ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2024 Biology

ICSE
Syllabus

2024

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Syllabus

SCIENCE (52)
BIOLOGY
SCIENCE Paper - 3
Aims:
1. To acquire the knowledge of the economic 4. of the significance of life and its importance in
importance of plants and animals. human welfare.
2. To develop an understanding of the 5. To understand the capacities and limitations of
inter-relationship between sustainability and all the biological and economic activities so as to
environmental adaptations. be able to use them for a better quality of life.
3. To develop an understanding of the 6. To acquire the ability to observe, experiment,
interdependence of plants and animals so as to hypothesize, infer, handle equipment accurately
enable pupils to acquire a clearer comprehension and make correct recordings.
CLASS IX
There will be one paper of two hours duration of (ii) Tissues: Types of plant and animal tissues.
80 marks and Internal Assessment of Practical Work  A brief understanding of their location,
carrying 20 marks. basic structure and functions with
The paper will be divided into two sections, Section I examples.
(40 marks) and Section II (40 marks).  A brief understanding of their role in
different physiological processes in
Section I (compulsory) will contain short answer
plants and animals.
questions on the entire syllabus.
Section II will contain six questions. Candidates will 2. Flowering Plants
be required to answer any four of these six questions. (i) Flower: Structure of a bisexual flower,
functions of various parts.
1. Basic Biology
 A brief introduction to complete and
(i) The cell, a unit of life, protoplasm, basic incomplete flowers.
difference between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cell; differences between an  Essential and non-essential whorls of a
animal and a plant cell. bisexual flower; their various parts and
functions.
 A basic understanding of the cell theory,  Inflorescence and placentation (meaning
structure of plant and animal cell with only)
functions of various cell organelles.
(Protoplasm, Cytoplasm, Cell Wall, Cell (Charts or actual specimens may be used to
Membrane, Nucleus, Nucleolus, help enhance clarity of concepts.)
Mitochondria, Endoplasmic Reticulum, (ii) Pollination: self and cross-pollination.
Ribosome, Golgi bodies, Plastids,  Explanation, advantages and
Lysosomes, Centrosome and Vacuole). disadvantages of self and cross-
 Major differences between a prokaryotic pollination.
and eukaryotic cell.  Agents of pollination and the
 Differences between a plant cell and an characteristic features of flowers
animal cell should be mainly discussed pollinated by various agents such as
with respect to cell wall, centrosome, insects, wind, and water.
vacuoles and plastids.  A brief idea as to how nature favours
cross pollination.

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(iii) Fertilisation. (ii) Economic importance of Bacteria.
 Events taking place between pollination (a) Useful role of bacteria:
and fertilisation leading to the formation
 Medicine: antibiotics, serums and
of zygote in the embryo sac.
vaccines
 A brief explanation of the terms double
 Agriculture: nitrogen cycle (role of
fertilization and triple fusion.
nitrogen fixing, nitrifying and
 Fruit and Seed - definition and denitrifying bacteria)
significance.
 Industry -curing of tea, tanning of
3. Plant Physiology leather.
(i) Structure of dicot and monocot seeds, (b) Harmful role of bacteria - spoilage of
Germination of seeds, types, and conditions food, diseases in plants and animals,
for seed germination. bio-weapons.
 Structure and germination of Bean seed (iii) Economic importance of Fungi.
and Maize grain. A brief idea of the useful role of Fungi in
 Differences between monocot and dicot breweries, bakeries, cheese processing, and
seeds. mushroom cultivation. (Processes of
manufacture are not required).
 Differences between hypogeal and epigeal
germination. 5. Human Anatomy and Physiology
 Conditions for seed germination - To be (a) Nutrition:
explained and supported by experiments. (i) Classes of food; balanced diet.
(ii) Respiration in plants: outline of the process, Malnutrition and deficiency diseases.
gaseous exchange.  Functions of carbohydrates, fats,
 A brief outline of the process mentioning proteins, mineral salts (calcium,
the terms Glycolysis, Krebs cycle and iodine, iron and sodium), vitamins
their significance. and water in proper functioning of
the body.
 A reference to be made to aerobic and
anaerobic respiration with chemical  Sources of vitamins, their functions
equations in each case. and deficiency diseases.

 Experiments on gaseous exchange and  Meaning and importance of a
on heat production. ‘Balanced Diet’.
4. Diversity in living organisms  Role of cellulose in our diet.
(i) A brief outline of the five Kingdom  Causes, symptoms and prevention of
classification. Kwashiorkor and Marasmus.
 Main characteristics of each kingdom (ii) The structure of a tooth, different types
with suitable examples: of teeth.
- Monera, Protista, Fungi.  Structure of a tooth to be discussed
with the help of a diagram.
- Plantae - Thallophyta, Bryophyta,
Pteridophyta and Spermatophyta.  Functions of different types of teeth.
 Animalia - non-chordates from Porifera  Dental formula of an adult.
to Echinodermata and Chordates - all (iii)Digestive System: Organs, digestive
five Classes. glands and their functions (including

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enzymes and their functions in digestion, 6. Health and Hygiene
absorption and assimilation of digested
(i) A brief introduction to maintaining good
food).
health.
 Organs and glands of the digestive General idea of personal hygiene, public
system and their functions with hygiene and sanitation.
reference to digestion, absorption and
assimilation. (ii) A brief introduction to communicable,
non-communicable, endemic, epidemic,
 brief idea of peristalsis. pandemic and sporadic diseases; modes of
(b) Skeleton - Movement and Locomotion. transmission.
 Functions of human skeleton  Meaning of each of the above with
examples.
 Axial and Appendicular Skeleton
 Modes of transmission: air borne, water
 Types of joints with reference to their borne; vectors (housefly, mosquito,
location: cockroach).
- immovable joints (iii) Bacterial, Viral, Protozoan, Helminthic
- slightly movable joints diseases:
- freely movable (hinge joint, ball and  Bacterial: Cholera, typhoid,
tuberculosis.
socket joint, gliding joint, pivot joint.)
 Viral: AIDS, Chicken pox, Hepatitis.
(c) Structure and functions of skin.
 Protozoan: Malaria, Amoebic
 Various parts of the skin and their
Dysentery, Sleeping sickness.
functions.
 Helminthic: Ascariasis, Taeniasis,
 Special derivatives of the skin with
Filiariasis.
reference to sweat glands, sebaceous
glands, hair, nails and mammary glands. (symptoms and measures to control the
above diseases.)
 Heat regulation - vasodilation and
vasoconstriction. (Scientific names of causative agents not
required).
(d) Respiratory System: Organs; mechanism of
breathing; tissue respiration, heat production. (iv) Aids to Health: Active and passive immunity.
 Structures of the respiratory system.  Meaning of Active and passive immunity.
 Differences between anaerobic respiration in  An understanding of the use and action
plants and in man. of the following – vaccination,
immunization, antitoxin, serum,
 Role of diaphragm and intercostal muscles in antiseptics, disinfectants, antibiotics.
breathing to provide a clear idea of the
breathing process.  An idea of the local defense system and
its merits, difference between antiseptics
 Brief idea of gaseous transport and tissue and disinfectants.
respiration.
(v) Health Organisations: Red Cross, WHO.
 Brief understanding of respiratory volumes.
Major activities of the Red Cross and WHO.
 Effect of altitude on breathing; asphyxiation
and hypoxia.

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7. Waste generation and management (iii) Specimens of germinating seeds with plumule
and radicle (the bean seed and maize grain) for
(a) Sources of waste - domestic, industrial,
examination, identification, drawing and
agricultural, commercial and other
labelling the parts.
establishments.
ANIMAL LIFE
 Domestic waste: paper, glass, plastic,
rags, kitchen waste, etc. (i) The examination of a human cheek cell under
the microscope to study various parts of the cell.
 Industrial: mining operations, cement
factories, oil refineries, construction units. (ii) Identification of sugar, starch, protein and fat.
through conduct of relevant tests.
 Agricultural: plant remains, animal
waste, processing waste. (iii) Examination and identification of specimens
belonging to the following groups of animals:
 Municipal sewage: Sewage, degradable
and non-degradable waste from offices, Non-Chordata - Porifera, Coelenterata,
etc. Platyhelminthes, Nemathelminthes Annelida,
Arthropoda. Mollusca and Echinodermata.
 e-waste: brief idea about e-waste.
Chordata- Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves,
(b) Methods of safe disposal of waste. Mammalia.
 Segregation, dumping, composting, Identification of the structure of the following
drainage, treatment of effluents before organs through specimens/models and charts:
discharge, incineration, use of scrubbers Lung and skin.
and electrostatic precipitators.
(iv)Experiments to show the mechanism of
 Segregation of domestic waste into breathing.
biodegradable and non-biodegradable by
households: garden waste to be converted Bell jar experiment should be discussed.
Comparison should be made with the human
to compost; sewage treatment plants.
lungs and respiratory tract to show the
mechanism of breathing.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF
(v) Visit a few establishments in the locality such as
PRACTICAL WORK motor repair workshops, kilns, pottery making
The practical work is designed to test the ability of units, fish and vegetable markets, restaurants,
the candidates to make accurate observations from dyeing units. Find out the types of wastes and
specimens of plants and animals. methods prevalent for their disposal. On the
basis of the information collected prepare a
PLANT LIFE
report, suggest measures to improve the
(i) The examination of an onion peel under the environmental conditions.
microscope to study various parts of the cell.
(vi)Visit a water treatment plant, sewage treatment
(ii) A cross-pollinated flower to be examined and plant or garbage dumping or vermicomposting
identified and the parts to be studied and labelled sites in the locality and study their working.
e.g. Hibiscus.

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CLASS X

There will be one paper of two hours duration of 2. Plant Physiology
80 marks and Internal Assessment of practical work (i) Absorption by roots, imbibition, diffusion
carrying 20 marks. and osmosis; osmotic pressure, root pressure;
The paper will be divided into two sections, Section I turgidity and flaccidity; plasmolysis and
(40 marks) and Section II (40 marks). deplasmolysis; the absorption of water and
Section I (compulsory) will contain short answer minerals; active and passive transport (in
questions on the entire syllabus. brief); The rise of water up to the xylem;
Forces responsible for ascent of sap.
Section II will contain six questions. Candidates will
be required to answer any four of these six questions.  Understanding of the processes related
to absorption of water by the roots.
1. Basic Biology
 Characteristics of roots, which make
(i) Cell Cycle and Cell Division. them suitable for absorbing water.
Cell cycle – Interphase (G1, S, G2) and  Structure of a single full-grown root
Mitotic phase. hair.
Cell Division:
 A general idea of Cohesive, Adhesive
 Mitosis and its stages. forces and transpirational pull.
 A basic understanding of Meiosis as a  Experiments to show the conduction of
reduction division (stages not required). water through the xylem.
 A brief idea of homologous chromosomes
(ii) Transpiration - process and significance.
and crossing over leading to variations.
Ganong’s potometer and its limitations. The
 Significance and major differences factors affecting rate of transpiration.
between mitotic and meiotic division. Experiments on transpiration. A brief idea of
(ii) Structure of chromosome. guttation and bleeding.
Basic structure of chromosome with  Concept of transpiration and its
elementary understanding of terms such as importance to plants
chromatin, chromatid, gene structure of DNA
and centromere.  Experiments related to transpiration:
(iii) Genetics: Mendel’s laws of inheritance and (a)Loss in weight of a potted plant or a
sex-linked inheritance of diseases. leafy shoot in a test tube as a result
 The three laws of Mendel. of transpiration.
 Monohybrid cross – phenotype and (b)Use of cobalt chloride paper to
genotype. demonstrate unequal rate of
 Dihybrid cross – Only phenotype. transpiration in a dorsiventral leaf.

 The following terms to be covered: gene,  Mechanism of stomatal transpiration on
allele, heterozygous, homozygous, the basis of potassium ion exchange
dominant, recessive, mutation, variation, theory.
phenotype, genotype.
 Adaptations in plants to reduce
 Sex determination in human beings. transpiration.
Sex linked inheritance of diseases to  A brief idea of guttation and bleeding.
include only X-linked like haemophilia
and colour blindness.

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(iii) Photosynthesis: the process and its 3. Human Anatomy and Physiology
importance to life in general; experiments to
(i) Circulatory System: Blood and lymph, the
show the necessity of light, carbon dioxide,
structure and working of the heart, blood
chlorophyll, formation of starch and release
vessels, circulation of blood (only names of
of oxygen; carbon cycle.
the main blood vessels entering and leaving
. Photosynthesis.
The process and significance of the heart, liver and kidney will be required).
Lymphatic system.
 The internal structure of chloroplast to  Composition of blood (structure and
be explained to give an idea of the site of functions of RBC, WBC and platelets).
light and dark reactions.
 Brief idea of tissue fluid and lymph.
 Opening and closing of stomata based on
 Increase in efficiency of mammalian red
potassium ion exchange theory.
blood cells due to absence of certain
 Overall balanced chemical equation to organelles; reasons for the same.
represent photosynthesis.
 A brief idea of blood coagulation.
 Introduction of the terms
 Structure and working of the heart along
"photochemical" for light phase and
with names of the main blood vessels
"biosynthetic" for dark phases.
entering and leaving the heart, the liver
 Light reaction - activation of chlorophyll and the kidney.
followed by photolysis of water, release
 Concept of systole and diastole; concept
of O2, formation of ATP
of double circulation.
(photophosphorylation) and NADPH.
 Brief idea of pulse and blood pressure.
 Dark reaction - only combination of
hydrogen released by NADP with CO2 to  Blood vessels: artery, vein and capillary
form glucose. (detailed equations are not to be explained with the help of diagrams
required). to bring out the relationship between
their structure and function.
 Adaptations in plants for photosynthesis.
 Brief idea of the lymphatic organs:
 Experiments with regard to the factors
spleen and tonsils.
essential for photosynthesis; emphasis on
destarching and the steps involved in  ABO blood group system, Rh factor.
starch test.
 Significance of the hepatic portal system.
 A diagrammatic representation of
(ii) Excretory System: A brief introduction to the
“carbon cycle”.
excretory organs; parts of the urinary system;
(iv) Chemical coordination in Plants: A general structure and function of the kidneys; blood
study of plant growth regulators; Tropic vessels associated with kidneys; structure and
movements in plants. function of nephron
 A brief idea of the physiological effects of  A brief idea of different excretory organs
Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, in the human body.
Abscisic acid and Ethylene in regulating
 External and internal structure of the
the growth of plants.
kidney;
 A basic understanding of the tropic
movements in plants with reference  Parts of the urinary system along with
to – Phototropism, Geotropism, the blood vessels entering and leaving
Hydrotropism, Thigmotropism and the kidney; functions of various parts of
Chemotropism (supported with suitable the urinary system (emphasis on diagram
examples). with correct labelling). A general idea of
the structure of a kidney tubule/ nephron.

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 A brief idea of ultra-filtration (emphasis (iv) Endocrine System: General study of the
on the diagram of malpighian capsule); following glands: Adrenal, Pancreas, Thyroid
selective reabsorption and tubular and Pituitary. Endocrine and Exocrine
secretion in relation to the composition glands.
of blood plasma and urine formed.  Differences between Endocrine and
(iii)Nervous system: Structure of Neuron; central, Exocrine glands.
autonomous and peripheral nervous system  Exact location and shape of the
(in brief); brain and spinal cord; reflex action endocrine glands in the human body.
and how it differs from voluntary action.
 Hormones secreted by the following
Sense organs – Eye: Structure, functions,
glands: Pancreas: insulin and glucagon;
defects and corrective measures: Ear: Parts
Thyroid: only thyroxin; Adrenal gland:
and functions of the ear. Cortical hormones and adrenaline;
 Parts of a neuron. Pituitary: growth hormone, tropic
 Various parts of the external structure of hormones, ADH and oxytocin.
the brain and its primary parts: Medulla  Effects of hypo secretion and hyper
Oblongata, Cerebrum, Cerebellum, secretion of hormones.
Thalamus, Hypothalamus and Pons;
 A brief idea of Feedback mechanism with
their functions.
reference to TSH.
 Reference to the distribution of white and (v) The Reproductive System: Organs,
gray matter in Brain and Spinal cord. fertilisation functions of placenta in the
 Voluntary and involuntary actions – growth of the embryo Menstrual cycle.
meaning with examples.  Functions of Male and Female
 Diagrammatic explanation of the reflex reproductive organs and male accessory
arc, showing the pathway from receptor glands. An idea of secondary sexual
to effector. characters.
 A brief idea of the peripheral and  Structure and functions of the various
autonomic nervous system in regulating parts of the sperm and egg.
body activities.  Explanation of the terms: Fertilization,
 Differences between natural and implantation, placenta, gestation and
acquired reflex. parturition.
 External and Internal structure and  A brief idea of the role of placenta in
functions of the Eye and Ear and their nutrition, respiration and excretion of the
various parts. embryo; its endocrinal function.
 A brief idea of stereoscopic vision,  Functions of Foetal membranes and
adaptation and accommodation of eye. amniotic fluid.
 Defects of the eye (myopia, hyperopia  Menstrual cycle outline of menstrual
hypermetropia, presbyopia, astigmatism cycle.
and cataract) and corrective measures  Role of Sex hormones: Testosterone,
(diagrams included for myopia and Oestrogen and Progesterone in
hyperopia only) reproduction.
 The course of perception of sound in  Identical and fraternal twins: meaning
human ear. and differences only.
 Role of ear in maintaining balance of the
body.

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4. Population 6. Pollution
Population explosion in India; need for adopting (i) Types and sources of pollution; major
control measures - population control. pollutants.
 Main reasons for the sharp rise in human  Air: Vehicular, industrial, burning
garbage, brick kilns.
population in India and in the world.
 Water: Household detergents,
 A brief explanation of the terms: sewage, industrial waste, oil spills.
demography, population density, birth rate,
 Thermal pollution.
death rate and growth rate of population.
 Soil: Industrial waste, urban
 Problems faced due to population explosion: commercial and domestic waste,
unemployment, over exploitation of natural chemical fertilizers.
resources, low per capita income, price rise,  Biomedical waste – used and
pollution, unequal distribution of wealth. discarded needles, syringes, soiled
 Methods of population control: Surgical dressings etc.
methods – Tubectomy and vasectomy.  Radiation: X-rays; radioactive fallout
from nuclear plants.
5. Human Evolution  Noise: Motor Vehicles, Industrial
Basic introduction to Human evolution and establishments, Construction Sites,
Theories of evolution: Lamarck’s theory of Loudspeakers etc.
inheritance; Darwin’s theory of evolution by (ii) Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable
natural selection. wastes
 A brief idea of human ancestors – Biodegradable wastes: meaning and
Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo example; paper, vegetable peels, etc.
erectus, Neanderthals, Cro-Magnon and Non-biodegradable wastes: meaning and
Homo sapiens sapiens (Modern Man) with example; plastics, glass, Styrofoam etc.
reference to the following characteristics: Pesticides like DDT etc.
(iii)Effects of pollution on climate,
- Bipedalism
environment, human health and other
- Increasing Cranial capacity organisms; control measures.
- Reduction of size of canine teeth  Brief explanation of: Greenhouse effect
and Global warming, Acid rain, Ozone
- Forehead and brow ridges layer depletion.
- Development of chin  Measures to control pollution:
- Reduction in body hair - Use of unleaded petrol / CNG in
automobiles
- Height and Posture
- Switching of engines at traffic signal
 Lamarck’s theory of inheritance of acquired lights
characteristics – with reference to use of - Social forestry
organs (e.g.: neck and forelimbs of giraffe) - Setting of sewage treatment plants
and disuse of organs (e.g.: vestigial organs - Ban on polythene and plastics
in humans like wisdom teeth, vermiform - Organic farming
appendix, pinnae). - Euro Bharat vehicular standard.
(A brief idea of the above measures)
 Darwin’s theory of Natural selection:
Survival of the fittest - e.g. adaptation of  A brief mention of “Swachh Bharat
peppered moth. Abhiyan”- A national campaign for
Clean India.

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INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF (ii) The identification of different types of blood cells
PRACTICAL WORK under a microscope.
The practical work is designed to test the ability of (iii) Identification of the internal structure of the Ear
the candidates to make an accurate observation from and Eye (Through models and charts).
specimens of plants and animals. (iv) Identification and location of selected endocrine
glands: Adrenal, Pancreas, Thyroid and Pituitary
PLANT LIFE glands with the help of a model or chart.
(i) Observation of permanent slides of stages of
mitosis. EVALUATION
(ii) Experiments demonstrating:
The practical work/project work are to be evaluated
 Diffusion: using potassium permanganate in by the subject teacher and by an External Examiner.
water. (The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated
 Osmosis: Thistle Funnel experiment and by the Head of the school, who could be from the
potato osmoscope. faculty, but not teaching the subject in the relevant
 Absorption: using a small herbaceous plant. section/class. For example, a teacher of Biology of
(iii) Experiments on Transpiration: Class VIII may be deputed to be an External
Examiner for Class X, Biology projects.)
 demonstration of the process using a Bell Jar.
 demonstration of unequal transpiration in a The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner
dorsiventral leaf using cobalt chloride paper. will assess the practical work/project work
 demonstration of uptake of water and the rate independently.
of transpiration using Ganong’s potometer. Award of marks (20 Marks)
(iv) Experiments on Photosynthesis:
Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) 10 marks
 to show the necessity of light, carbon dioxide
and chlorophyll for photosynthesis. External Examiner 10 marks
 to show the release of O2 during The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to
photosynthesis using hydrilla / elodea. the Council by the Head of the school.

ANIMAL LIFE The Head of the school will be responsible for the
online entry of marks on the Council’s CAREERS
(i) Identification of the structures of the urinary portal by the due date.
system, heart and kidney (internal structure) and
brain (external view) through models and charts

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INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN SCIENCE - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES
Criteria Preparation Procedure/ Testing Observation Inference/ Results Presentation

Grade I Follows instructions (written, Analyses problem Records Processes data without Presentation is accurate
(4 marks) oral, diagrammatic) with systematically. data/observations format. Recognises and and good. Appropriate
understanding; modifies if Recognises a number of without being given a comments upon sources of techniques are well
needed. Familiarity with and variables and attempts to format. Comments error. used.
safe use of apparatus, materials, control them to build a upon, recognises use Can deal with unexpected
techniques. logical plan of of instruments, degree results, suggesting
investigation. of accuracy. modifications.
Recording is
systematic.
Grade II Follows instructions to perform Specifies sequence of Makes relevant Processes data appropriately Presentation is
(3 marks) experiment with step-by-step operation; gives reasons observations. No as per a given format. Draws adequate. Appropriate
operations. Awareness of for any change in assistance is needed qualitative conclusions techniques are used.
safety. Familiarity with procedure. Can deal with for recording format consistent with required
apparatus, materials and two variables, controlling that is appropriate. results.
techniques. one.
Grade III Follows instructions to perform Develops simple Detailed instructions Processes data approximately Presentation is
(2 marks) a single operation at a time. experimental strategy. needed to record with a detailed format reasonable, but
Safety awareness. Familiarity Trial and error observations. Format provided. Draws disorganised in some
with apparatus & materials. modifications made to required to record observations qualitative places. Overwriting;
proceed with the results. conclusions as required. rough work is untidy.
experiment.
Grade IV Follows some instructions to Struggles through the Format required to Even when detailed format is Presentation is poor and
(1 mark) perform a single practical experiment. Follows very record observations/ provided, struggles or makes disorganised but
operation. Casual about safety. obvious experimental readings but tends to errors while processing data. follows an acceptable
Manages to use apparatus & strategy. make mistakes in Reaches conclusions with sequence. Rough work
materials. recording. help. missing or untidy.
Grade V Not able to follow instructions Cannot proceed with the Even when format is Cannot process results, nor Presentation
(0 marks) or proceed with practical work experiment without help given, recording is draw conclusions, even with unacceptable;
without full assistance. from time to time. faulty or irrelevant. considerable help. disorganised, untidy/
Unaware of safety. poor. Rough work
missing.

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