ANAND CLASSES study material and notes to learn about Nutrition in Living Organisms for Class 10 Science Biology, covering modes of nutrition, essential nutrients, and their roles in growth and metabolism.

INTRODUCTION

Food is an organic substance. The simplest food is glucose. It is also called simple sugar. A more complex food is starch.

The general name of substances like glucose (sugar) and starch is ‘carbohydrates’.

Carbohydrates are the most common foods for getting energy. Fats and proteins are also foods. (A wider definition of food, however, also includes mineral salts, vitamins and water which are essential for the normal growth and development of an organism).

The process of taking in food(consuming food) and utilising it is called nutrition. It is a process in which food is obtained in order to utilise it to provide energy for performing various metabolic activities of the organism. Actually, the term ‘nutrition’ comes from the word ‘nutrient’.

A nutrient is an organic or inorganic substance required for the maintenance of life and survival of a living organism. In most simple terms, a nutrient can be said to be a particular type of food.

A nutrient can be defined as a substance which an organism obtains from its surroundings and uses it as a source of energy or for the biosynthesis of its body constituents (like tissues and organs).

For example, carbohydrates and fats are the nutrients which are used by an organism mainly as a source of energy whereas proteins and mineral salts are nutrients used by an organism for the biosynthesis of its body constituents like skin, blood, etc.

The food taken in by an organism contains a large number of nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and water, etc.

We can now say that : Nutrition is a process of intake of nutrients (like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and water) by an organism as well as the utilisation of these nutrients by the organism.

We will now describe the various ways of procuring food (or obtaining
food) by the different organisms. In other words, we will now describe the different modes of nutrition of the various organisms.

Modes of Nutrition

Modes of nutrition means methods of procuring food or obtaining food by an organism. All the organisms do not obtain their food in the same way. Different organisms have different methods of procuring food or obtaining food.

In other words, organisms differ in their modes of nutrition. Depending on the mode (or method) of obtaining food, all the organisms can be classified into two groups: autotrophic and heterotrophic. Thus : There are mainly two modes of nutrition :

Heterotrophic.
Autotrophic

Nutrition In Living Organisms Class 10 Science Biology Questions Answers

1. What is food?

Food is an organic substance that provides energy and nutrients to organisms. The simplest form of food is glucose, also called simple sugar, while a more complex form is starch.

2. What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are a general category of substances that include glucose (sugar) and starch. They are the most common source of energy for living organisms.

3. What are other types of food apart from carbohydrates?

Apart from carbohydrates, fats and proteins are also considered food. Additionally, food includes mineral salts, vitamins, and water, which are essential for normal growth and development.

4. What is nutrition?

Nutrition is the process of consuming food and utilizing it to provide energy for various metabolic activities in an organism.

5. How is the term ‘nutrition’ related to ‘nutrient’?

The word ‘nutrition’ is derived from ‘nutrient.’ A nutrient is a substance (organic or inorganic) that an organism requires for survival and maintenance of life.

6. What are nutrients?

Nutrients are substances obtained from the surroundings, used as a source of energy or for the biosynthesis of body components such as tissues and organs.

7. Give examples of nutrients and their functions.

Carbohydrates and fats – Used as sources of energy.
Proteins and mineral salts – Used for biosynthesis of body constituents like skin and blood.

8. What are the essential nutrients present in food?

The food consumed by an organism contains nutrients such as:

Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins
Minerals
Vitamins
Water

9. How can nutrition be defined in a broader sense?

Nutrition is the process of intake of nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water) by an organism and their utilization.

10. What are modes of nutrition?

Modes of nutrition refer to the different methods by which organisms obtain food.

11. Do all organisms obtain food in the same way?

No, different organisms have different methods of procuring or obtaining food, leading to different modes of nutrition.

12. How are organisms classified based on their mode of nutrition?

Organisms are classified into two main types based on how they obtain food:

Autotrophic Nutrition
Heterotrophic Nutrition

MCQs of Nutrition In Living Organisms Class 10 Science Biology with Answers and Explanations

ANAND CLASSES provides the following MCQs to understand the concepts related to food, nutrients, and modes of nutrition.

1. What is the simplest form of food?

A) Starch
B) Glucose
C) Protein
D) Fat

✅ Answer: B) Glucose
Explanation: Glucose is a simple sugar and is the simplest form of food. Starch, a more complex food, is made from glucose.

2. What is the general category of substances that include glucose and starch?

A) Proteins
B) Fats
C) Carbohydrates
D) Vitamins

✅ Answer: C) Carbohydrates
Explanation: Both glucose and starch belong to the carbohydrate category, which is the primary source of energy for living organisms.

3. Which of the following is NOT included in the wider definition of food?

A) Mineral salts
B) Vitamins
C) Water
D) Oxygen

✅ Answer: D) Oxygen
Explanation: Food includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. Oxygen is essential for respiration but is not considered a food component.

4. What is the process of taking in and utilizing food called?

A) Digestion
B) Nutrition
C) Respiration
D) Excretion

✅ Answer: B) Nutrition
Explanation: Nutrition refers to the intake and utilization of food to provide energy and support metabolic activities in an organism.

5. What is a nutrient?

A) A type of carbohydrate
B) An organic or inorganic substance required for life
C) A waste product of digestion
D) A chemical that aids in respiration

✅ Answer: B) An organic or inorganic substance required for life
Explanation: A nutrient is a substance that an organism obtains from its surroundings and uses for energy or biosynthesis of body components.

6. Which of the following nutrients are primarily used for energy?

A) Proteins and minerals
B) Carbohydrates and fats
C) Vitamins and water
D) Proteins and water

✅ Answer: B) Carbohydrates and fats
Explanation: Carbohydrates and fats serve as the main sources of energy in organisms, while proteins and minerals are used for body building and repair.

7. Which nutrient is essential for the biosynthesis of body constituents like skin and blood?

A) Carbohydrates
B) Fats
C) Proteins
D) Water

✅ Answer: C) Proteins
Explanation: Proteins are used by organisms for growth and repair, helping to build tissues like skin and blood.

8. Which of the following is NOT a mode of nutrition?

A) Autotrophic
B) Heterotrophic
C) Chemotrophic
D) None of the above

✅ Answer: C) Chemotrophic
Explanation: The two main modes of nutrition are autotrophic (organisms make their own food) and heterotrophic (organisms depend on others for food). “Chemotrophic” is not one of the primary classifications mentioned in the article.

9. How do organisms obtain their food?

A) All organisms obtain food in the same way
B) Different organisms have different methods of obtaining food
C) Only plants obtain food, while animals do not need food
D) Food is not necessary for survival

✅ Answer: B) Different organisms have different methods of obtaining food
Explanation: Organisms differ in their modes of nutrition; some make their own food (autotrophs), while others depend on other sources (heterotrophs).

10. What are the two main modes of nutrition?

A) Photosynthesis and respiration
B) Autotrophic and heterotrophic
C) Aerobic and anaerobic
D) Ingestion and digestion

✅ Answer: B) Autotrophic and heterotrophic
Explanation: Organisms can obtain food either by making it themselves (autotrophic nutrition) or by depending on other organisms (heterotrophic nutrition).

11. Which of the following is a complex food?

A) Glucose
B) Starch
C) Water
D) Oxygen

✅ Answer: B) Starch
Explanation: Starch is a complex carbohydrate made from glucose molecules linked together. Glucose, in contrast, is a simple sugar.

12. What is the main function of carbohydrates in the body?

A) Body-building
B) Energy supply
C) Regulation of body processes
D) Transport of oxygen

✅ Answer: B) Energy supply
Explanation: Carbohydrates provide the primary source of energy required for various metabolic activities in an organism.

13. What is the term used for the intake and utilization of nutrients?

A) Nutrition
B) Digestion
C) Photosynthesis
D) Respiration

✅ Answer: A) Nutrition
Explanation: Nutrition is the process of consuming and utilizing food to obtain energy and build body structures.

14. Which of the following is NOT a nutrient?

A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Water
D) Oxygen

✅ Answer: D) Oxygen
Explanation: Nutrients are substances obtained from food that provide energy and help in body-building. Oxygen is required for respiration but is not classified as a nutrient.

15. Which nutrient is primarily responsible for tissue repair and growth?

A) Carbohydrates
B) Fats
C) Proteins
D) Vitamins

✅ Answer: C) Proteins
Explanation: Proteins help in the repair and growth of body tissues, such as muscles, skin, and blood.

16. Which of the following nutrients helps in the formation of blood?

A) Carbohydrates
B) Minerals
C) Fats
D) Water

✅ Answer: B) Minerals
Explanation: Minerals like iron are essential for the formation of blood components, such as hemoglobin in red blood cells.

17. What is the main source of energy for living organisms?

A) Proteins
B) Fats
C) Carbohydrates
D) Water

✅ Answer: C) Carbohydrates
Explanation: Carbohydrates provide quick energy to organisms and are the most commonly used energy source.

18. Which nutrient helps in maintaining body temperature and protecting organs?

A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Fats
D) Vitamins

✅ Answer: C) Fats
Explanation: Fats provide insulation, help in maintaining body temperature, and act as a cushion for vital organs.

19. What is the difference between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition?

A) Autotrophic organisms depend on others, while heterotrophic organisms make their own food
B) Autotrophic organisms make their own food, while heterotrophic organisms depend on others for food
C) Both autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms make their own food
D) Both autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms depend on others for food

✅ Answer: B) Autotrophic organisms make their own food, while heterotrophic organisms depend on others for food
Explanation: Autotrophic organisms, like plants, synthesize their own food using sunlight, while heterotrophic organisms, like animals, obtain food from other sources.

20. What is the primary mode of nutrition in plants?

A) Heterotrophic
B) Autotrophic
C) Saprophytic
D) Parasitic

✅ Answer: B) Autotrophic
Explanation: Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, making them autotrophic organisms.

21. Which of the following organisms follows heterotrophic nutrition?

A) Algae
B) Trees
C) Humans
D) Grass

✅ Answer: C) Humans
Explanation: Humans depend on other organisms for food and cannot produce their own, making them heterotrophic.

22. Which of the following best defines a nutrient?

A) A substance that helps in digestion
B) A substance obtained from food that provides energy or helps in body-building
C) A waste product of metabolism
D) A byproduct of respiration

✅ Answer: B) A substance obtained from food that provides energy or helps in body-building
Explanation: Nutrients are essential for energy, growth, and maintenance of body functions.

23. Which of the following is NOT a mode of heterotrophic nutrition?

A) Parasitic
B) Saprophytic
C) Autotrophic
D) Holozoic

✅ Answer: C) Autotrophic
Explanation: Autotrophic nutrition involves making food through photosynthesis, while heterotrophic nutrition includes parasitic, saprophytic, and holozoic nutrition.

24. Which of the following is a correct statement?

A) All organisms use the same method to obtain food
B) Only animals require nutrition
C) Plants do not need nutrition
D) Different organisms have different methods of obtaining food

✅ Answer: D) Different organisms have different methods of obtaining food
Explanation: Organisms have different modes of nutrition, such as autotrophic (plants) and heterotrophic (animals and fungi).

25. What is the role of vitamins in nutrition?

A) Provide energy
B) Help in metabolic processes and immunity
C) Form body structures
D) Act as the main nutrient for respiration

✅ Answer: B) Help in metabolic processes and immunity
Explanation: Vitamins regulate various biochemical processes and strengthen the immune system.

Assertion-Reason Type Questions of Nutrition In Living Organisms Class 10 Science Biology with Answers and Explanations

ANAND CLASSES provides the following assertion-reason questions to help in testing conceptual clarity on food, nutrients, and nutrition.

Each question consists of an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R). Choose the correct option:

Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
A is true, but R is false.
A is false, but R is true.

1.

Assertion (A): Carbohydrates are the most common food used for energy.
Reason (R): Carbohydrates include glucose and starch, which are broken down to release energy.

✅ Answer: 1 (Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.)
Explanation: Carbohydrates, like glucose and starch, are the primary sources of energy for organisms as they are easily broken down into simpler molecules.

2.

Assertion (A): Fats and proteins are not considered as food.
Reason (R): Only carbohydrates provide energy to living organisms.

✅ Answer: 3 (A is true, but R is false.)
Explanation: Fats and proteins are also food sources. Fats provide stored energy, and proteins are essential for body growth and repair.

3.

Assertion (A): Nutrition is the process of intake and utilization of nutrients by an organism.
Reason (R): Nutrients are substances that organisms obtain from their surroundings and use for energy or body synthesis.

✅ Answer: 1 (Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.)
Explanation: Nutrition involves the intake and use of nutrients, which provide energy and help in the formation of body components.

4.

Assertion (A): Water is not considered a nutrient because it does not provide energy.
Reason (R): Nutrients are substances that help in growth, maintenance, and metabolism.

✅ Answer: 4 (A is false, but R is true.)
Explanation: Water is considered a nutrient because it is essential for metabolism and other biological functions, even though it does not provide energy.

5.

Assertion (A): Proteins are mainly used for biosynthesis of body constituents like skin and blood.
Reason (R): Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which help in tissue repair and growth.

✅ Answer: 1 (Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.)
Explanation: Proteins are essential for the formation of tissues and organs, and their breakdown provides amino acids necessary for body-building.

6.

Assertion (A): All organisms obtain food in the same way.
Reason (R): Modes of nutrition differ among organisms, classifying them as autotrophic or heterotrophic.

✅ Answer: 4 (A is false, but R is true.)
Explanation: Different organisms have different modes of nutrition. Some produce their own food (autotrophs), while others depend on external sources (heterotrophs).

7.

Assertion (A): Autotrophic organisms depend on other organisms for food.
Reason (R): Autotrophic organisms synthesize their own food using light or chemical energy.

✅ Answer: 4 (A is false, but R is true.)
Explanation: Autotrophs, such as plants, make their own food through photosynthesis and do not rely on other organisms for nutrition.

8.

Assertion (A): Heterotrophic organisms rely on other organisms for food.
Reason (R): Heterotrophs lack the ability to synthesize their own food.

✅ Answer: 1 (Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.)
Explanation: Heterotrophs cannot produce their own food and must consume plants or other animals for survival.

9.

Assertion (A): Vitamins and minerals are the main sources of energy.
Reason (R): Carbohydrates and fats are used primarily for energy, while vitamins and minerals aid in metabolic processes.

✅ Answer: 4 (A is false, but R is true.)
Explanation: Vitamins and minerals do not provide energy but are essential for various biochemical functions in the body.

10.

Assertion (A): The food taken in by an organism contains only carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Reason (R): Food also contains minerals, vitamins, and water, which are essential for growth and development.

✅ Answer: 4 (A is false, but R is true.)
Explanation: Food includes not only carbohydrates, fats, and proteins but also minerals, vitamins, and water, which are necessary for maintaining life processes.

Case Study : Understanding Nutrition and Nutrients

Rahul, a 14-year-old student, recently participated in a science project on “The Importance of Food and Nutrition.” During his research, he learned that food is an organic substance essential for life, with different nutrients playing distinct roles in the body. His teacher explained that the simplest food is glucose, which is a type of carbohydrate, and that carbohydrates are the primary source of energy.

Rahul was curious about the different types of nutrients and how they function in the body. He observed that his grandmother, who had a protein-deficient diet, was facing muscle weakness, while his younger sister, who consumed a balanced diet with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, remained active and healthy. This made Rahul wonder about the importance of various nutrients and their role in maintaining good health.

To understand more, Rahul conducted a survey in his neighborhood. He found that many people were unaware of the importance of nutrition and consumed diets rich in carbohydrates but lacking essential vitamins and minerals. He also noticed that plants prepare their food through photosynthesis (autotrophic nutrition), while humans and animals depend on other organisms for food (heterotrophic nutrition).

Case-Based Questions

Which of the following statements is true based on Rahul’s observations?
a) All foods provide equal amounts of energy.
b) Carbohydrates and fats are the main sources of energy.
c) Proteins are not important for the human body.
d) Water and minerals have no role in nutrition.
✅ Answer: b) Carbohydrates and fats are the main sources of energy.
Rahul noticed that his grandmother had muscle weakness due to a protein-deficient diet. What is the main function of proteins in the body?
a) Providing energy
b) Helping in the biosynthesis of body tissues
c) Storing fat for future use
d) Assisting in the production of oxygen
✅ Answer: b) Helping in the biosynthesis of body tissues
Based on Rahul’s findings, which of the following is an example of autotrophic nutrition?
a) A lion hunting for food
b) A child eating vegetables
c) A tree making food through photosynthesis
d) A dog drinking milk
✅ Answer: c) A tree making food through photosynthesis
Why did Rahul observe that his younger sister remained more active and healthy compared to others?
a) She consumed only carbohydrates and fats.
b) She followed a balanced diet with all essential nutrients.
c) She avoided water and minerals in her diet.
d) She ate more junk food.
✅ Answer: b) She followed a balanced diet with all essential nutrients.
Which of the following nutrients is NOT considered a direct energy source but is essential for growth and metabolism?
a) Carbohydrates
b) Fats
c) Vitamins
d) Glucose
✅ Answer: c) Vitamins

Conclusion

Rahul’s case study highlights the importance of a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. It also emphasizes the different modes of nutrition, with autotrophic organisms like plants making their own food, while heterotrophic organisms like humans and animals depend on others for survival. Understanding nutrition can help individuals make healthier food choices for better well-being.

This case study encourages students to analyze real-life nutritional patterns and apply their knowledge to promote healthy eating habits.

Worksheet and Test Paper on Nutrition

Case Study: Nutrition and Food Components

Food is an organic substance. The simplest food is glucose, also known as simple sugar. A more complex food is starch, which is made from glucose. The general name for substances like glucose and starch is ‘carbohydrates’. Carbohydrates are the most common source of energy. Fats and proteins are also essential food components.

A broader definition of food includes mineral salts, vitamins, and water, which are essential for the normal growth and development of an organism. The process of taking in food and utilizing it is called nutrition. It provides energy for metabolic activities. The term ‘nutrition’ is derived from ‘nutrient’, which refers to organic or inorganic substances necessary for an organism’s survival. Nutrients are used as energy sources or for biosynthesis of body constituents like tissues and organs.

Organisms obtain food through different methods, categorized into two main modes of nutrition:

Autotrophic Nutrition: Organisms make their own food (e.g., plants through photosynthesis).
Heterotrophic Nutrition: Organisms depend on others for food (e.g., animals and humans).

Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Which of the following is the simplest form of food? a) Starch
b) Protein
c) Glucose
d) Fats
The process of taking in and utilizing food is called: a) Digestion
b) Nutrition
c) Metabolism
d) Photosynthesis
Which nutrient is primarily used for biosynthesis of body constituents? a) Carbohydrates
b) Fats
c) Proteins
d) Water
Which mode of nutrition is followed by green plants? a) Heterotrophic
b) Autotrophic
c) Parasitic
d) Saprophytic
The term ‘nutrient’ refers to: a) Only carbohydrates and fats
b) Only minerals and vitamins
c) Organic and inorganic substances required for survival
d) Only proteins and minerals

Section B: Short Answer Questions

Define nutrition and explain its significance.
Differentiate between autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition.
Why are carbohydrates considered the most common source of energy?
How do proteins contribute to the growth and development of an organism?
What is the role of mineral salts and vitamins in an organism’s body?

Section C: Case-Based Questions

Read the following case study and answer the questions below:

A farmer observes that some plants in his field grow well while others show poor growth despite receiving adequate water and sunlight. Upon testing the soil, it is found that the deficient plants lack essential nutrients.

Based on the given case, what is the significance of nutrients in plant growth?
Suggest ways to improve nutrient intake in plants.
If a plant is unable to perform photosynthesis, which mode of nutrition might it adopt?

Section D: Long Answer Questions

Explain the different types of nutrients and their roles in an organism’s body.
Describe the modes of nutrition with suitable examples.

Activity-Based Learning

Experiment: Take two potted plants. Keep one in sunlight and another in a dark room. Observe their growth for a week and record the differences. Explain the role of light in autotrophic nutrition.

Discussion: Why do animals depend on plants for food, while plants do not depend on animals?

Conclusion: This worksheet and test paper aim to enhance understanding of nutrition and its role in maintaining life processes. Answer all questions thoughtfully for a comprehensive grasp of the topic.

Marks Distribution:

Section A: MCQs (5 × 1 = 5 Marks)
Section B: Short Answers (5 × 2 = 10 Marks)
Section C: Case-Based (3 × 3 = 9 Marks)
Section D: Long Answers (2 × 8 = 16 Marks)
Activity-Based Learning (10 Marks)

Total: 50 Marks

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