Is it correct to say: Confusing asexual and sexual reproduction?

Asexual: one parent, no gametes, offspring identical (clones). Sexual: two parents, gametes fuse, variation.

Is it correct to say: Placing fertilisation in the uterus?

Fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tube. Implantation happens in the uterus.

Is it correct to say: Assuming menstrual cycle is exactly 28 days for everyone?

Average is 28 days but can vary 21–35 days normally.

Is it correct to say: Saying humans reproduce by budding?

Humans reproduce sexually. Budding is seen in yeast, hydra.

Is it correct to say: Mixing up STDs with STIs?

STI (infection) is broader; STD (disease) means the infection has caused symptoms. Both mean sexually transmitted.

Is it correct to say: Calling contraceptives abortifacients?

Contraceptives PREVENT pregnancy. They do not terminate one that has already begun.

Formula sheet (PDF) →

Biology · Chapter 3

Reproduction in Organisms

Asexual and sexual reproduction, human reproductive system, reproductive health — Maharashtra SSC Science Part 2 Ch 3

6 formulas · 3 solved examples · 6 practice questions · Board weight: 6 marks · Maharashtra State Board Class 10 · 2025–26 syllabus

Board Exam Tips

→Diagram of male OR female reproductive system with labels — 4 marks. Choose one you are comfortable with.
→Types of asexual reproduction with examples (fission, budding, fragmentation, regeneration, spore, vegetative propagation) — 3 marks.
→Menstrual cycle stages with duration — 3-mark repeat question.
→Contraceptive methods — barrier, hormonal, IUCD, surgical — 2 marks.
→Reproductive health awareness (STDs like AIDS, gonorrhoea, syphilis) — 2 marks.

Diagram

Female reproductive system with ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus labelled

Formulas(6)

Ploidy Change During ReproductionBoard favourite

Gamete (n) + Gamete (n) \to Zygote (2n)

Binary Fission

1 parent \to 2 daughters

Multiple Fission

1 parent \to many daughters

Budding

Parent \to Parent + Bud (offspring)

Menstrual CycleBoard favourite

Duration \approx 28 days; Ovulation \approx day 14

Gestation Period (Human)

\approx 40 weeks or 9 months

Solved Examples

1Solved Exampleeasy4 steps

Give one example each of (i) binary fission, (ii) budding, (iii) fragmentation, (iv) vegetative propagation.

Binary fission

Amoeba, bacteria

2Solved Exampleboard5 steps

Draw a labelled diagram of the female reproductive system and state the function of any three parts.

Ovary — produces eggs and hormones (estrogen, progesterone)

Ovary

3Solved ExampleHOTS5 steps

Explain how the process of DNA copying and the variations generated during it are essential for evolution.

DNA replication before cell division — creates identical copies

DNA \to DNA copy

Traps & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes6

1
Confusing asexual and sexual reproduction
✓Asexual: one parent, no gametes, offspring identical (clones). Sexual: two parents, gametes fuse, variation.
2
Placing fertilisation in the uterus
✓Fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tube. Implantation happens in the uterus.
3
Assuming menstrual cycle is exactly 28 days for everyone
✓Average is 28 days but can vary 21–35 days normally.
4
Saying humans reproduce by budding
✓Humans reproduce sexually. Budding is seen in yeast, hydra.
5
Mixing up STDs with STIs
✓STI (infection) is broader; STD (disease) means the infection has caused symptoms. Both mean sexually transmitted.
6
Calling contraceptives abortifacients
✓Contraceptives PREVENT pregnancy. They do not terminate one that has already begun.

Practice Yourself

Practice Yourself6 questions

Q1
Define reproduction and state its significance.
Q2
Name the male and female gametes in humans.
Q3
State two methods of contraception.
Q4
Name one plant that reproduces by (i) stem cutting, (ii) leaf, (iii) tuber.
Q5
Why is variation important in a species?
Q6
State the full form of AIDS. Which organism causes it?

Notes

Reproduction — Maharashtra SSC

Covered in Chapter 3 (Life Processes in Living Organisms Part 2) of Science Part 2. Reproduction ensures continuity of life. The Maharashtra SSC syllabus covers both plants and animals with a focus on human anatomy and reproductive health.

Two broad types

Asexual: one parent, offspring genetically identical (except mutations).
Sexual: two parents, gamete fusion, offspring genetically diverse.

Types of asexual reproduction

Method	Example	Description
Binary fission	Amoeba, bacteria	Parent splits into two
Multiple fission	Plasmodium	Parent splits into many
Budding	Yeast, Hydra	Small outgrowth develops
Fragmentation	Spirogyra	Parts break; each grows
Regeneration	Planaria	Body part regrows lost tissues
Spore formation	Rhizopus (bread mould)	Spores in sporangia
Vegetative propagation	Potato, rose	New plant from stem/root/leaf

Sexual reproduction in plants

Parts of a flower: sepal, petal, stamen (anther + filament), carpel (stigma + style + ovary).

Pollination: transfer of pollen from anther to stigma.
Fertilisation: male gamete + female gamete → zygote → seed.
Seed dispersal: wind, water, animals.

Human reproductive system

Male: testis (sperm + testosterone), vas deferens, prostate, urethra, penis.

Female: ovary (ova + estrogen/progesterone), fallopian tube (fertilisation site), uterus (implantation and development), cervix, vagina.

Menstrual cycle — four phases

Menstruation (1–5): uterine lining sheds; bleeding.
Follicular (6–13): FSH stimulates follicle; endometrium rebuilds.
Ovulation (~14): LH surge; egg released from ovary.
Luteal (15–28): corpus luteum secretes progesterone; if no fertilisation, cycle restarts.

Reproductive health

Contraception methods: barrier, hormonal, IUCD, surgical.
STDs: gonorrhoea, syphilis, AIDS. Prevention: safe practices, awareness.
Pre-natal sex determination is prohibited by law in India (PC-PNDT Act).

Board vs CBSE

Both boards teach identical content. Maharashtra SSC often asks a full flow-chart of the menstrual cycle plus a labelled diagram of the reproductive system — practise both. Reproductive health awareness questions are compulsory.