NCERT Solutions Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 Reproductive Health

Question. What do you think is the significance of reproductive health in a society?
Answer. In a society, if people are aware of birth control methods to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and the importance of breast feeding and post-natal care of the mother and baby, then the society can have healthy children who are the future citizens of a nation.

Question. Suggest the aspects of reproductive health which need to be given special attention in the present scenario.
Answer. (i) Introduction of sex education in school that helps in eradicating myths and misconceptions regarding sex-related aspects.
(ii) Proper information about reproductive organs, safe and hygienic sexual practices and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
(iii) Awareness of problems due to uncontrolled population growth, social evils like sex-abuse and sex-related crimes, etc.
(iv) Strong infra-structural facilities, professional expertise and material support to provide medical assistance and care to people in reproduction-related problems.
(v) Educating people about available birth control options, care of pregnant mothers, post-natal care of mother and child, importance of breast-feeding, equal opportunities for the male and female child.

Question. Is sex education necessary in schools? Why?
Answer. Yes, sex education is necessary in schools because
(i) it will provide proper information about reproductive organs, adolescence, safe and hygienic sexual practices and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
(ii) it will provide right information to avoid myths and misconceptions about sex-related queries.

Question. Do you think that reproductive health in our country has improved in the past 50 years? If yes, mention some such areas of improvement.
Answer. Yes, reproductive health in our country has improved in the last 50 years.
Some areas of improvement are:
(i) Better awareness about sex-related matters.
(ii) Increased number of medically assisted deliveries and better post-natal care of child and mother leading to decreased maternal and infant mortality rates.
(iii) Increased number of couples with small families.
(iv) Better detection and cure of STDs and overall increased medical facilities for all sex-related problems.

Question. What are the suggested reasons for population explosion?
Answer. The suggested reasons of population explosion are
(i) rapid decline in death rate.
(ii) decline in maternal mortality rate (MMR)
(iii) decline in infant mortality rate (IMR) and
(iv) increase in number of people in reproducible age.

Question. Is the use of contraceptives justified? Give reasons.
Answer. Yes, use of contraceptive is justified because it helps to control the rapid growth of human population. It will also help in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Contraceptives also help in controlling the population growth rate.

Question. Removal of gonads cannot be considered as a contraceptive option. Why?
Answer. Removal of gonads not only stops the production of gametes but will also stop the secretions of various important hormones which are important for bodily functions. This method is irreversible and thus, cannot be considered as a contraceptive method.

Question. Amniocentesis for sex determination is banned in our country. Is this ban necessary? Comment.
Answer. Yes, the ban is necessary because amniocentesis is misused for determining the sex of the foetus and then aborting the child if it is a female.

Question. Suggest some methods to assist infertile couples to have children.
Answer. The reasons of infertility could be physical, congenital diseases, drugs, immunological and even psychological. Specialised health-care units called infertility clinics could help in diagnosis and corrective treatment of some of these disorders. Through special techniques called assisted reproductive technologies (ART), infertile couple could be assisted to have children. ART includes: (i) In vitro fertilisation, (ii) Gamete intra fallopian transfer (GIFT), (iii) Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and (iv) Artificial insemination (AI).

Question. What are the measures one has to take to prevent from contracting STDs?
Answer. STDs can be prevented by the following methods:
(i) Avoid sex with unknown partners/multiple partners.
(ii) Always use condoms during coitus.
(iii) Always contact a qualified doctor for any doubt in early stage of infection and get complete treatment if diagnosed with disease.

Question. State True/False with explanation.
(a) Abortions could happen spontaneously too. (True/False)
(b) Infertility is defined as the inability to produce a viable offspring and is always due to abnormalities/defects in the female partner. (True/False)
(c) Complete lactation could help as a natural method of contraception. (True/False)
(d) Creating awareness about sex related aspects is an effective method to improve reproductive health of the people. (True/False)
Answer. 
(a) True: Due to internal factors like incompatibility, abortion could happen spontaneously.
(b) False: Infertility may also be caused due to male partner when sperm count is low or their mobility is less.
(c) True: Lactational amenorrhea is a method of contraception as ovulation does not occur during the period of intense lactation following parturition.
(d) True: Creating awareness about sex-related aspects removes the myths and misconceptions about these problems.

Question. Correct the following statements:
(a) Surgical methods of contraception prevent gamete formation.
(b) All sexually transmitted diseases are completely curable.
(c) Oral pills are very popular contraceptives among the rural women.
(d) In E.T. techniques, embryos are always transferred into the uterus.
Answer. (a) Surgical methods of contraception prevent gamete transport.
(b) All sexually transmitted diseases are not completely curable.
(c) Oral pills are very popular contraceptives among the urban women.
(d) In E.T. techniques, embryos with up to 8 blastomeres are transferred into the fallopian tube and embryos with more than 8 blastomeres are transferred into the uterus.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 Reproductive Health MCQs

Choose and write the correct option in the following questions.

Question. In-vitro fertilization involves transfer of ________________ into the fallopian tube.
(a) embryo upto eight cell stage
(b) embryo of thirty two cell stage
(c) zygote
(d) either zygote or embryo up to eight cell stage
Answer.  D

Question. Tubectomy is a method of sterilization in which
(a) nucleus is removed
(b) ovaries are removed
(c) small part of fallopian tube is removed
(d) small part of vast deferens is removed
Answer. D

Question. IUDs release copper ion to
(a) prevent ovulation
(b) suppress mortility
(c) increase phagocytosis of sperm
(d) make uterus unsuitable for implantation.
Answer. B

Question. The method of directly injecting a sperm into ovum in Assisted Reproductive Technology is called 
(a) GIFT
(b) ZIFT
(c) ICSI
(d) ET
Answer. C

Question. Increased IMR and decreased MMR in a population will
(a) cause rapid increase in growth rate
(b) result in decline in growth rate
(c) not cause significant change in growth rate
(d) result in an explosive population
Answer. C

Question. Intensely lactating mothers do not generally conceive due to the 
(a) suppression of gonadotropins
(b) hyper secretion of gonadotropins
(c) suppression of gametic transport
(d) suppression of fertilisation
Answer. A  

Question. Sterilisation techniques are generally fool proof methods of contraception with least side effects. Yet, this is the last option for the couples because
(i) it is almost irreversible
(ii) of the misconception that it will reduce sexual urge
(iii) it is a surgical procedure
(iv) of lack of sufficient facilities in many parts of the country 
Choose the correct option.
(a) (i) and (iii)
(b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (ii) and (iv)
(d) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Answer.  D

Question. Which of the following STDs are caused by bacteria?
(a) AIDS and Genital Herpes
(b) Syphilis and gonorrhoea
(c) Trichomoniasis and scabies
(d) All of these
Answer. B

Question. Which of the followings is example of hormone releasing IUDs ?
(a) CuT and Multilobed 375
(b) LNG-20 and Progestasert
(c) Lippes loop
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer. B

Question. A national level approach to build up a reproductively healthy society was taken up in our country in [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 1950s
(b) 1960s
(c) 1980s
(d) 1990s
Answer. A  

Question. Emergency contraceptives are effective if used within 
(a) 72 hrs of coitus
(b) 72 hrs of ovulation
(c) 72 hrs of menstruation
(d) 72 hrs of implantation
Answer. A

Question. Choose the right one among the statements given below. 
(a) IUDs are generally inserted by the user herself
(b) IUDs increase phagocytosis reaction in the uterus
(c) IUDs suppress gametogenesis
(d) IUDs once inserted need not be replaced
Answer. B 

Question. Following statements are given regarding MTP. 
(i) MTPs are generally advised during first trimester
(ii) MTPs are used as a contraceptive method
(iii) MTPs are always surgical
(iv) MTPs require the assistance of qualified medical personnel
Choose the correct option.
(a) (ii) and (iii)
(b) (i) and (iii)
(c) (i) and (iv)
(d) (i) and (ii)
Answer. C

Question. From the sexually transmitted diseases mentioned below, identify the one which does not specifically affect the sex orgAnswer. [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Syphilis
(b) AIDS
(c) Gonorrhea
(d) Genital warts
Answer. B

Question. Condoms are one of the most popular contraceptives because of the following reasons.
(a) These are effective barriers for insemination
(b) They do not interfere with coital act
(c) These help in reducing the risk of STDs
(d) All of the above
Answer. D

Question. Which of the followings is/are barrier method of contraception?
(a) Rhythm method/Periodic abstinence
(b) Lactational amenorrhea
(c) Withdrawal method
(d) None of these
Answer. D

Question. Which of the followings is not a cause of population explosion in India?
(a) Better health care
(b) Increased IMR
(c) Decline MMR
(d) Increased population of reproductive age
Answer. D

Question. Choose the correct statement regarding the ZIFT procedure.
(a) Ova collected from a female donor are transferred to the fallopian tube to facilitate zygote formation.
(b) Zygote is collected from a female donor and transferred to the fallopian tube
(c) Zygote is collected from a female donor and transferred to the uterus
(d) Ova collected from a female donor and transferred to the uterus
Answer. B

Question. The correct surgical procedure as a contraceptive method is
(a) ovariectomy
(b) hysterectomy
(c) vasectomy
(d) castration
Answer. C

Question. Diaphragms are contraceptive devices used by the females. Choose the correct option from the statements given below: [NCERT Exemplar]
(i) They are introduced into the uterus
(ii) They are placed to cover the cervical region
(iii) They act as physical barriers for sperm entry
(iv) They act as spermicidal agents
Choose the correct option:
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (i) and (iii)
(c) (ii) and (iii)
(d) (iii) and (iv)
Answer. C

Question. Lactational amenorrhoea means
(a) absence of menstruation during pregnancy
(b) absence of menstruation during lactation
(c) excessive bleeding during menstruation
(d) no production and secretion of milk
Answer. B

Question. Match the items of column I with suitable items of column II.
    Column I                              Column II
A. Barrier method                   (i) Condoms
B. IUD                                    (ii) Multiload 375
C. Surgical technique             (iii) Tubectomy
D. Hormone administration    (iv) Implants
Choose the correct option.
(a) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iv), D-(iii)
(b) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv)
(c) A-(i), B-(iv), C-(ii), D-(iii)
(d) None of these
Answer. D

Question. Amniocentesis is a process to
(a) grow of cells on the culture medium
(b) determine any hereditary disease of the embryo
(c) know about the diseases of the brain
(d) determine any disease of heart
Answer. B

Question. Which of the following methods of contraception is most widely used?
(a) IUDs
(b) tubectomy
(c) cervical caps
(d) diaphragms
Answer. C

Question. Medical Termination of Pregnancy is safe up to
(a) 8 weeks of pregnancy
(b) 12 weeks of pregnancy
(c) 18 weeks of pregnancy
(d) 24 weeks of pregnancy
Answer. C

Question. Assisted Reproductive Technology involves transfer of
(a) ovum into the fallopian tube
(b) zygote into the fallopian tube
(c) embryo into the fallopian tube
(d) zygote into the uterus
Answer. C

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 Reproductive Health Assertion-Reason Questions

In the following questions a statement of assertion followed by a statement of reason is given. Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.
(a) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation for assertion.
(b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements but reason is not correct explanation for assertion.
(c) Assertion is correct statement but reason is wrong statement.
(d) Assertion is wrong statement but reason is correct statement.

Question. Assertion : Syphilis, gonorrhea and AIDS are some common STDs.
Reason : STDs are transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Answer. A

Question. Assertion : In IVF fertilisation is done inside the body of the woman.
Reason : Zygote up to 8 blastomeres can be transferred into the fallopian tube.
Answer. D

Question. Assertion : Saheli is an oral contraceptive pill for females containing nonsteroidal preparation.
Reason : It is ‘once in a day’ pill with very few effects.
Answer. C

Question. Assertion : Oral contraceptive pills are effective method of contraception with few side effects.
Reason : Oral pills like Saheli inhibit ovulation and implantation.
Answer. B

Question. Assertion : Lactational amenorrhea is a natural method of contraception.
Reason : Ovulation does not take place during the period of intense lactation following child birth.
Answer. A

Question. Assertion : In barrier methods of contraception ovum and sperms are prevented from physical meeting.
Reason : Barrier methods are used during coitus to prevent entry of sperms into the female reproductive tract.
Answer. A

Question. Assertion : IUT is the transfer of embryo with more than 8 blastomeres into the uterus.
Reason : IUT is a very popular method of forming embryos in vivo.
Answer. C

Question. Assertion : In tubectomy, a small part of the fallopian tubes is cut and tied up.
Reason : In vasectomy, a small part of the vas deferens is cut and tied up.
Answer. B

Question. Assertion : ICSI is an assisted reproductive technique.
Reason : In ICSI sperm is directly injected into the ovum to form an embryo in vitro.
Answer. A

Question. Assertion : Diaphragms and cervical caps are barriers made of rubber.
Reason : They block the entry of sperms through the cervix.
Answer. B

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 Reproductive Health Case-based/Source-based Question

1. Given below is the diagram of CuT, a commonly used contraceptive method. Based on the information answer the following questions:

Question. A mother of one year old daughter wanted to space her second child. Her doctor suggested CuT. Explain its contraceptive actions.
Answer. CuT increases phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus and the Cu²⁺ ions released suppress sperm motility and the fertilising capacity of sperms.

Question. Bring out one main difference between CuT and LNG-20.
Answer. CuT is copper releasing IUDs and LNG-20 is hormone releasing IUDs. Cu²⁺ ions released suppress sperm motility and thus the fertilising capacity of sperms decreases. While the hormone releasing IUDs make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms.

Question. A newly married couple does not want to produce children at least for one year and also not to use any contraceptives. Suggest a method to prevent pregnancy.
Answer. Periodic abstinence or coitus interruptus

2. Study the diagram of the female reproductive system given below. Answer the questions based on the diagram.

Question. What does the diagram depict?
Answer. The diagram depicts the process of vasectomy and tubectomy.

Question. At what stage zygote can be introduced in the fallopian tube in Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT)?
Answer. 8-celled stage

Question. Mention any two events that are inhibited by the intake of oral contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancy in humans.
Answer. Two events that are inhibited by the intake of oral contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancy in humans are ovulation and implantation.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 Reproductive Health Very Short Answer Questions 

Question. Give one reason to justify statutory ban on aminocentesis. 
Answer. Statutory ban on aminocentesis prevents female foeticide.

Question. In case of an infertile couple, the male partner can inseminate normally but the mobility of sperms is below 40 percent. Which kind of ART is suitable in this situation to form an embryo in the laboratory conditions, without involving a donor? 
Answer. Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Question. A doctor has observed the chromosomal disorders in developing foetus and advised the couple to undergo abortion. Suggest the technique by which doctor observed the chromosomal disorders. 
Answer. Amniocentesis

Question. Indiscriminate diagnostic practices, using X-rays, etc., should be avoided. Give one reason.
Answer. These practices act as carcinogens which convert normal cells to neoplastic cells by harmful mutations or chromosomal aberration.

Question. What technique would you suggest for correcting infertility caused due to very low sperm counts of a male partner? 
Answer. Artificial insemination

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 Reproductive Health Short Answer Questions 

Question. Reproductive health refers only to healthy reproductive functions. Comment.
Answer. Reproductive health refers to the total well-being in all aspects of reproduction, i.e., physical,behavioural, psychological and social.

Question. Government of India has raised the marriageable age of female to 18 years and of males to 21 years. Suggest any two more measures adopted by Government for the purpose.
Answer. (i) Incentives given to couples with small families.
(ii) Media publicity through posters of happy couples with two children (Hum Do Humare Do).
(iii) Motivation to promote smaller families by using contraceptive methods.
(iv) Raising marriageable age of females to 18 years & males to 21 years. (Any two)

Question. The present population growth rate in India is alarming. Suggest ways to check it.
Answer. (i) By increasing marriageable age.
(ii) By promoting use of birth control measures.
(iii) By educating people about consequences of uncontrolled population growth.

Question. A woman’s husband is infertile. So the lady has decided to have baby by taking sperms from sperm bank. Which technique will you suggest for her pregnancy? 
Answer. Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Question. Why is tubectomy considered a contraceptive method? 
Answer. Tubectomy involves cutting a piece of the fallopian tube and tying its ends. This way, the sperms are not able to reach the egg so fertilisation cannot take place. Thus, it acts as a contraceptive method.

Question. Comment on the RCH programme of the government to improve the reproductive health of the people. 
Answer. The basic aims of the RCH programmes are creating public awareness regarding reproductionrelated aspects population growth and providing facilities to build up a healthy society with added emphasis on the health of mother and child.

Question.  What is amniocentesis? Why has the government imposed a statutory ban in spite of its importance in the medical field? 
Answer. Amniocentesis is a foetal sex determination test based on the chromosomal pattern in cells extracted from the amniotic fluid, surrounding the developing embryo. Amniocentesis is used for sex determination, which most people go for, to kill female foetus. Therefore, it has been banned.

Question. The process of GIFT involves the transfer of female gamete to the fallopian tube. Can gametes be transferred to the uterus to achieve the same result? Explain. 
Answer. The uterine environment is not congenial for the survival of the gamete. If directly transferred to the uterus, they will undergo degeneration or could be phagocytosed and hence viable zygote would not be formed.

Question. A couple is eager to know the sex of their unborn child. What diagnostic technique will you suggest? What social abuse is associated with the application of this technique? 
Answer. Amniocentesis is the suggested diagnostic technique which when applied helps in sex determination of the foetus and may lead to social abuse like female foeticides.

Question. After a brief medical examination a healthy couple came to know that both of them are unable to produce functional gametes and should look for an ‘ART’ (Assisted Reproductive Technique). Name the ‘ART’ and the procedure involved that you can suggest to them to help them bear a child. 
Answer. Test tube baby programme can be done.
For explanation 
i) Test Tube Baby Programmes
OO In this method, ova from the wife/donor (female) and the sperms from the husband/donor (male) are collected and induced to form zygote under simulated conditions in the laboratory.
This process is called in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
OO The zygote or early embryo with up to 8 blastomeres is transferred into the fallopian tube (process is called zygote intra fallopian transfer or ZIFT) and if embryo with more than 8 blastomeres is transferred into the uterus (process is called intra uterine transfer or IUT).
OO In females who cannot conceive, embryos formed by fusion of gametes in another female (called in vivo fertilisation) are transferred.