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ICSE Class 10 Biology Solved Paper 2026

Complete ICSE Class X Biology 2026 question paper with accurate, step-by-step solutions.

ICSEClass XBiology202680 Marks2 h50 Questions

Question 1 of 50

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Section A (40 Marks)

(Attempt all questions from this section)

Question 1(i)

1(i)GeneticsEasy1 Mark

Four friends P, Q, R and S were discussing the examples of genetic disorders. The examples they quoted were as follows:

  • P. Colour blindness and Malaria
  • Q. Albinism and Cholera
  • R. Haemophilia and Colour blindness
  • S. Haemophilia and Albinism

Who gave the correct examples?

Answer

(b) R and S

Explanation: Malaria and cholera are infectious diseases, whereas haemophilia, colour blindness and albinism are genetic disorders. Therefore, R and S gave the correct examples.

Question 1(ii)

1(ii)The Circulatory SystemModerate1 Mark

During the ventricular systole, the atrioventricular valves (P) …………… and the semilunar valves (Q) …………… .

Answer

(a) P-close and Q-open

Explanation: During ventricular systole, the atrioventricular valves close to prevent blood flowing back into the atria. The semilunar valves open to let blood enter the pulmonary artery and aorta.

Question 1(iii)

1(iii)TranspirationModerate1 Mark

Assertion (A): A thick cuticle reduces transpiration by acting as a barrier.

Reason (R): Desert plants have large, thin leaves for transpiration.

Answer

(a) (A) is true and (R) is false

Explanation: A thick, waxy cuticle reduces water loss from the leaf surface, so the assertion is true. Desert plants usually have small leaves or spines to reduce transpiration; they do not have large, thin leaves for this purpose. Therefore, the reason is false.

Question 1(iv)

1(iv)GeneticsHard1 Mark

A sequence of DNA has 300 nitrogenous base pairs, of which 75 are Guanine. What is the number of Thymine in this sequence?

Answer

(d) 75

If Guanine = 75, then cytosine = 75

So, Guanine + Cytosine = 75 + 75 = 150

Remaining bases = 300 – 150 = 150

Adenine + Thymine = 150

Since, Adenine = Thymine

So, we will divide 150 equally between them.

150/2 = 75

So, Adenine = Thymine = 75

Question 1(v)

1(v)Chemical Coordination in PlantsModerate1 Mark

Assertion (A): Abscisic acid promotes stomatal closure during a drought.

Reason (R): Abscisic acid helps the plant to conserve water during stress.

Answer

(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation: During a drought, abscisic acid causes stomata to close. This reduces transpiration and conserves water, so the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Question 1(vi)

1(vi)The Circulatory SystemModerate1 Mark

Assertion (A): Leukoderma is the biological term for blood cancer.

Reason (R): An abnormal increase in the number of WBCs causes blood cancer.

Answer

(b) (A) is false and (R) is true.

Explanation: Leukoderma is a loss of skin pigmentation; blood cancer is called leukaemia. Leukaemia involves an abnormal increase in white blood cells. Thus, the assertion is false and the reason is true.

Question 1(vii)

1(vii)PopulationEasy1 Mark

A health organization wants to educate the rural audience about population control using visually engaging methods. Which of these would be effective?

  • P. Posters
  • Q. Loudspeakers
  • R. Film shows
  • S. Street plays
Answer

(a) P, R and S

Explanation: Posters, film shows and street plays present information visually. Loudspeakers provide audio only, so Q does not meet the requirement for a visually engaging method.

Question 1(viii)

1(viii)GeneticsModerate1 Mark

A family has a history of colour blindness. During genetic testing, it was found that the mother is a carrier of colour blindness (XCX) and the father has normal vision (XY). What is the probability of their sons being colour-blind?

Answer

(b) 50%

Explanation: A son receives the Y chromosome from his father and one X chromosome from his mother. The carrier mother can pass on either XC or X with equal probability.

Maternal X chromosome Son’s genotype Vision
XC XCY Colour-blind
X XY Normal

One of the two possible sons is colour-blind. Probability = 1/2 = 50%.

Question 1(ix)

1(ix)Nervous SystemModerate1 Mark

Bharat woke up late in the morning and missed the school bus.

Sympathetic Nervous System Response to an Emergency

This situation stimulated the nerves of the sympathetic system which resulted in

Answer

(d) Bronchodilation

Explanation: The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for an emergency. It widens the air passages, a response called bronchodilation, so more oxygen can reach the muscles. The respiration rate increases rather than decreases.

Question 1(x)

1(x)The Circulatory SystemModerate1 Mark

Which is the correct sequence of blood flow in the Pulmonary and Systemic circulation?

Answer

(a) Right Atrium → Right Ventricle → Lungs → Left Atrium → Left Ventricle → Body tissues

Explanation: Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium, passes to the right ventricle, and goes to the lungs. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium, passes to the left ventricle, and is pumped to the body tissues.

Question 1(xi)

1(xi)Sense OrgansHard1 Mark

Karan was standing on a high stool and cleaning the ceiling fan.

boy falling from table

He suddenly loses balance and sustains a head injury. An examination reveals that his pupils have lost the capacity to constrict in bright light. Which structure has been damaged?

Answer

Review needed: The supplied answer key selects (b) Medulla oblongata, but the pupillary light reflex is mediated by the pretectal area and Edinger–Westphal nuclei in the midbrain. None of the listed options accurately names this reflex centre. The question or answer key should be checked before publication.

Question 1(xii)

1(xii)The Excretory SystemEasy1 Mark

A person suffering from kidney failure has proteins in the urine. What is this condition called?

Answer

(c) Albuminuria

Explanation: Albuminuria means the presence of albumin or other proteins in urine, often due to kidney damage. Haematuria means blood in urine, and glycosuria means glucose in urine.

Question 1(xiii)

1(xiii)PollutionEasy1 Mark

What does Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aim to achieve in India?

Answer

(c) Improved sanitation and solid waste management.

Explanation: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to improve cleanliness, sanitation and waste management in India. It does not seek to increase deforestation, landfill expansion or industrial waste.

Question 1(xiv)

1(xiv)Absorption by RootsModerate1 Mark

Varun’s mother added plenty of salt to the mango pickle she made. This is to:

A. enhance the colour of the pickle.

B. inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

C. increase the nutritional value.

D. create a hypertonic solution.

Answer

(d) B and D

Explanation: The salt creates a hypertonic medium. Water leaves microbial cells by osmosis, inhibiting their growth and helping preserve the pickle. Salt is not added to increase its nutritional value or enhance its colour.

Question 1(xv)

1(xv)The Reproductive SystemEasy1 Mark

During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the endometrium shed?

Answer

(c) Menstrual phase

Explanation: If fertilisation does not occur, the uterine lining (endometrium) breaks down and is shed during the menstrual phase.

Question 2(i)

2(i)Chemical Coordination in PlantsModerate5 Marks

Give the biological/technical terms for the following:

(a) The tropic movement wherein the tendrils of a pea plant twine around a support.

(b) A defect in our eye in which some parts of the object are in focus while the other parts are blurred.

(c) The type of waste generated in hospitals and pathological laboratories.

(d) The surgical technique for females that can be used to prevent pregnancy.

(e) The evolutionary process by which new species arise from the existing one.

Answer
Part Biological/technical term
(a) Thigmotropism
(b) Astigmatism
(c) Biomedical waste
(d) Tubectomy
(e) Speciation

Question 2(ii)

2(ii)The Reproductive SystemModerate5 Marks

Given below is the diagram of a human sperm. Read the information below the diagram and fill in the blanks:

Structure of a Human Sperm

Living organisms reproduce to form new individuals of their own kind. This is essential for the survival and continuation of species. Human sperms are microscopic structures that carry genetic material.

The head of the sperm has a cap like organelle called (a) …………… (Lysosome / Acrosome) which produces an enzyme (b) …………… (Hyaluronidase / Amylase) that dissolves the outer layer of the ovum to facilitate fertilisation. The nucleus of the sperm has (c) …………… (23 / 46) chromosomes. The middle piece has (d) …………… (Chloroplast / Mitochondria) to provide energy for the motility of the sperm. (e) …………… (Semen / Hymen) is a mixture of sperms and the fluids produced by the male accessory glands.

Answer
Blank Answer
(a) Acrosome
(b) Hyaluronidase
(c) 23
(d) Mitochondria
(e) Semen

Question 2(iii)

2(iii)Chemical Coordination in PlantsHard5 Marks

Choose the odd one out from the following terms and name the category to which the others belong:

(a) Auxin, Oxytocin, Gibberellin, Cytokinin

(b) Growth Hormone, Vasopressin, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Gonadotropic Hormone

(c) Urochrome, Urea, Uric acid, Nucleic acid

(d) Cervix, Chordae Tendinea, Papillary Muscles, Sinoatrial node

(e) Morula, Blastocyst, Oviduct, Foetus

Answer
Part Odd one out Category of the other terms
(a) Oxytocin Plant hormones
(b) Vasopressin Anterior pituitary gland secretions
(c) Nucleic acid Excretory waste products
(d) Cervix Parts of the heart
(e) Oviduct Stages of embryonic development

Question 2(iv)

2(iv)The Endocrine SystemModerate5 Marks

Mohit, a 30-year-old man was a software professional leading a sedentary life. He showed signs of high blood sugar during a routine health check-up despite having a normal body weight.

Sedentary Lifestyle as a Risk Factor for High Blood Sugar

Answer the following:

(a) The hormonal disorder he is suffering from.

(b) The hormone responsible for this disorder.

(c) The organ that secretes this hormone.

(d) One symptom experienced by Mohit due to this disorder.

(e) One change in lifestyle to lower the blood sugar level.

Answer
Part Answer
(a) Diabetes mellitus
(b) Insulin
(c) Pancreas
(d) Frequent urination
(e) Regular physical exercise

Question 2(v)

2(v)The Excretory SystemModerate5 Marks

Structures shown: Renal medulla, Renal artery, Renal vein, Pelvis, Ureter and Renal cortex.

Structure Label Function
Internal Structure of the Human Kidney (a) Has Malpighian capsules
(b) Carries oxygenated blood
(c) Transports urine to urinary bladder
(d) Has Henle’s loops
(e) Carries deoxygenated blood
(f) Receives urine which flows into ureter

Example: Pelvis – (f)

Answer
Function label Matching structure
(a) Renal cortex
(b) Renal artery
(c) Ureter
(d) Renal medulla
(e) Renal vein
(f) Pelvis
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Section B (40 Marks)

(Attempt any four questions)

Question 3(i)

3(i)Structure of Chromosomes, Cell Cycle and Cell DivisionEasy1 Mark

Which is the resting but metabolically active stage of the cell cycle?

Answer

Interphase is the resting but metabolically active stage of the cell cycle.

Question 3(ii)

3(ii)Sense OrgansEasy2 Marks

Given below is the picture of an eagle.

Eagle

Eagles have binocular vision. What is the advantage of such a vision?

Answer

Binocular vision provides better depth perception and helps the eagle judge distances accurately.

Question 3(iii)

3(iii)Structure of Chromosomes, Cell Cycle and Cell DivisionEasy2 Marks

Mention the number of Autosomes and Allosomes in a human body cell.

Answer

A human body cell has 44 autosomes and 2 allosomes.

Question 3(iv)

3(iv)TranspirationModerate2 Marks

Two well-watered, identical plants were placed in brightly lit rooms at different temperatures — one at 15°C and the other at 38°C. The plant in the warmer room showed wilting by the end of the day.

(a) Which plant phenomenon resulted in the wilting of the leaves?

(b) Mention the factor of the phenomenon that is being tested.

Answer

(a) Transpiration resulted in the wilting of the leaves.

(b) The factor being tested is temperature.

Question 3(v)

3(v)Structure of Chromosomes, Cell Cycle and Cell DivisionHard3 Marks

Draw a neat, labelled diagram of an animal cell showing the Prophase stage of Mitosis with four chromosomes.

Answer

Prophase of Mitosis in an Animal Cell with Four Chromosomes

Question 4(i)

4(i)Human EvolutionEasy1 Mark

What is the scientific name of modern man?

Answer

The scientific name of modern man is Homo sapiens sapiens.

Question 4(ii)

4(ii)Nervous SystemModerate2 Marks

How are the Cytons and Axons of neurons arranged in the following?

(a) Cerebrum

(b) Spinal cord

Answer

(a) Cerebrum: Cytons form the outer gray matter, while axons form the inner white matter.

(b) Spinal cord: Cytons form the inner gray matter, while axons form the outer white matter.

Question 4(iii)

4(iii)Human EvolutionModerate2 Marks

(a) Who proposed the theory of Natural Selection?

(b) Name the organism which was used as an example to explain Industrial Melanism.

Answer

(a) Charles Darwin proposed the theory of Natural Selection.

(b) Biston betularia was used as an example to explain Industrial Melanism.

Question 4(iv)

4(iv)Cell — The Structural and Functional Unit of LifeModerate2 Marks

Differentiate between Plasmolysis and Deplasmolysis.

Answer
Plasmolysis Deplasmolysis
It is the shrinkage of the cytoplasm and withdrawal of the plasma membrane from the cell wall due to loss of water in a hypertonic solution. It is the recovery of a plasmolysed cell when placed in water or a hypotonic solution.
The cell becomes flaccid. The protoplasm swells due to re-entry of water and the cell becomes turgid.

Question 4(v)

4(v)The Reproductive SystemHard3 Marks

Akshay’s father had a tumour in his prostate gland. His doctor advised him to get it removed surgically. One side effect of the surgery was incontinence of urine, i.e., leakage of urine from the urinary bladder.

Enlarged Prostate and Urinary Incontinence

(a) Where is the prostate gland located?

(b) Why does the prostate gland produce an alkaline secretion?

(c) Name the structure regulating the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra.

Answer

(a) The prostate gland is located just below the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra near its origin.

(b) Its alkaline secretion neutralises the acidity of the urethra and the female reproductive tract, helping sperm survive.

(c) The internal urethral sphincter regulates the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra.

Question 5(i)

5(i)The Circulatory SystemModerate1 Mark

RBCs do not have nuclei. Discuss its advantage.

Answer

The advantages of RBCs not having nuclei are:

  1. It allows more space for haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment.
  2. It helps the RBC to maintain a biconcave shape, which increases the surface area for faster gas exchange.

Question 5(ii)

5(ii)PollutionModerate2 Marks

Arrange the following food chains in a proper sequence.

(a) Small fish, Algae, Mosquito larvae, Kingfisher

(b) Frog, Snail, Crow, Green leaves

Answer

(a) Algae → Mosquito larvae → Small fish → Kingfisher

(b) Green leaves → Snail → Frog → Crow

Question 5(iii)

5(iii)The Reproductive SystemModerate2 Marks

A 28-year-old pregnant lady goes to a gynecologist for a check-up. Her doctor explains that there is normal growth of the foetus and the placenta is functioning well.

(a) Mention one function of the placenta.

(b) What connects the placenta to the foetus?

Answer

(a) The placenta permits the exchange of materials such as oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the foetus and wastes from the foetus to the mother.

(b) The umbilical cord connects the placenta to the foetus.

Question 5(iv)

5(iv)The Reproductive SystemEasy2 Marks

Mention any two secondary sexual characteristics in a 15-year-old boy.

Answer

Any two secondary sexual characteristics are:

(a) Growth of facial hair.

(b) Deepening of the voice.

Question 5(v)

5(v)Sense OrgansHard3 Marks

Tara’s grandmother is 70 years old and has a passion for embroidery. She faces difficulty in threading the needle as the eye of the needle appears blurred. The ophthalmologist diagnosed it as an age-related disorder.

Presbyopia - Age-Related Difficulty in Near Vision

(a) Name the defect.

(b) How can it be corrected?

(c) Where is the image formed in this defect?

Answer

(a) The defect is presbyopia.

(b) It can be corrected using a suitable convex lens.

(c) The image is formed behind the retina.

Question 6(i)

6(i)PopulationEasy1 Mark

Explain the term ‘Population Density’ with reference to human beings.

Answer

Population density is the number of people living per square kilometre of an area at a given time.

Question 6(ii)

6(ii)The Endocrine SystemModerate2 Marks

A 17-year-old girl has irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms of adrenal virilism.

Adrenal Virilism in an Adolescent Girl

(a) Hypersecretion of which hormone causes this condition?

(b) Mention one symptom of this condition.

Answer

(a) It is caused by hypersecretion of androgens from the adrenal cortex.

(b) One symptom is excessive growth of facial or body hair.

Question 6(iii)

6(iii)Structure of Chromosomes, Cell Cycle and Cell DivisionModerate2 Marks

Differentiate between Mitosis in plant cell and animal cell based on Cytokinesis.

Answer
Mitosis in a plant cell Mitosis in an animal cell
During cytokinesis, a cell plate forms at the centre and grows outwards. During cytokinesis, a furrow develops in the plasma membrane and deepens inwards.

Question 6(iv)

6(iv)PhotosynthesisModerate2 Marks

Sara placed a healthy potted plant in a dark room for 48 hours to perform an experiment on photosynthesis. She plucked one of the leaves and tested it for starch. The leaf did not turn blue-black on adding Iodine solution.

(a) Why was the plant placed in the dark for 48 hours?

(b) What is the significance of boiling the leaf in alcohol?

Answer

(a) The plant was kept in the dark to destarch it, so that its stored starch was used up during respiration.

(b) Boiling the leaf in alcohol removes chlorophyll, making the colour change with iodine clearly visible.

Question 6(v)

6(v)Nervous SystemHard3 Marks

Copy the diagram given below.

Transverse Section of the Spinal Cord

(a) Name the structure.

(b) Label Gray matter and White matter.

Answer

(a) The structure is a transverse section of the spinal cord.

(b) The labelled spinal cord diagram showing Gray matter and White matter

White Matter and Gray Matter in a Transverse Section of the Spinal Cord

Question 7(i)

7(i)PhotosynthesisModerate1 Mark

Write the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis.

Answer

6CO2 + 12H2O → C6H12O6 + 6H2O + 6O2↑

The reaction takes place in the presence of chlorophyll and light energy.

Question 7(ii)

7(ii)PhotosynthesisEasy2 Marks

Expand the abbreviations:

(a) NADP

(b) ADP

Answer

(a) NADP: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate

(b) ADP: Adenosine Diphosphate

Question 7(iii)

7(iii)Nervous SystemModerate2 Marks

(a) Explain the term ‘Synapse’.

(b) Name the neurotransmitter that allows the transmission of impulses across the synapse.

Answer

(a) A synapse is the junction or minute gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the next neuron, across which a nerve impulse is transmitted.

(b) Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that allows transmission of impulses across the synapse.

Question 7(iv)

7(iv)The Reproductive SystemModerate2 Marks

What is the role of the following?

(a) Leydig cells

(b) Seminiferous tubules

Answer

(a) Leydig cells secrete testosterone, which controls male secondary sexual characteristics and supports spermatogenesis.

(b) Seminiferous tubules are the sites where sperm are produced.

Question 7(v)

7(v)PollutionHard4 Marks

“Vanishing Greenery; A Growing Urban Crisis”

In most of our cities, rapid urbanisation has led to a significant decrease in greenery over the past two decades. As the population increased, the demand for housing, roads and commercial buildings grew, leading to clearing of parks, gardens and natural resources. This has contributed to several problems.

Rapid Urbanisation and Decline of Urban Greenery

(a) Mention one problem caused by the decrease in greenery.

(b) How do green plants improve air quality?

(c) What role can citizens play in addressing this problem?

Answer

(a) One problem is increased air pollution.

(b) Green plants absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen and trap dust and other pollutants.

(c) Citizens can plant and protect trees, avoid unnecessary cutting of trees and support local greening initiatives.

Question 8(i)

8(i)Cell — The Structural and Functional Unit of LifeEasy1 Mark

Write the term for the pressure exerted by the cell contents on the cell wall.

Answer

Turgor pressure

Question 8(ii)

8(ii)Nervous SystemModerate2 Marks

(a) Name the fluid present between the meninges in spinal cord.

(b) What is its function?

Answer

(a) Cerebrospinal fluid is present between the meninges.

(b) It acts as a shock-proof cushion and also serves as a medium for the exchange of food, waste materials and gases with neurons.

Question 8(iii)

8(iii)Cell — The Structural and Functional Unit of LifeHard3 Marks

Given below is the diagram of a turgid plant cell:

Turgid Plant Cell

Copy the diagram and label Vacuole and Plasma membrane.

Answer

The labelled diagram is given below:

Turgid Plant Cell Showing Plasma Membrane and Vacuole

Question 8(iv)

8(iv)PollutionEasy2 Marks

Select and write the two biodegradable wastes from the given list:

Styrofoam, Metallic cans, Decaying fruits, Plastic bottles, Newspapers

Answer

The two biodegradable wastes are:

(a) Decaying fruits

(b) Newspapers

Question 8(v)

8(v)Sense OrgansHard3 Marks

Rajat Singh was working as a supervisor in a stone quarry where rock, sand and gravel are extracted by techniques like digging, drilling and blasting. As the years rolled by, Rajat started facing a loss in hearing. The high decibel sounds had damaged a part of his internal ear, though the tympanic membrane was intact.

Rajat Singh was working as a supervisor in a stone quarry where rock

(a) What is the collective term for the structures of the internal ear?

(b) Name the sensory organ in the cochlea that was damaged.

(c) Name the type of pollution responsible for this condition.

Answer

(a) The structures of the internal ear are collectively called the membranous labyrinth.

(b) The Organ of Corti was damaged.

(c) Noise pollution is responsible for this condition.