Control and Coordination is Chapter 6 of Class 10 Science. It explains how living organisms detect changes in their environment and respond to them. In animals, the nervous system and endocrine system manage these responses. In plants, hormones coordinate growth and movement.
Class 10 science chapter 6 important questions with answers cover two broad systems: the nervous system in animals and chemical coordination through hormones in both plants and animals. CBSE 2026 board questions on this chapter test reflex arcs, brain structure and function, plant tropisms, and endocrine glands.
CBSE Important Questions Class 10 Science Chapter 6
Q.
The kidneys in human beings are a part of the system for
(a) nutrition.
(b)Â respiration.
(c) excretion.
(d) transportation.
Q.
The xylem in plants are responsible for
- transport of water.
- transport of food.
- transport of amino acids.
- transport of oxygen.
Q.
The autotrophic mode of nutrition requires
- carbon dioxide and water.
- chlorophyll.
- sunlight.
- all of the above.
Q.
The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon dioxide, water and energy takes place in
- cytoplasm.     Â
- mitochondria.
- chloroplast.
- nucleus.
Q.
How are fats digested in our bodies? Where does this process take place?
Q.
What is the role of saliva in the digestion of the food?
Q.
What are the necessary conditions for autotrophic nutrition and what are its by products?
Q.
What are the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Name some organisms that use the anaerobic mode of respiration.
Q.
How are the alveoli designed to maximise the exchange of gases?
Q.
What would be the consequences of a deficiency of haemoglobin in our bodies?
Q.
Describe double circulation in human beings. Why is it necessary?
Q.
What are the differences between the transport of materials in xylem and phloem?
Q.
Compare the functioning of alveoli in lungs and nephrons in the kidneys with respect to their structure and functioning.
Important Questions for Class 10 Science Chapter 6 on this page follow the NCERT chapter flow. Students who understand the chapter sequence and practise questions topic by topic score better on both short and long answer questions.
Key Takeaways
| What to Know |
Details |
| Chapter Name |
Control and Coordination |
| Class |
10 |
| Subject |
Science (Biology) |
| Topics Covered |
Nervous system, reflex action, human brain, plant coordination, tropic movements, plant hormones, animal hormones, endocrine glands, feedback mechanism |
| Question Types on This Page |
MCQ, Very Short Answer, Short Answer, Long Answer, PYQs |
| Marks Weightage |
5-8 marks typically in CBSE board exams |
| NCERT Chapter |
Chapter 6, Science Class 10 (Reprint 2026-27) |
Introduction to Class 10 Science Chapter 6
Chapter 6 is about one central question: how do living things respond to their surroundings? Plants bend toward light, your hand pulls away from a hot surface before your brain even registers pain, and insulin brings blood sugar back to normal after a meal. All of these are coordination at work.
Three concept areas carry the most board marks. Nervous system class 10 important questions test neuron structure, synapse function, and the reflex arc. Brain-based questions test the three regions and their specific roles. Hormone-based questions test the gland, hormone, and function for both plants and animals.
The chapter also tests difference tables, which carry 2 to 3 marks each. Practise writing the nervous vs hormonal control table, reflex vs voluntary action, and endocrine vs exocrine glands before attempting long answers.
Important Topics in Class 10 Science Chapter 6
Every board question from this chapter maps to one of these areas. Use this checklist: tick each topic only after you can answer a 3-mark question on it without looking at notes.
| Topic |
What to Focus On |
Common Board Question Type |
| Animals and Nervous System |
Neuron structure, impulse transmission, synapse |
1-mark, 3-mark |
| Reflex Action and Reflex Arc |
Definition, pathway, spinal cord role |
2-mark, 3-mark |
| Human Brain |
Forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain functions |
3-mark, 5-mark |
| Protection of Nervous Tissue |
Cranium, cerebrospinal fluid, vertebral column |
1-mark |
| Coordination in Plants |
Absence of nervous system, chemical signalling |
2-mark |
| Immediate Response to Stimulus |
Touch-me-not plant, water movement in cells |
2-mark |
| Movement Due to Growth |
Tropic movements, phototropism, geotropism |
3-mark |
| Plant Hormones |
Auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, abscisic acid |
2-mark, 3-mark |
| Hormones in Animals |
Adrenaline, insulin, thyroxin, testosterone, oestrogen |
3-mark, 5-mark |
| Endocrine Glands |
Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads |
1-mark, 3-mark |
| Feedback Mechanism |
Insulin-glucose regulation as example |
2-mark, 3-mark |
Nervous System Class 10 Important Questions
The nervous system is the most heavily tested topic in this chapter. Expect at least one question on neuron structure and one on how impulses travel in every CBSE 2026 board paper.
Q1. What is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system? The neuron (nerve cell) is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system.
Q2. Name the three parts of a neuron. The three parts of a neuron are the cell body (cyton), dendrites, and axon.
Q3. How does an electrical impulse travel through a neuron? An impulse begins at the dendritic tip as a chemical reaction. It travels to the cell body and then along the axon. At the axon's end, the electrical impulse causes the release of chemicals. These chemicals cross the synapse and start a similar impulse in the next neuron.
Q4. What is a synapse? What is its role? A synapse is the microscopic gap between two adjacent neurons. Chemicals released at the end of one neuron cross the synapse and trigger an electrical impulse in the dendrite of the next neuron. This allows nerve signals to travel from one neuron to another.
Q5. Name the two sets of nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
Q6. The electrical impulse in a neuron travels in which direction? Dendrite → Cell body → Axon → Axonal end.
Reflex Action Class 10 Questions and Reflex Arc
Reflex action questions appear in almost every board paper. These reflex action class 10 questions focus on the pathway and the role of the spinal cord, which are the two most tested aspects.
Q1. What is a reflex action? Give one example. A reflex action is a rapid, automatic response to a stimulus that does not involve conscious thinking. Example: withdrawing a hand immediately after touching a hot object.
Q2. What is a reflex arc? A reflex arc is the pathway followed by a nerve impulse during a reflex action. It connects the receptor to the effector through the spinal cord, without involving the brain in the response.
Q3. Represent the path of a reflex action schematically. Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neuron → Spinal cord (CNS) → Motor neuron → Effector (muscle/gland) → Response.
Q4. What is the role of the brain in a reflex action? The brain plays no direct role in initiating a reflex action. The reflex arc is completed through the spinal cord. However, information about the reflex does reach the brain afterwards, which is why we become aware of what happened.
Q5. What is the difference between a reflex action and walking?
| Reflex Action |
Walking |
| Controlled by the spinal cord |
Controlled by the cerebellum |
| Instantaneous and involuntary |
Involves thought and is voluntary |
| No thinking involved |
Brain coordinates the movement |
Q6. If a person suffers a spinal cord injury, which signals will be disrupted? A spinal cord injury disrupts reflex actions and involuntary actions. Sensory signals from the body to the brain and motor signals from the brain to the body will also be affected.
For more practice on related topics, see Important Questions for Class 10 Science Chapter 7.
Human Brain Important Questions
The human brain section carries 3-mark and 5-mark questions regularly in CBSE 2026 papers. Know the three divisions and the specific function of each part.
Q1. Name the three major regions of the human brain. The three major regions are the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.
Q2. What is the function of the forebrain? The forebrain is the main thinking part of the brain. It receives sensory impulses and processes information related to hearing, smell, sight, and other sensations. It also controls voluntary muscle movements and has a centre for hunger.
Q3. What is the function of the cerebellum? The cerebellum is part of the hindbrain. It is responsible for precision in voluntary actions and for maintaining posture and balance. Activities like walking in a straight line, riding a bicycle, and picking up a pencil depend on the cerebellum.
Q4. Name the part of the brain that controls involuntary actions like blood pressure, salivation, and vomiting. The medulla oblongata in the hindbrain controls these involuntary actions.
Q5. Which part of the brain links the endocrine system with the nervous system? The hypothalamus links the endocrine system with the nervous system. It releases hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland to release its own hormones.
Q6. How is the brain protected in the human body? The brain sits inside a bony box called the cranium. Inside, it is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid that absorbs shocks. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column (backbone).
Q7. Name the four lobes of the cerebrum and their functions. Frontal lobe: associated with reasoning. Parietal lobe: associated with sensations like pressure, touch, and pain. Occipital lobe: associated with visual perception. Temporal lobe: associated with memory and interpretation of sound and language.
Coordination in Plants Important Questions
Plants have no nervous system, yet they respond to stimuli. This distinction is tested frequently in CBSE 2026 papers, both in short answer and as the basis for difference table questions.
Q1. How do plants coordinate without a nervous system? Plants use chemical coordination. Hormones called phytohormones are produced at one place and diffuse to where they act. These chemicals coordinate growth, development, flowering, and responses to the environment.
Q2. What is the difference between the movement of a sensitive plant and the movement of a shoot towards light?
| Movement in Sensitive Plant |
Movement of Shoot Towards Light |
| Growth is not involved |
Growth is involved |
| Caused by change in water content of cells |
Caused by unequal cell elongation due to auxin |
| Very quick |
Comparatively slower |
| Movement is away from source |
Movement is towards the source |
Q3. How does the touch-me-not plant respond to touch? When the touch-me-not plant is touched, plant cells change their shape by altering the amount of water in them. This causes swelling or shrinking of cells, resulting in the leaves folding up and drooping. This movement does not involve growth.
Tropic Movements Class 10 Questions and Plant Hormones
Tropic movements class 10 questions and plant hormones class 10 questions are high-yield topics. Board questions often ask for definitions, examples, and the specific role of auxin. Know each hormone and its function separately.
Q1. What is a tropic movement? Name the types. A tropic movement is the directional movement of a plant part in response to an external stimulus. Types are: phototropism (response to light), geotropism (response to gravity), hydrotropism (response to water), chemotropism (response to chemicals), and thigmotropism (response to touch).
Q2. How does phototropism occur in plants? When light falls from one side, auxin produced at the shoot tip diffuses towards the shaded side. This causes cells on the shaded side to grow longer than those on the lit side. As a result, the shoot bends towards the light source.
Q3. What are plant hormones? Name the main ones. Plant hormones (phytohormones) are chemical substances that coordinate growth, development, and responses to the environment. The main plant hormones are: Auxin (promotes cell elongation; causes phototropism), Gibberellins (promote stem elongation; break seed dormancy), Cytokinin (promotes cell division), Abscisic acid or ABA (inhibits growth; causes wilting; known as the stress hormone), and Ethylene (associated with fruit ripening and leaf fall).
Q4. How do auxins help a tendril grow around a support? When a tendril touches a support, auxin moves away from the contact point. The side away from the support receives more auxin and grows longer. The contact side grows shorter. This difference in growth causes the tendril to curve and wrap around the support.
Q5. Why is abscisic acid called a stress hormone in plants? Abscisic acid inhibits growth instead of promoting it. It is released when the plant faces stress conditions like drought and causes wilting of leaves. This is the opposite of growth-promoting hormones, which is why it is called a stress hormone.
Hormones in Animals Important Questions
Animal hormone questions focus on adrenaline, insulin, thyroxin, and growth hormone. Know the gland, hormone, and function for each before attempting any 3-mark or 5-mark board question.
Q1. What happens in the body when adrenaline is secreted into the blood? Adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal glands in stressful situations. It increases heart rate to supply more oxygen to muscles, reduces blood supply to the digestive system and skin, diverts blood to skeletal muscles, increases breathing rate, and raises blood sugar levels for quick energy.
Q2. Why are some patients of diabetes treated with insulin injections? Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels by converting glucose to glycogen. In diabetic patients, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Injecting insulin helps bring the sugar level back to normal.
Q3. Why is iodised salt recommended in the diet? Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin. Thyroxin regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Without enough iodine, thyroxin production drops, which can lead to goitre: a condition where the thyroid gland swells visibly in the neck.
Q4. Write the function of each hormone.
| Hormone |
Gland |
Function |
| Growth hormone |
Pituitary |
Stimulates growth of all organs |
| Thyroxin |
Thyroid |
Regulates metabolism for body growth |
| Insulin |
Pancreas |
Regulates blood sugar levels |
| Adrenaline |
Adrenal |
Prepares body for emergency response |
| Testosterone |
Testes |
Develops male sex organs; secondary sexual characteristics |
| Oestrogen |
Ovaries |
Develops female sex organs; regulates menstrual cycle |
Q5. How does chemical coordination take place in animals? Chemical coordination in animals is carried out by hormones secreted by endocrine glands. These hormones enter the bloodstream and travel to target organs where they trigger specific responses. The timing and amount of hormone released is controlled by feedback mechanisms.
Endocrine Glands Class 10 Questions and Feedback Mechanism
Endocrine glands class 10 questions and feedback mechanism class 10 questions appear together in 3-mark and 5-mark formats. These two topics are tested both separately and in combination.
Q1. What is the difference between endocrine glands and exocrine glands?
| Endocrine Gland |
Exocrine Gland |
| No ducts |
Have ducts |
| Secrete hormones |
Secrete enzymes |
| Secretion goes into the blood |
Secretion goes into ducts |
| Example: pituitary gland |
Example: salivary gland |
Q2. Why is the pituitary gland called the master gland? The pituitary gland regulates the secretion of other endocrine glands. It produces growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinising hormone, among others. Because it controls the activity of other glands, it is called the master gland.
Q3. How does the feedback mechanism regulate hormone secretion? Give one example. The feedback mechanism ensures hormones are released in the right amount at the right time. When blood sugar rises, the pancreas produces more insulin to bring it down. As blood sugar returns to normal, insulin secretion decreases. This self-regulating loop is an example of negative feedback.
Q4. Name two heterocrine glands and their functions. Pancreas: endocrine function produces insulin and glucagon; exocrine function produces digestive enzymes. Ovaries: endocrine function produces oestrogen and progesterone; exocrine function produces female gametes.
Control and Coordination Class 10 MCQ with Answers
These control and coordination class 10 MCQ questions cover every major concept in Chapter 6. Attempt each before checking the answer.
- The junction between two neurons is called: (a) Axon (b) Synapse (c) Dendrite (d) Impulse (b) Synapse.
- Which of the following is a plant hormone? (a) Insulin (b) Thyroxin (c) Oestrogen (d) Cytokinin (d) Cytokinin.
- The brain is responsible for: (a) Thinking (b) Regulating heartbeat (c) Balancing the body (d) All of the above (d) All of the above.
- Which part of the brain maintains posture and equilibrium of the body? (a) Medulla (b) Cerebrum (c) Cerebellum (d) Hypothalamus (c) Cerebellum.
- The electrical impulse in a neuron travels from: (a) Axon → Dendrite → Cell body (b) Dendrite → Axon → Cell body (c) Dendrite → Cell body → Axon (d) Cell body → Dendrite → Axon (c) Dendrite → Cell body → Axon.
- Which hormone promotes plant growth and causes bending towards light? (a) Cytokinin (b) Abscisic acid (c) Auxin (d) Gibberellin (c) Auxin.
- Which endocrine gland is called the master gland? (a) Thyroid (b) Adrenal (c) Pituitary (d) Pancreas (c) Pituitary.
- The substance responsible for the fall of mature leaves and fruits in plants is: (a) Auxin (b) Gibberellin (c) ABA (d) Cytokinin (c) ABA.
- Which one of the following is a nastic movement in plants? (a) Bending of plants towards light (b) Growing of roots towards gravity (c) Drooping of leaves of touch-me-not on touch (d) Movement of pollen tubes towards chemicals (c) Drooping of leaves of touch-me-not on touch.
- Which part of the brain links the endocrine system with the nervous system? (a) Cerebrum (b) Hypothalamus (c) Medulla (d) Pons (b) Hypothalamus.
Class 10 Science Chapter 6 Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)
Q1. Name the hormone that promotes cell division in plants. Cytokinin promotes cell division.
Q2. Which hormone promotes plant growth and causes stem elongation? Gibberellin promotes stem elongation.
Q3. Name the hormone which inhibits growth and causes wilting of leaves. Abscisic acid (ABA).
Q4. Name one sex hormone each in males and females. Male: Testosterone. Female: Oestrogen.
Q5. Which part of the neuron receives information from the environment? Dendrites receive information.
Q6. Through which part of the neuron does information travel as an electrical impulse? Information travels through the axon.
Q7. Name the fluid that protects the brain inside the skull. Cerebrospinal fluid.
Q8. Which gland secretes adrenaline? The adrenal gland secretes adrenaline.
Q9. Name the hormones secreted by the pancreas. The pancreas secretes insulin and glucagon.
Q10. Which hormone regulates blood sugar level? Insulin regulates blood sugar level.
Class 10 Science Chapter 6 Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
These class 10 science chapter 6 important questions with answers cover the most tested 2-mark and 3-mark formats in CBSE 2026 board papers.
Q1. How are involuntary actions and reflex actions different from each other?
| Involuntary Action |
Reflex Action |
| Set of muscle movements that do not require thinking |
Rapid, spontaneous action in response to a stimulus |
| Controlled by the brain |
Controlled by the spinal cord |
| Example: breathing, digestion |
Example: sudden withdrawal of hand after touching a hot object |
Q2. Why is the use of iodised salt advisable? Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland to synthesise thyroxin. Thyroxin regulates metabolism for body growth and development. Without sufficient iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroxin. This can lead to goitre, a condition where the thyroid gland enlarges.
Q3. What happens at the synapse between two neurons? When an electrical impulse reaches the end of an axon, it triggers the release of chemicals into the synapse. These chemicals cross the gap and bind to receptors on the dendrite of the next neuron. This starts a similar electrical impulse in that neuron.
Q4. How does chemical coordination occur in plants? Plants do not have a nervous system. Instead, they use plant hormones (phytohormones) for coordination. These are synthesised at one location and diffuse to where they act. Auxin produced at the shoot tip moves to the shaded side, causing cells there to grow longer.
Q5. How does the stem of a potted plant placed near a window bend towards light? This movement is phototropism. Auxin, produced at the shoot tip, moves to the shaded side of the stem. This causes cells on the shaded side to elongate faster than cells on the lit side. The unequal growth makes the stem bend towards the light source.
Q6. What is coordination? Give one example. Coordination is the process through which two or more organs work together to adjust the vital activities of a living organism. During stress, the adrenal gland secretes adrenaline which increases breathing rate and heartbeat so more oxygen reaches the muscles.
Class 10 Science Chapter 6 Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
Q1. Compare the nervous and hormonal mechanisms for control and coordination in animals.
| Nervous Control |
Hormonal Control |
| Carried out by the nervous system |
Carried out by hormones |
| Messages travel as electrical signals |
Messages travel as chemical signals |
| Signals travel along nerve fibres |
Signals travel through the bloodstream |
| Response is quick |
Response is slower |
| Short-lasting effect |
Long-lasting effect |
| Not highly specific in reach |
Highly specific: targets particular organs |
Q2. Describe the human nervous system. The human nervous system has two main divisions. The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is the main coordinating centre. The spinal cord handles reflex actions and carries signals between the brain and the body.
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) consists of cranial nerves and spinal nerves. It is further divided into the somatic nervous system (controls voluntary movements) and the autonomic nervous system (controls involuntary functions, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems).
Q3. Describe the structure and function of a neuron. A neuron has three main components. The cell body (cyton) contains the nucleus and cytoplasm and processes the nerve signal. Dendrites are short, branched extensions that receive impulses from other neurons or sense organs. The axon is a long fibre that carries the impulse away from the cell body to the next neuron or to a muscle or gland.
When a receptor detects a stimulus, a chemical reaction at the dendritic tip creates an electrical impulse. The impulse travels: dendrite → cell body → axon → axon tip. At the axon tip, chemicals are released across the synapse to trigger the next neuron.
Class 10 Science Chapter 6 PYQ Questions
These class 10 science chapter 6 PYQ questions have appeared in previous CBSE board exams. Practising them tells you exactly what the examiner expects in terms of format, length, and accuracy.
Q1. What is geotropism? Give one example. Geotropism is the growth of a plant part in response to gravity. Roots grow downward (positive geotropism) and shoots grow upward (negative geotropism).
Q2. Justify: Pituitary is a master endocrine gland. The pituitary gland regulates the secretion of many other endocrine glands. It produces growth hormone, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, and prolactin. Because it controls the activity of other glands, it is called the master gland.
Q3. How do nervous and hormonal systems together perform the functions of control and coordination in human beings? Under stress, the CNS detects the stimulus and stimulates the adrenal gland to release adrenaline. Adrenaline enters the bloodstream and prepares the body by increasing heart rate, breathing rate, and diverting blood to skeletal muscles. This shows how the nervous system (fast, electrical) and hormonal system (slower, chemical) work together for an effective response.
Q4. What is the difference between the movement in a sensitive plant and the movement in our legs?
| Movement in Sensitive Plant |
Movement in Our Legs |
| No specialised nervous tissue involved |
Specialised nervous tissue is present |
| Caused by change in water content of cells |
Caused by contraction and relaxation of muscles |
| No specialised proteins involved |
Specialised proteins present in muscle cells |
| Growth is not involved |
Controlled movement using brain signals |