Biology / Life Science (Class 10) — RRB NTPC Study Notes
Overview
Biology questions in RRB NTPC are drawn from Class 10 NCERT curriculum and test fundamental life science concepts. Expect 8–12 biology questions out of approximately 40 General Awareness questions. The exam focuses on human physiology, nutrition, disease, heredity, evolution, and environmental biology — areas with direct real-world relevance.
Success requires accurate recall of facts rather than deep analysis. Questions test definitions, functions of organs, disease symptoms, nutritional components, and basic life processes. Students must memorize organ systems, diseases and their causative agents, vitamins and deficiency disorders, and fundamental concepts of reproduction and heredity. Focus on clear, one-line facts rather than lengthy explanations.
This topic overlaps with General Science, so mastery here also strengthens your overall science score. Use NCERT Class 10 Biology chapters as your primary reference and memorize standard definitions verbatim.
Key Concepts
- **Life Processes**: All living organisms perform seven key life processes — nutrition, respiration, transportation, excretion, control and coordination, reproduction, and growth. These maintain life and distinguish living from non-living.
- **Nutrition Types**: Autotrophic nutrition (plants make food via photosynthesis using chlorophyll, sunlight, CO₂, water) versus heterotrophic nutrition (animals consume ready-made organic food). Photosynthesis equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.
- **Human Digestive System**: Sequential organs — mouth (salivary amylase breaks starch), oesophagus, stomach (pepsin digests protein in acidic medium), small intestine (maximum absorption, villi increase surface area), large intestine (water absorption). Liver secretes bile (emulsifies fats); pancreas secretes digestive enzymes.
- **Respiration**: Cellular process releasing energy from glucose. Aerobic respiration (with oxygen): C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (38 ATP). Anaerobic respiration (without oxygen): produces lactic acid in muscles or ethanol + CO₂ in yeast (less energy).
- **Circulatory System**: Heart is a four-chambered muscular pump (two atria, two ventricles). Blood consists of plasma (55%), RBCs (carry oxygen via haemoglobin), WBCs (immunity), and platelets (clotting). Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from heart; veins return deoxygenated blood.
- **Excretory System**: Kidneys filter blood to remove urea and excess water forming urine. Nephron is the functional unit. Urine stored in urinary bladder. Dialysis artificially filters blood when kidneys fail.