ICSE Biology: Topic-wise Importance Analysis

This document provides an analysis of important topics for the ICSE Class 10 Biology examination, based on a review of past question papers and specimen papers.

1. Cell Cycle and Cell Division

• High Importance:
  • Mitosis vs. Meiosis: Differentiating between the two is a recurring question.
  • Stages of Mitosis: Diagram-based questions on Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase are very common. Be prepared to identify stages and label diagrams.
  • Chromosome Structure: Duplicated chromosome structure, including chromatids and centromere, is frequently tested.

2. Genetics

• High Importance:
  • Mendel's Laws: Law of Dominance and Law of Segregation are frequently asked.
  • Monohybrid and Dihybrid Crosses: Punnett square-based questions to determine phenotypic and genotypic ratios are a staple.
  • Sex-linked Diseases: Haemophilia and Colour Blindness are common examples.
• Moderate Importance:
  • Genetic Terms: Definitions of allele, phenotype, genotype, homozygous, heterozygous.

3. Absorption by Roots

• Moderate Importance:
  • Osmosis and Diffusion: Understanding the principles and differences.
  • Turgidity, Flaccidity, Plasmolysis: Definitions and the conditions under which they occur.
  • Root Hair Structure: Its adaptations for absorption.

4. Transpiration

• High Importance:
  • Factors Affecting Transpiration: Light, humidity, wind, and temperature.
  • Stomata: Structure and the mechanism of opening and closing (Potassium Ion Exchange Theory).
  • Ganong's Potometer: Its use and limitations.
• Moderate Importance:
  • Guttation: Definition and how it differs from transpiration.

5. Photosynthesis

• High Importance:
  • Overall Equation: The balanced chemical equation is essential.
  • Factors Necessary for Photosynthesis: Experiments to show the necessity of light, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll are very common.
  • Chloroplast Structure: Diagram-based questions are frequent.
• Moderate Importance:
  • Light and Dark Reactions: A basic understanding of the events in each phase.

6. Circulatory System

• High Importance:
  • Structure of the Heart: Diagram-based questions on chambers, valves, and major blood vessels.
  • Blood Components: Functions of RBCs, WBCs (especially phagocytosis), and platelets.
  • Blood Clotting: The basic process.
• Moderate Importance:
  • Blood Groups: ABO and Rh factor basics.
  • Double Circulation: The concept of pulmonary and systemic circulation.

7. Excretory System

• High Importance:
  • Nephron Structure: Diagram-based questions on the Malpighian capsule, glomerulus, and tubules.
  • Urine Formation: The three steps: ultrafiltration, selective reabsorption, and tubular secretion.
• Moderate Importance:
  • Organs of the Urinary System: Functions of kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.

8. Nervous System

• High Importance:
  • Structure of the Eye and Ear: Diagram-based questions and functions of parts.
  • Reflex Arc: The pathway and its components.
  • Neuron Structure: Diagram and labeling.
• Moderate Importance:
  • Parts of the Brain: Functions of cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata.
  • Defects of the Eye: Myopia and hyperopia, and their correction.

9. Endocrine System

• High Importance:
  • Hormones and their Functions: Especially insulin, adrenaline, thyroxine, and growth hormone.
  • Endocrine Glands: Location and secretions of the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas.
• Moderate Importance:
  • Hormonal Disorders: Diabetes mellitus, goitre, dwarfism, gigantism.

10. Reproductive System

• High Importance:
  • Male and Female Reproductive Systems: Diagram-based questions and functions of organs.
  • Menstrual Cycle: Phases and hormonal control.
  • Placenta: Its functions.
• Moderate Importance:
  • Fertilization and Implantation: Definitions and location.

11. Population

• Moderate Importance:
  • Reasons for Population Explosion in India: High birth rate, low death rate.
  • Population Control Methods: Vasectomy and tubectomy.

12. Human Evolution

• Moderate Importance:
  • Human Ancestors: Key characteristics of Australopithecus, Homo erectus, and Neanderthals.
  • Lamarck's and Darwin's Theories: Basic principles.

13. Pollution

• Moderate Importance:
  • Types of Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution with their sources.
  • Biodegradable vs. Non-biodegradable Wastes: Definitions and examples.
  • Greenhouse Effect and Ozone Depletion: Basic concepts.