Important Questions for Class 12

Biology
Chapter 4 - Reproductive Health

Very Short Answer Questions 1 Mark

1. Give the term for prenatal diagnostic technique aimed to know the sex of
developing fetus and to detect congenital disorders.
Ans: Amniocentesis is the prenatal diagnostic technique aimed to know the sex
of a developing fetus and detecting congenital disorders.

2. After successful in vitro fertilization, the fertilized egg begins to divide.

Where is this egg transferred before it reaches the 8-celled stage and what
is this technique called?
Ans: After a successful in vitro fertilization, the fertilized egg begins to divide
and is transferred into the fallopian tube before it reaches the 8-celled stage.
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is the name of this technique.

3. Give the term for rapid population growth.

Ans. The term for rapid population growth is Population explosion.

4. Name the fluid from which fetal cells are extracted for chromosomal
analysis.
Ans. For the analysis of chromosomes, the fluid is extracted from the fetal cells
called amniotic fluid.

5. Give the technical name of the female used to bring up in vitro fertilized
egg to maturity.
Ans. The surrogate mother is the technical name that is used for the females that
used to undergo in vitro fertilization to bring an egg to maturity.

6. Name the oral contraceptive developed by CDRI, Lucknow.

Ans. Saheli is the oral contraceptive developed by CDRI, Lucknow.

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7. What is the WHO’s interpretation of reproductive health?
Ans. The WHO’s interpretation of reproductive health is the total well-being of
reproduction in all respects including physical, emotional, behavioral, and social
factors.

8. Why has the Government imposed a statutory ban on amniocentesis?

Ans. The Government has imposed a statutory ban on amniocentesis so as to
keep in check the incidences of female foeticides.

9. Expand MTP and ICSI.

Ans. Full form of MTP: Medical Termination of Pregnancy.
Full form of ICSI: IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

10. What is lactational amenorrhoea?

Ans. Lactational amenorrhoea is a period of intense lactation where the absence
of menstruation occurs.

11. Write the scientific name of causative agents of: --

i) Syphilis
ii) Gonorrhoea.
Ans. The scientific name of the causative agents of the following are:
(i) The scientific name of the causative agent of Syphilis is Treponema
Pallidum.
(ii) The scientific name of causative agents of Gonorrhoea is Neisseria
Gonorrhoea.

12. Name the technique by which one can disorder any possible
chromosomal or metabolic disorders in a fetus.
Ans. Amniocentesis is the technique by which one can disorder any possible
chromosomal or metabolic disorders in a fetus.

13. Expand the following: --

i) GIFT
ii) ICSI
iii) IUCD
Ans. The expanded form of the following are:
(i) Full form of GIFT : Gamete Intrafallopian transfer.
(ii) Full form of ICSI : Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

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(iii) Full form of IUCD : Intrauterine contraceptive devices.

Short Answer Questions 2 Marks

1. Lactational Amenorrhea is a method of contraception Justify. What is
the maximum effectiveness of this method in terms of period/duration?
Ans. (a) Lactational Amenorrhea is the process during the period of intense
lactation following parturition in which the process of ovulation and menstrual
cycle does not occur. Therefore, the chances of conception are nil as the mother
breastfeeds.
(b) The maximum effectiveness of this method in terms of period/duration is six
months following parturition.

2. How are non-medicated IUDS different from hormone-releasing IUDS?

Give examples.
Ans. The difference between non-medicated IUDS and hormone-releasing IUD
S are:
Non medicated IUDs Hormone releasing IUDS
They increase the process of sperm They result in making the uterus
phagocytosis within the uterus unsuitable for the process of
leading to the release of copper ions implantation and makes the cervix too
that will lower the motility of sperm unsuitable and hostile for sperms.
and thus decrease the fertilizing
capacity of sperm.
Example - Lippes loop, Copper Example - Progestasert, LNG-20.
releasing IUDs (CuT, Multiload 375).

3. What are implants? How do they help in preventing fertilization?

Ans. Implants are devices that are placed under the skin and contain hormones
like progesterone and estrogen. They help in preventing fertilization by
preventing the release of eggs from the ovary.

4. Briefly explain two natural barriers to birth control.

Ans. The two natural barriers for birth control are:
(i) Periodic abstinence : In this process from the 10th to 17th day of the
menstrual cycle the couple should avoid coitus.
(ii) Coitus interruptus : Here just before ejaculation of semen in the vagina the
male partner withdraws his penis.

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5. Enlist any four possible reasons for infertility in human beings.
Ans. The reasons for infertility in human beings are Physical, Drugs, congenital
disease, even psychological and Immunological.

6. What does GIFT represent?

Ans. GIFT is the abbreviation for Gamete Intrafallopian transferrin which the
two unfertilized oocytes and several sperms are introductions into the fallopian
tube of a woman who wants to be a mother through the laparoscope. The eggs
taken might be of hers or may be taken from a donor while the sperm may either
be taken from the husband or donor. The process of fertilization takes place
inside the lab called in-vivo while the complete development of the fetus occurs
by the natural process.

7. How does Cu- T act as a contraceptive?

Ans. Cu-T is an intrauterine device having ionized copper. When the copper
diffuses into the uterus it will result in the release of toxic cytokines which
prevent the motility of sperm and therefore leads to inhibition of ovum
fertilization.

8. Mention any four probable reasons for the rapid rise of population in
our country?
Ans. The probable reasons for the rapid rise of population in our country are:
(i) The decrease in the death rate due to the now advanced and improved health
services.
(ii) Due to the practice of early marriages in certain rural areas.
(iii) Due to the lack of education among the poor which will result in them not
knowing the ill effects of a large family.
(iv) Longer life span.

9. Identify the device used for the following methods of birth control:
Barrier, IUD, Surgical technique, and Administering hormone.
Ans. The device used for the following methods of birth control are:
Barrier: Condom,
IUD: Copper –T,
Surgical technique: Vasectomy or Tubectomy,
Administering Hormone: Oral Pill.

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10. What are STDs? Mention any two of them.
Ans. STDs are sexually Transmitting Disease that is transmitted through sexual
intercourse.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs. Ex: Syphilis and Gonorrhoea.

11. “Removal of Gonads cannot be a contraceptive option”. Why?

Ans. “Removal of Gonads cannot be a contraceptive option” because due to
these methods, the gonads are removed surgically resulting in infertility & then
both males & females in their remaining life will be dependent on hormones to
regulate the functioning of the reproductive organs.

12. What are MTPs? Under what conditions MTPs are legally permitted?
Ans. MTP is the abbreviation of medical termination of pregnancy. They are
legally permitted in our country only: -
1. in case of rape.
2. in case of casual unprotected intercourse
3. in case pregnancy is harmful to the fetus or for the mother.

13. Describe the technique which is used for sex determination in fetuses?
Ans. The technique which is used for sex determination in fetuses is
amniocentesis. In this process sample of amniotic fluid is taken from the womb
of a pregnant woman during the early stages of fetal development whose cells
are cultured & analyzed to determine the sex of the fetus. This process includes
prenatal diagnosis.

14. What are test-tube babies? Are they different from normal babies?
Ans. The test tube babies are those babies that are produced by conceiving eggs
& sperm in a culture tube inside the lab (in-vitro fertilization) and then the later
development will occur in the uterus of the female. No, they are not different
from normal babies. Instead, they are the same as normal babies, the only
difference between them is the process of fertilization where the formation of
zygote occurs in in-vitro conditions.

15. Mention any four objectives of RCHC.

Ans. RCHC is an abbreviation for “Reproductive & child health care (RCHC)
program the major objectives of this program are: -
1. To create awareness related to various aspects of reproduction e.g., STDs,
birth control methods.

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2. They help in building support and facilities to develop a reproductively
healthy society.
3. They make people educated and aware of the importance of taking care of
pregnant women, and also breastfeeding.
4. They also create awareness related to sex abuse & sex-related crimes.

Short Answer Question 3 Marks

1. Give another name for sexually transmitted diseases. Name two sexually
transmitted diseases that are curable and two diseases that are not curable.
Ans. Venereal disease (VD)/Reproductive tract infection (RTI) is another name
for the sexually transmitted disease.
The two sexually transmitted diseases which are curable are Syphilis,
Gonorrhoea.
The two sexually transmitted diseases which are non-Curable are Hepatitis B,
AIDS, Genital herpes.

2. Differentiate between Vasectomy and Tubectomy.

Ans. The difference between Vasectomy and Tubectomy are:
Vasectomy Tubectomy
Method of sterilization in males. Method of sterilization in females.
Vasa deferentia on both sides is cut The fallopian tube of both sides is cut
and tied. and tied.
Prevents the movement of sperms at Prevent movement of the egg at the
the cut end. cut end.

3. Name the techniques which are employed in the following cases:

(a) Transfer of an ovum collected from a donor into the fallopian tube of
another female who cannot produce an ova but can provide a suitable
environment for fertilization and development.
Ans. (a) The technique that involves the collection of the ovum from the donor
and transfers it into the fallopian tube of another female is called the Gamete
intrafallopian transfer. In this case, the second female is unable to produce
ovum but has the ability to undergo fertilization and development.

(b) Embryo is formed in the laboratory in which sperm is directly injected

into the ovum.

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Ans. (b) The technique in which the sperm is introduced into the egg of the
female inside the laboratory and results in the formation of an embryo is called
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

(c) Semen collected either from husband or a healthy donor is artificially

introduced either into the vagina or uterus.
Ans. (c) When the semen is taken from either husband or the male donor and is
injected into the vagina or the uterus of the female inside the laboratory by an
artificial method called Intrauterine insemination.

4. Mention the various precautions one has to take in order to protect

himself/herself from STDs.
Ans. To protect oneself from STDs a person has to take various precautions that
are:
(i) Before transfusion the person should be checked whether he is infected or
not and the blood of the infected person can cause disease in another person.
(ii) Intercourse must be avoided with multiple partners or unknown strangers.
(iii) During coitus, condoms must be used to have safe intercourse.
(iv) The use of the same medical and surgical instruments and needles must be
avoided.

5. What are the disturbing trends observed regarding MTP?

Ans. The disturbing trend observed regarding MTP is that the majority of the
MTPs are found to be performing to misuse the female foeticide illegally that
too by the unqualified quacks.

6. Enlist any three causes of infertility in men and women.

Ans. The three causes of infertility in men and women are:
(i). Physical : due to defect in genital parts, undescended testicles, enlarged
veins in testes, etc.
(ii). Diseases : diseases like diabetes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, etc.
(iii). Drugs : Due to the continuous consumption of drugs, lower sperm motility,
and production rate, etc.

7. State the consequences of overpopulation.

Ans. The consequences of overpopulation are :
(i) An increasing demand and therefore pressure on the natural resources.
(ii) An increase in the level of pollution.

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(iii) More unemployment, poor infrastructure, and pressure on the country’s
economy.

8. Differentiate between natality rate and mortality rate.

Ans. The difference between the natality rate and mortality rate are:
Natality rate (Birth rate) Mortality rate (Death rate)
1. The rate of birth per year where the 1. The rate of death per year where
number of births per one thousand the number of deaths per one
individuals is observed. thousand individuals is observed.
2. The process involves the method of 2. The process results in a decrease in
reproduction and results in the the number of individuals due to their
addition of the new members of the death.
population.
3. It results in an increase in 3. It results in a decrease in
population size and population population size and population
density. density.

9. Explain any one natural method of birth control.

Ans. One of the natural methods of birth control is the Periodic abstinence or
Rhythm method. In this process from the 10th to 17th day of the menstrual
cycle, the couple should avoid coitus because during this period the process of
ovulation occurs and therefore this period is highly fertile. This method is based
on the fact that the sperm remains alive for about 3 days while the ovum
remains alive for 1-2 days. This method is less effective since in most females
the menstrual cycle is irregular.

10. Give three differences between tubectomy and vasectomy.

Ans. The difference between tubectomy and vasectomy are:
Vasectomy Tubectomy
1. It is the technique of sterilization 1. It is the technique of sterilization
that involves men. that involves women.
2. In this process the two vasa 2. In this process the two oviducts of
differentia of the male’s reproductive the female reproductive system are
system are cut and then tied up. cut and then tied up.
3. This process results in the 3. This process results in the
prevention of sperms passing or prevention of the movement of the
moving towards the female egg or ova in the female reproductive
reproductive tract. tract.

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11. Describe the three manners in which fertilization of the human ovum
by sperm can be prevented?
Ans. The three manners in which fertilization of the human ovum by sperm can
be prevented are:
I. NATURAL METHODS: The process where the chances of meeting the
gametes need to be avoided. The natural methods are:
1. Periodic Abstinence: In this process from the 10th to 17th day of the
menstrual cycle the couple should avoid coitus as during this period the
ovulation is expected.
2. Lactational Amenorrhoea: During this period due to intense lactation, there is
the absence of menstruation.
II. BARRIER METHODS: In this process with the help of barriers the ovum &
sperms are prevented from coming closer. The barrier methods are:
1. Condoms: these are the barriers that are made up of thin rubber or latex
sheath which cover the penis in males or the cervix in females.
2. Diaphragms cervical caps: made up of rubber & are reusable.
3. Spermicidal creams along with these barriers.
1. SURGICAL METHODS: In this method, the transport of gametes is blocked
& thus conception. The surgical methods are:
1. Vasectomy: small portion of vas deferens is removed or tied up through
incision in the scrotum.
2. Tubectomy: a small portion of the fallopian tube is removed or tied up
through the vagina.

12. Suggest some methods to assist infertile couples to have children?

Ans. There are special techniques called Assisted Reproductive Technologies
(ART) to help in assisting the infertile couples to have children are:
1. Test tube Baby Programme: It is In-vitro fertilization (IVF) where the ova
from wife or donor female & Sperm from husband are fused under suitable
laboratory conditions. This results in the formation of a zygote which is then
transferred into the uterus or fallopian tube of the female and this process is
called embryo transfer (ET).
2. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFI): In this method, the ova from the
donor female are taken and is inserted into the other female who cannot produce
ova but can provide suitable conditions for fertilization.
3. Artificial Insemination: In this method, the semen is taken either from the
husband or a healthy male donor & is then introduced artificially into the vagina
or uterus of the female.

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13. Briefly explain the various reproductive technologies to assist an
infertile couple to have children.
Ans. The various reproductive technologies to assist an infertile couple to have
children are:
(i) Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes in vitro fertilization-
embryo transfer (IVF-ET)
(ii) Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)
(iii) Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), and
(iv) frozen embryo transfer (FET).
These techniques also include oocyte donation and gestational carriers.
Approximately 99 percent of ART cycles performed are IVF-ET. IVF-ET has
helped many couples conceive successfully. ART may be recommended when
there is no other option such as intrauterine insemination is successful or when
there is severe male factor infertility, severe endometriosis, or tubal obstruction.

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