes carry in the CBSE Class 10 Science exam?
Life Processes is part of the World of Living unit, which carries 25 marks in the official syllabus. In the analysed papers it had about 5.9 questions per paper.
Do questions from Life Processes repeat in board exams?
Yes — 9 question patterns from this chapter appeared in two or more past board or official sample papers. They are listed on this page with the years they were asked.