Introduction
Short questions play a vital role in Class 10 Biology examinations. They test students’ understanding of definitions, processes, and applications of biological concepts. This page provides a carefully selected set of short questions and answers from the Class 10 Biology syllabus to support effective revision and exam preparation.
The questions cover major topics such as inheritance, biotechnology, environment, pharmacology, and human health.
Short Questions and Answers – Class 10 Biology
1. What is inheritance?
Inheritance is the transfer of genetic characteristics from parents to offspring.
2. What are genes?
Genes are units of heredity made of DNA that control specific traits in organisms.
3. Define variation.
Variation refers to differences in characteristics among individuals of the same species.
4. What is genetic engineering?
Genetic engineering is the process of altering an organism’s genetic material to produce desired traits.
5. What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their products to produce useful substances.
6. What are plasmids?
Plasmids are small circular DNA molecules found in bacteria and used as vectors in genetic engineering.
7. Name the enzyme that cuts DNA.
Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sites.
8. What is recombinant DNA?
Recombinant DNA is DNA formed by combining genetic material from different sources.
9. What is fermentation?
Fermentation is a process in which microorganisms produce useful products such as alcohol and antibiotics.
10. What is pharmacology?
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the human body.
11. What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections.
12. Why are antibiotics ineffective against viruses?
Antibiotics do not affect viruses because viruses do not have cellular structures targeted by antibiotics.
13. What is vaccination?
Vaccination is the process of introducing weakened or killed pathogens to stimulate immunity.
14. What are painkillers?
Painkillers are drugs used to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness.
15. What is drug addiction?
Drug addiction is a condition in which a person becomes physically or mentally dependent on drugs.
16. What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
17. Define food chain.
A food chain is a sequence that shows how energy is transferred from one organism to another.
18. What is a food web?
A food web is a network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.
19. What is pollution?
Pollution is the contamination of the environment by harmful substances.
20. What is conservation?
Conservation is the protection and careful use of natural resources.
21. What is cloning?
Cloning is the production of genetically identical copies of an organism or cell.
22. What is gene therapy?
Gene therapy is a technique used to treat genetic disorders by replacing defective genes.
23. What is immunity?
Immunity is the body’s ability to resist diseases and infections.
24. What role does biotechnology play in medicine?
Biotechnology helps produce medicines such as insulin, vaccines, and antibiotics.
25. Why is biology important for human health?
Biology helps us understand diseases, develop treatments, and improve healthcare and hygiene.
Conclusion
Regular practice of short questions strengthens conceptual understanding and improves exam performance. These Class 10 Biology short questions and answers are useful for quick revision and confidence building before examinations.
Students are encouraged to combine written practice with MCQs for balanced exam preparation.