How do Organisms | Class 10 Science Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
How do Organisms – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of How do Organisms from Class 10 Science, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
7.1 DO ORGANISMS CREATE EXACT COPIES OF THEMSELVES?
Organisms look similar because their body designs are similar, which implies that the blueprints for these designs must be similar. These blueprints are contained in the DNA molecules present in the chromosomes within the nucleus of cells. DNA carries the instructions for making proteins, which determine the body design and functions. During reproduction, cells create copies of their DNA through chemical reactions, resulting in two DNA copies that must be separated into two cells. This process is accompanied by the formation of additional cellular apparatus to maintain life processes in each new cell. The cell divides to form two cells, each with a copy of DNA and cellular machinery. However, no biochemical reaction is perfectly accurate, so DNA copying can introduce variations or mutations. Some variations may be harmful and cause the new cell to die, while others may be subtle and allow survival with slight differences. These variations are the basis of evolution and contribute to the diversity of life. Thus, organisms do not create exact copies of themselves but similar individuals with some variations.
🔗 Connection: This section sets the foundation for understanding the importance of variation in populations, which is elaborated in the next subsection.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the importance of DNA copying in reproduction?
DNA copying is crucial in reproduction because it ensures that the genetic information is accurately passed from the parent organism to the offspring. This copying allows the offspring to inherit traits and characteristics of the parent, maintaining the continuity of species. Without DNA copying, reproduction would not result in offspring with the same genetic makeup, leading to loss of hereditary information.
2. Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?
Variation is beneficial to a species because it increases the genetic diversity within the population, which helps the species adapt to changing environments and survive over time. Different traits may provide advantages under different conditions, ensuring the species' survival. However, for an individual, variation may not always be beneficial because some variations can be harmful or disadvantageous, reducing the individual's chances of survival or reproduction.
3. Can you think of reasons why more complex organisms cannot give rise to new individuals through regeneration?
More complex organisms have highly specialised tissues and organs that perform specific functions. Regeneration requires the ability to regrow entire body parts or whole organisms from fragments. In complex organisms, cells are differentiated and cannot revert to a pluripotent state easily, limiting their ability to regenerate whole new individuals. Additionally, the complexity of body organisation and the need for precise coordination of multiple systems make regeneration of a whole organism un
4. Why is vegetative propagation practised for growing some types of plants?
Vegetative propagation is practised because it allows the production of new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, ensuring the preservation of desired traits. It is also faster than growing plants from seeds and can be used to propagate plants that do not produce viable seeds or have seeds that take a long time to germinate.
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