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.

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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

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.