Life Processes is Chapter 6 of the CBSE Class 10 Science textbook, and it is one of the most scoring chapters in the entire Biology syllabus. The chapter explores the fundamental biological processes that sustain living organisms
- Nutrition: Autotrophic processes like photosynthesis in plants, and heterotrophic digestion in animals
- Respiration: Aerobic and anaerobic breakdown of glucose for energy
- Transportation: The circulatory system including the heart, blood vessels, and lymph
- Excretion: Kidneys, nephrons, and the elimination of metabolic waste
Each of these topics is rich with diagrams, equations, and definitions that frequently appear as questions in the CBSE board exam.
For CBSE Biology Chapter 6, the board exam pattern now includes a dedicated objective section featuring MCQ type questions worth 1 mark each. Missing these quick marks is a common mistake students make when they focus only on long-answer practice.
Our Life Processes Class 10 Science MCQ collection is designed specifically to close that gap. With 30 carefully curated sets progressing from easy to hard, students systematically test every concept from the photosynthesis equation and the role of the nephron to double circulation and the distinction between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Regular MCQ practice does three things for your board exam preparation. It reinforces conceptual clarity, builds the speed needed to answer objective questions confidently under time pressure, and reveals exactly which sub-topics need more revision.
Sub-topics Covered in Life Processes MCQs
All six major areas of the NCERT chapter are tested across the 30 practice sets.
Nutrition
Autotrophic nutrition (photosynthesis in plants) and heterotrophic nutrition including the human digestive system, enzymes, and nutrient absorption in the small intestine.
Respiration
Aerobic respiration (complete glucose oxidation to CO₂ and H₂O), anaerobic respiration in yeast and muscle cells, ATP production, and the role of mitochondria.
Transportation
Structure and function of the human heart (four chambers, valves, double circulation), blood components, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), and the lymphatic system.
Excretion
The human excretory system including kidney structure, nephron anatomy, urine formation (filtration, reabsorption, secretion), dialysis, and excretion in plants.
Human Digestive System
Step-by-step digestion from the mouth to the large intestine, role of digestive enzymes (amylase, pepsin, lipase), bile, and the structure of villi for nutrient absorption.
Photosynthesis Process
Light and dark reactions, the role of chlorophyll, stomata, and guard cells, the overall balanced equation for photosynthesis, and factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis.
Why Practice MCQs
4 Reasons These Sets Improve Your Board Score
Every set is built with one goal: getting you more marks on exam day.
Covers Full Syllabus
Every concept, diagram, and definition from NCERT Life Processes is included. Nothing from the chapter syllabus is left untested.
Board Exam Pattern
Questions are framed to match the latest CBSE paper format one liners, assertion reason, and application-based MCQs exactly as they appear in actual board papers.
Instant Answer Check
Every question comes with a clearly marked correct answer and explanation. You learn from each mistake immediately, strengthening weak spots in real time.
Time Management
Each 10-question set takes 10–12 minutes to complete. Regular timed practice builds the answering speed you need to handle the objective section confidently.
Complete List of 30 Life Processes MCQ
Q. Which of the following is NOT considered a life process?
A. Nutrition
B. Respiration
C. Reproduction
D. Reading a book
Answer. D
Life processes are basic functions performed by living organisms to maintain their life. These include nutrition, respiration, transportation, excretion, control and coordination, growth, and reproduction. Reading a book is a voluntary action, not an essential life process.
Q. What is the primary function of photosynthesis in plants?
A. To release oxygen into the atmosphere
B. To produce glucose (food) from carbon dioxide and water
C. To absorb water from the soil
D. To help in transpiration
Answer: B
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, carbon dioxide, and water. While oxygen is a byproduct, the main goal is food production.
Q. Which component of blood is responsible for transporting oxygen to various parts of the body?
A. Plasma
B. White blood cells
C. Red blood cells
D. Platelets
Answer: C
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are specialized cells in the blood that contain a protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin has a high affinity for oxygen, allowing red blood cells to efficiently carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
Q. The process of breakdown of food substances to release energy is known as:
A. Digestion
B. Excretion
C. Respiration
D. Photosynthesis
Answer: C
Respiration is a biochemical process in which the cells of an organism obtain energy by combining oxygen and glucose, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide, water, and ATP (energy). Digestion is the breakdown of large food molecules into smaller ones, but not directly for energy release at the cellular level.
Q. Which of the following organisms exhibit saprophytic nutrition?
A. Green plants
B. Animals
C. Fungi
D. Algae
Answer: C
Saprophytic nutrition is a mode of nutrition in which organisms obtain nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter. Fungi (like mushrooms, molds, yeasts) are prime examples of saprophytes. Green plants are autotrophic, animals are heterotrophic (holozoic), and algae are typically autotrophic.
Q. The tiny pores on the surface of leaves through which gaseous exchange occurs are called:
A. Chloroplasts
B. Stomata
C. Xylem
D. Phloem
Answer: B
Stomata are microscopic pores, typically on the surfaces of leaves, that are surrounded by two guard cells. They regulate the exchange of gases (carbon dioxide and oxygen) and water vapor between the plant and the atmosphere. Chloroplasts are organelles for photosynthesis, while xylem and phloem are vascular tissues.
Q. Which part of the human digestive system is primarily responsible for the absorption of digested food?
A. Stomach
B. Large intestine
C. Small intestine
D. Oesophagus
Answer: C
The small intestine is highly adapted for absorption due to its long length and the presence of villi and microvilli, which greatly increase its surface area. Most of the nutrients from digested food are absorbed here into the bloodstream. The stomach primarily digests proteins, and the large intestine absorbs water and forms feces.
Q. The rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles in the alimentary canal to push food forward is called:
A. Churning
B. Peristalsis
C. Segmentation
D. Digestion
Answer: B
Peristalsis is a series of wave like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. It starts in the esophagus when you swallow and continues through the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Q. Which of the following is a waste product of protein metabolism in humans?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Urea
C. Bile
D. Glucose
Answer: B
When proteins are broken down in the body, they produce amino acids. The nitrogenous part of these amino acids is converted into ammonia, which is highly toxic. The liver then converts ammonia into less toxic urea, which is excreted by the kidneys in urine. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular respiration, bile aids in fat digestion, and glucose is an energy source.
Q. The process of removal of metabolic waste products from the body is called:
A. Digestion
B. Respiration
C. Excretion
D. Circulation
Answer: C
Excretion is the process by which metabolic waste products and other non-useful substances are eliminated from an organism. This is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and preventing the accumulation of toxic substances in the body.
Q. Which of the following organisms uses pseudopodia for obtaining food?
A. Paramecium
B. Amoeba
C. Hydra
D. Humans
Answer: B
Amoeba is a single-celled organism that moves and feeds by extending temporary projections of its cytoplasm, called pseudopodia. It engulfs food particles by surrounding them with pseudopodia, forming a food vacuole.
Q. The process by which plants release excess water vapor into the atmosphere is called:
A. Photosynthesis
B. Respiration
C. Transpiration
D. Absorption
Answer: C
Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers. Water is absorbed by roots and then moves up through the plant to the leaves, where it evaporates into the atmosphere. This process creates a 'pull' that helps draw water up from the roots.
Q. Where does the complete digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats occur in the human digestive system?
A. Stomach
B. Large intestine
C. Small intestine
D. Mouth
Answer: C
While digestion begins in the mouth (carbohydrates) and stomach (proteins), the small intestine is where the major enzymes from the pancreas and the intestinal walls act to completely break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into their simplest forms (monosaccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, and glycerol) for absorption.
Q. Which of the following is responsible for filtering blood and forming urine in humans?
A. Liver
B. Lungs
C. Kidneys
D. Heart
Answer: C
The kidneys are vital organs in the excretory system. They filter waste products, excess salts, and water from the blood, forming urine. This process helps maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
Q. The main pigment responsible for absorbing light energy during photosynthesis is:
A. Hemoglobin
B. Melanin
C. Chlorophyll
D. Carotene
Answer: C
Chlorophyll is the primary pigment in plants and algae that captures light energy from the sun. This absorbed light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen during photosynthesis.
Q. What is the role of bile juice secreted by the liver in digestion?
A. Digests carbohydrates
B. Digests proteins
C. Emulsifies fats
D. Absorbs water
Answer: C
Bile juice, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, does not contain digestive enzymes. Its main function is to emulsify fats in the small intestine, meaning it breaks down large fat globules into smaller ones. This increases the surface area for lipase enzymes to act upon, facilitating fat digestion.
Q. In which part of the human respiratory system does gaseous exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) occur?
A. Trachea
B. Bronchi
C. Alveoli
D. Pharynx
Answer: C
The alveoli are tiny, air-filled sacs at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs. Their thin walls and large surface area, surrounded by capillaries, make them ideal for the efficient exchange of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of the blood.
Q. What is the primary function of xylem tissue in plants?
A. Transport of food
B. Transport of water and minerals
C. Storage of nutrients
D. Support the plant
Answer: B
Xylem is one of the two transport tissues in vascular plants, the other being phloem. Xylem's primary function is to transport water and dissolved minerals upwards from the roots to all other parts of the plant. It also provides mechanical support.
Q. Which of the following is an example of anaerobic respiration?
A. Breathing in humans
B. Photosynthesis in plants
C. Fermentation in yeast
D. Digestion of food
Answer: C
Anaerobic respiration is the process of cellular respiration in the absence of oxygen. Fermentation in yeast produces ethanol and carbon dioxide from glucose, without using oxygen. Breathing in humans and photosynthesis are aerobic processes, and digestion is a breakdown of food, not directly respiration.
Q. The structural and functional unit of the kidney is the:
A. Neuron
B. Alveolus
C. Nephron
D. Cortex
Answer: C
Each kidney contains millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron consists of a renal corpuscle (glomerulus and Bowman's capsule) and a renal tubule, responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing useful substances, and excreting waste to form urine. Neurons are in the nervous system, and alveoli are in the lungs.
Q. Which chamber of the human heart pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body?
A. Right atrium
B. Left atrium
C. Right ventricle
D. Left ventricle
Answer: D
The left ventricle is the strongest chamber of the heart. It receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumps it into the aorta, which then distributes it to all parts of the body. The right side of the heart deals with deoxygenated blood.
Q. The opening and closing of stomata are regulated by the:
A. Epidermal cells
B. Guard cells
C. Mesophyll cells
D. Xylem cells
Answer: B
Each stoma is flanked by two kidney-shaped guard cells. These cells control the size of the stomatal pore by changing their turgidity. When guard cells swell with water, the pore opens; when they lose water, the pore closes, regulating gas exchange and transpiration.
Q. What is the end product of anaerobic respiration in human muscle cells during intense exercise?
A. Ethanol and Carbon dioxide
B. Lactic acid
C. Water and Carbon dioxide
D. Pyruvate
Answer: C
When oxygen supply is insufficient during strenuous exercise, human muscle cells switch to anaerobic respiration. Glucose is incompletely broken down into lactic acid, which can cause muscle fatigue and cramps. Ethanol and CO2 are products of anaerobic respiration in yeast, while water and CO2 are products of aerobic respiration.
Q. The process of taking in food by an organism is called:
A. Digestion
B. Absorption
C. Ingestion
D. Assimilation
Answer: C
Ingestion is the first step in the process of nutrition for heterotrophic organisms, involving the consumption of food. Digestion is the breakdown of food, absorption is the uptake of nutrients, and assimilation is the utilization of absorbed nutrients.
Q. Which of the following blood vessels carries deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium of the heart?
A. Aorta
B. Pulmonary artery
C. Vena Cava
D. Pulmonary vein
Answer: C
The superior and inferior vena cava are the largest veins in the body. They collect deoxygenated blood from all parts of the body and deliver it to the right atrium of the heart. The aorta carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body, pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs, and pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
Q. The main function of phloem tissue in plants is the transport of:
A. Water
B. Minerals
C. Food (sugars)
D. Oxygen
Answer: C
Phloem is a living vascular tissue in plants that transports soluble organic compounds, primarily sugars produced during photosynthesis (known as photosynthates), from the leaves to other parts of the plant where they are needed for growth or storage.
Q. Which enzyme is responsible for the digestion of starch in the human mouth?
A. Pepsin
B. Lipase
C. Amylase
D. Trypsin
Answer: C
Saliva in the mouth contains an enzyme called salivary amylase (or ptyalin), which starts the breakdown of complex carbohydrates (starch) into simpler sugars (maltose). Pepsin digests proteins in the stomach, lipase digests fats, and trypsin digests proteins in the small intestine.
Q. How many chambers does a human heart have?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Answer: C
The human heart is a four-chambered organ, consisting of two upper chambers called atria (right and left atrium) and two lower chambers called ventricles (right and left ventricle). This four-chambered structure ensures efficient separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, leading to double circulation.
Q. Which of the following is NOT a necessary condition for autotrophic nutrition?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Chlorophyll
C. Sunlight
D. Oxygen
Answer: D
Autotrophic nutrition, primarily photosynthesis, requires carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and chlorophyll to synthesize food. Oxygen is produced as a result of photosynthesis, not consumed as a raw material for the process.
Q. The movement of water from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration through a semi-permeable membrane is called:
A. Diffusion
B. Active transport
C. Osmosis
D. Translocation
Answer: C
Osmosis is a special type of diffusion that refers specifically to the net movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane from a region of higher water concentration (lower solute concentration) to a region of lower water concentration (higher solute concentration). Diffusion is the general movement of any substance, and active transport requires energy. Translocation is food transport in plants.
5 Tips to Score Full Marks in Life Processes
Start with the NCERT diagrams: The nephron, the human heart, and the digestive system diagrams are perennial board exam favourites. Spend 20 minutes labelling each diagram from memory before attempting the MCQ sets. Students who can visualise the diagram while reading a question answer 40% faster and more accurately.
Memorise theimportantequations (photosynthesis and respiration): The balanced equations for photosynthesis (6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂) and aerobic respiration are tested in every board exam. Write these equations out daily for one week not just read them. Writing activates recall pathways that passive reading does not.
Understand the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration: A common mistake is memorising the end products without understanding the conditions. Know why muscles produce lactic acid (oxygen deficit) and why yeast produces ethanol (no oxygen available at all).
Focus on one-word answer terms (MCQ options): Make a dedicated list of key one-word terms: Nephron, Villus, Alveolus, Chlorophyll, Stomata, Haemoglobin, Glomerulus. CBSE MCQs often use these as correct options alongside plausible sounding distractors. Knowing the exact term prevents you from being tricked by options like "Neuron" when the answer is "Nephron".
Revision sets (Sets 26–30) one week before boards: Timing matters. Doing the mixed revision sets too early means you forget them; doing them too late leaves no time to fix gaps. One week before the exam is the optimal window. After attempting each set, immediately review every wrong answer and mark those topics for a final 10-minute read-through the night before.