CBSE Class 10 Science Revision Notes Chapter 7 How do Organisms Reproduce 2026–27
Reproduction is the process by which organisms produce new individuals of their own kind. In CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 7, students study DNA copying, variation, asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction and reproductive health.
How do Organisms Reproduce? explains how living organisms continue their species. Reproduction is not needed for the survival of one individual, but it is needed for the survival of a species.
Use these CBSE Class 10 Science Revision Notes Chapter 7 for the 2026–27 academic year to revise DNA copying, variation, fission, budding, flowering plant reproduction and the human reproductive system. Focus on process flow, differences and important terms from the NCERT chapter.
Key Takeaways
- DNA copying: Reproduction begins with copying DNA, which carries body design information.
- Variation: Small differences during DNA copying help species survive changing conditions.
- Asexual reproduction: One parent produces new individuals through fission, budding, fragmentation or spores.
- Sexual reproduction: Two germ-cells combine to form a zygote with new combinations of variation.
Struggling with DNA copying, reproduction types, flower diagrams and human reproductive systems?
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CBSE Class 10 Science Revision Notes Chapter 7 on How do Organisms Reproduce: Chapter Overview
Reproduction creates new individuals that look similar to their parents. This happens because organisms pass body design information from one generation to the next.
| Concept | Meaning | Example |
| Reproduction | Formation of new individuals | Humans producing children |
| DNA copying | Making a copy of genetic material | Cell preparing for division |
| Variation | Small difference in new individuals | Heat-resistant bacteria |
| Asexual reproduction | Reproduction from one parent | Amoeba dividing into two |
| Sexual reproduction | Reproduction involving two germ-cells | Human reproduction |
Reproduction keeps populations stable over time. It also creates variation, which helps species survive when surroundings change.
Important Topics in CBSE Notes Class 10 Science Chapter 7
Class 10 Science Chapter 7 Notes include asexual and sexual modes of reproduction. The chapter also explains why DNA copying and variation are linked with evolution.
| Important Topic | What to Revise | Key Terms |
| DNA copying | Copying of body design information | DNA, chromosomes, proteins |
| Variation | Differences produced during reproduction | Survival, evolution |
| Asexual reproduction | New individuals from one parent | Fission, budding, spores |
| Sexual reproduction | Fusion of male and female gametes | Gamete, zygote, fertilisation |
| Flowering plants | Reproductive parts of flowers | Stamen, pistil, ovule |
| Human reproduction | Male and female reproductive systems | Testes, ovaries, uterus |
| Reproductive health | Safe reproduction and contraception | Condom, oral pills, copper-T |
The chapter has several diagram-based topics. Revise the flower, male reproductive system and female reproductive system with labelled parts.
How do Organisms Reproduce Class 10 Notes: DNA Copying and Variation
DNA is the information source for making proteins. Proteins control body design, so DNA copying is a basic event in reproduction.
DNA Copying in Class 10 Science Chapter 7 Notes
DNA is present in chromosomes inside the nucleus. During reproduction, the cell makes a copy of its DNA before division.
| Step | What Happens |
| 1 | DNA in the parent cell gets copied |
| 2 | Two copies of DNA are formed |
| 3 | Additional cellular apparatus is made |
| 4 | DNA copies separate |
| 5 | One cell divides into two cells |
The two new cells are similar, but they may not be exactly identical. Small copying changes can create variation.
Importance of Variation in Reproduction Notes
Variation means differences between individuals of the same species. It appears because DNA copying is not always perfectly exact.
| Role of Variation | Explanation |
| Helps survival | Some individuals may survive changed conditions |
| Supports evolution | Useful variations can continue over generations |
| Maintains species | Populations can adjust to environmental changes |
If water temperature rises, most bacteria may die. A few heat-resistant bacteria may survive and multiply.
Variation may not always benefit one individual. It is useful for the survival of a species over time.
Asexual Reproduction in CBSE Class 10 Science Revision Notes Chapter 7
Asexual reproduction involves only one parent. New individuals are produced without the fusion of male and female gametes.
| Feature | Asexual Reproduction |
| Number of parents | One |
| Gamete fusion | Absent |
| Variation | Less |
| Common in | Unicellular organisms and some simple multicellular organisms |
Asexual reproduction can happen through fission, fragmentation, regeneration, budding, vegetative propagation and spore formation.
Fission in How do Organisms Reproduce Class 10 Notes
Fission is a mode of asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms. One organism divides to form new individuals.
| Type of Fission | Meaning | Example |
| Binary fission | One cell divides into two daughter cells | Amoeba, Leishmania |
| Multiple fission | One cell divides into many daughter cells | Plasmodium |
In Amoeba, binary fission can occur in any plane. In Leishmania, binary fission occurs in a definite orientation because of its body structure.
Plasmodium divides into many daughter cells at the same time. This process is called multiple fission.
Fragmentation and Regeneration in Class 10 Science Chapter 7 Notes
Fragmentation occurs when a simple multicellular organism breaks into pieces. Each fragment grows into a new individual.
| Process | Meaning | Example |
| Fragmentation | Body breaks into pieces and each piece grows | Spirogyra |
| Regeneration | Body part grows into a complete organism | Hydra, Planaria |
Regeneration is carried out by specialised cells. These cells divide, form many cells and develop into different tissues.
Regeneration is not the same as reproduction in all organisms. Most organisms do not normally reproduce by being cut into pieces.
Budding, Vegetative Propagation and Spore Formation
Budding, vegetative propagation and spore formation are common asexual methods. They use different body parts or specialised structures.
| Method | How It Happens | Example |
| Budding | A bud grows on the parent body and detaches | Hydra, yeast |
| Vegetative propagation | Root, stem or leaf develops into a new plant | Potato, Bryophyllum |
| Spore formation | Spores develop into new individuals | Rhizopus |
In Hydra, a bud develops due to repeated cell division at one site. The bud matures, detaches and becomes a new individual.
In Bryophyllum, buds grow in the notches of leaves. These buds fall on the soil and develop into new plants.
In Rhizopus, spores are present inside sporangia. Thick walls protect spores until they reach a moist surface.
Sexual Reproduction in How do Organisms Reproduce Class 10 Notes
Sexual reproduction involves two individuals. Male and female gametes combine to form a new individual.
Why Sexual Reproduction Creates Variation
Sexual reproduction combines DNA from two different individuals. This creates new combinations of variations.
| Asexual Reproduction | Sexual Reproduction |
| Involves one parent | Involves two parents |
| No gamete fusion | Gamete fusion occurs |
| Produces less variation | Produces more variation |
| Faster in many organisms | More complex process |
Sexual reproduction helps generate more variation. Variation supports the survival of species in changing environments.
Male and Female Gametes in Class 10 Science Chapter 7 Notes
Gametes are reproductive cells. Male and female gametes have half the number of chromosomes.
| Gamete Type | Feature |
| Male gamete | Usually smaller and motile |
| Female gamete | Larger and contains food store |
| Zygote | Formed after fusion of gametes |
When male and female gametes fuse, the normal chromosome number is restored. The zygote then develops into a new individual.
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants Class 10 Notes
Flowers are the reproductive parts of angiosperms. Stamens and pistil contain the germ-cells.
Parts of a Flower and Their Functions
A flower may be unisexual or bisexual. A unisexual flower has either stamen or pistil, while a bisexual flower has both.
| Flower Part | Function |
| Sepals | Protect the flower bud |
| Petals | Attract pollinating agents |
| Stamen | Male reproductive part |
| Anther | Produces pollen grains |
| Pistil | Female reproductive part |
| Ovary | Contains ovules |
| Stigma | Receives pollen grains |
| Style | Connects stigma to ovary |
The stamen produces pollen grains. The pistil contains stigma, style and ovary.
Each ovule has an egg cell. The male germ-cell from pollen fuses with the female gamete present in the ovule.
Pollination, Fertilisation, Seed Formation and Germination
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from anther to stigma. Fertilisation is the fusion of male and female germ-cells.
| Process | Meaning |
| Self-pollination | Pollen transfer within the same flower |
| Cross-pollination | Pollen transfer from one flower to another |
| Fertilisation | Fusion of male and female gametes |
| Seed formation | Ovule develops into seed |
| Germination | Seed develops into a seedling |
After pollen lands on a suitable stigma, a pollen tube grows through the style. It carries the male germ-cell to the ovary.
After fertilisation, the zygote divides many times and forms an embryo inside the ovule. The ovule becomes a seed and the ovary becomes a fruit.
Human Reproduction in CBSE Notes Class 10 Science Chapter 7
Humans reproduce by sexual reproduction. Male and female reproductive systems produce gametes and support fertilisation.
Puberty is the period when reproductive tissues begin to mature. It brings physical changes in boys and girls.
Male Reproductive System in Class 10 Science Chapter 7 Notes
The male reproductive system produces sperms and transfers them to the female reproductive tract.
| Part | Function |
| Testes | Produce sperms and testosterone |
| Scrotum | Keeps testes outside abdominal cavity |
| Vas deferens | Transports sperms |
| Seminal vesicles | Add fluid for sperm transport and nutrition |
| Prostate gland | Adds secretion to sperm fluid |
| Urethra | Common passage for urine and sperms |
| Penis | Transfers sperms into the female body |
Sperm formation needs a lower temperature than normal body temperature. This is why testes are present in the scrotum.
Testosterone regulates sperm formation. It also brings changes seen in boys during puberty.
Female Reproductive System in Class 10 Science Chapter 7 Notes
The female reproductive system produces eggs and supports embryo development.
| Part | Function |
| Ovaries | Produce eggs and hormones |
| Fallopian tubes | Carry egg from ovary to uterus |
| Uterus | Supports embryo development |
| Cervix | Lower opening of uterus |
| Vagina | Receives sperms during sexual intercourse |
One egg is produced every month by one of the ovaries after puberty. The egg travels through the fallopian tube.
The uterus has a thick lining with blood supply. This prepares it to receive and nourish an embryo.
Fertilisation, Implantation and Placenta
Fertilisation occurs when sperm fuses with the egg. In humans, this usually happens in the fallopian tube.
| Stage | What Happens |
| Fertilisation | Sperm and egg fuse to form zygote |
| Cell division | Zygote divides to form embryo |
| Implantation | Embryo attaches to uterus lining |
| Placenta formation | Embryo receives nutrition from mother |
| Birth | Child is born after about nine months |
The placenta helps in exchange between mother and embryo. It provides a large surface area for glucose and oxygen transfer.
Wastes from the developing embryo also pass into the mother’s blood through the placenta.
Menstruation and Reproductive Health in Class 10 Science Chapter 7 Notes
Menstruation occurs when the egg is not fertilised. The thick lining of the uterus breaks down and comes out through the vagina.
| Process | Meaning |
| Ovulation | Release of egg from ovary |
| Menstruation | Breakdown and removal of uterus lining |
| Menstrual cycle | Monthly cycle linked with egg release and uterus preparation |
Menstruation usually lasts for about two to eight days. It takes place roughly every month.
Reproductive health includes physical and mental readiness for reproduction. It also includes protection from infections and unwanted pregnancy.
Contraceptive Methods in How do Organisms Reproduce Class 10 Notes
Contraception helps avoid pregnancy. Different methods act in different ways.
| Method | How It Works |
| Condoms | Create a mechanical barrier |
| Oral pills | Change hormonal balance to prevent egg release |
| Copper-T | Prevents pregnancy inside the uterus |
| Surgical methods | Block sperm or egg transport |
Condoms can help reduce transmission of many sexually transmitted infections. Oral pills and copper-T do not protect from such infections.
Prenatal sex determination is prohibited by law. A healthy society needs a balanced female-male sex ratio.
Important Points of How do Organisms Reproduce Class 10 Notes
These quick points cover the main facts from Science Notes for Chapter 7 How do Organisms Reproduce Class 10.
| Concept | Important Point |
| Reproduction | Produces new individuals of the same species |
| DNA copying | Transfers body design information |
| Variation | Helps species survive environmental changes |
| Binary fission | One cell divides into two daughter cells |
| Multiple fission | One cell divides into many daughter cells |
| Regeneration | Body part grows into a complete organism |
| Vegetative propagation | New plants grow from root, stem or leaf |
| Pollination | Pollen transfer from anther to stigma |
| Fertilisation | Fusion of male and female gametes |
| Zygote | First cell formed after fertilisation |
| Placenta | Transfers nutrition and oxygen to embryo |
| Menstruation | Removal of uterus lining when egg is not fertilised |
| Contraception | Methods used to avoid pregnancy |
Useful Links for Class 10 Science
| Section | Useful Links |
| NCERT Solutions | NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science |
| Important Questions | Important Questions Class 10 Science |
| Previous Year Papers | CBSE Science Question Paper Class 10 |
| NCERT Books | NCERT Books for Class 10 Science |
| Revision Notes | CBSE Class 10 Science Revision Notes |
| Syllabus | CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus |
| Sample Papers | CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 Science |
CBSE Class 10 Science Revision Notes
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
DNA copying is important because DNA carries body design information. During reproduction, copied DNA passes this information to new cells or offspring. Small changes during copying can also create variation.
Binary fission forms two daughter cells from one parent cell. Multiple fission forms many daughter cells at the same time. Amoeba shows binary fission, while Plasmodium shows multiple fission.
Variation is useful because it helps some individuals survive changed conditions. If the environment changes suddenly, individuals with helpful variations may live and reproduce. This supports survival of the species.
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from anther to stigma. Fertilisation is the fusion of male and female gametes. Pollination happens before fertilisation in flowering plants.
Menstruation occurs when the egg is not fertilised. The thick uterus lining is no longer needed, so it breaks down and comes out through the vagina as blood and mucus.
