ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus 2023-24: Chapter-Wise Topics and Marking Scheme

Cell cycle – Interphase (G1, S, G2) and Mitotic phase. Cell Division:

1. Mitosis and its stages.
2. A basic understanding of Meiosis as a reduction division (stages not required).
3. A brief idea of homologous chromosomes and crossing over leading to variations.
4. Significance and major differences between mitotic and meiotic division.

1. Basic structure of chromosome with elementary understanding of terms such as chromatin, chromatid, gene structure of DNA and centromere

1. The three laws of Mendel.  Monohybrid cross – phenotype and genotype.
2. Dihybrid cross – Only phenotype.
3. The following terms to be covered: gene, allele, heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, recessive, mutation, variation, phenotype, genotype.
4. Sex determination in human beings. Sex linked inheritance of diseases to include only X-linked like haemophilia and colour blindness

1. Understanding of the processes related to absorption of water by the roots.  Characteristics of roots, which make them suitable for absorbing water.
2. Structure of a single full-grown root hair.
3. A general idea of Cohesive, Adhesive forces and transpirational pull.
4. Experiments to show the conduction of water through the xylem.

1. Concept of transpiration and its importance to plants
2. Experiments related to transpiration: (a)Loss in weight of a potted plant or a leafy shoot in a test tube as a result of transpiration. (b)Use of cobalt chloride paper to demonstrate unequal rate of transpiration in a dorsiventral leaf.
3. Mechanism of stomatal transpiration on the basis of potassium ion exchange theory.
4. Adaptations in plants to reduce transpiration.
5. A brief idea of guttation and bleeding.

1. The process and significance of Photosynthesis.
2. The internal structure of chloroplast to be explained to give an idea of the site of light and dark reactions.
3. Opening and closing of stomata based on potassium ion exchange theory.
4. Overall balanced chemical equation to represent photosynthesis.  Introduction of the terms "photochemical" for light phase and "biosynthetic" for dark phases.
5. Light reaction - activation of chlorophyll followed by photolysis of water, release of O2, formation of ATP (photophosphorylation) and NADPH.  Dark reaction - only combination of hydrogen released by NADP with CO2 to form glucose. (detailed equations are not required).
6. Adaptations in plants for photosynthesis.  Experiments with regard to the factors essential for photosynthesis; emphasis on destarching and the steps involved in starch test.
7. A diagrammatic representation of “carbon cycle”.

1. A brief idea of the physiological effects of Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Abscisic acid and Ethylene in regulating the growth of plants.
2. A basic understanding of the tropic movements in plants with reference to – Phototropism, Geotropism, Hydrotropism, Thigmotropism and Chemotropism (supported with suitable examples).

1. Composition of blood (structure and functions of RBC, WBC and platelets).
2. Brief idea of tissue fluid and lymph.  Increase in efficiency of mammalian red blood cells due to absence of certain organelles; reasons for the same.
3. A brief idea of blood coagulation.
4. Structure and working of the heart along with names of the main blood vessels entering and leaving the heart, the liver and the kidney.
5. Concept of systole and diastole; concept of double circulation.
6. Brief idea of pulse and blood pressure.
7. Blood vessels: artery, vein and capillary to be explained with the help of diagrams to bring out the relationship between their structure and function.
8. Brief idea of the lymphatic organs: spleen and tonsils.
9. ABO blood group system, Rh factor.
10. Significance of the hepatic portal system.

1. A brief idea of different excretory organs in the human body.
2. External and internal structure of the kidney;
3. Parts of the urinary system along with the blood vessels entering and leaving the kidney; functions of various parts of the urinary system (emphasis on diagramwith correct labelling). A general idea of the structure of a kidney tubule/ nephron. 124
4. A brief idea of ultra-filtration (emphasis on the diagram of malpighian capsule); selective reabsorption and tubular secretion in relation to the composition of blood plasma and urine formed.

1. Parts of a neuron.
2. Various parts of the external structure of the brain and its primary parts: Medulla Oblongata, Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Thalamus, Hypothalamus and Pons; their functions.
3. Reference to the distribution of white and gray matter in Brain and Spinal cord.
4. Voluntary and involuntary actions – meaning with examples.
5. Diagrammatic explanation of the reflex arc, showing the pathway from receptor to effector.
6. A brief idea of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system in regulating body activities.
7. Differences between natural and acquired reflex.
8. External and Internal structure and functions of the Eye and Ear and their various parts.
9. A brief idea of stereoscopic vision, adaptation and accommodation of eye.
10. Defects of the eye (myopia, hyperopia hypermetropia, presbyopia, astigmatism and cataract) and corrective measures (diagrams included for myopia and hyperopia only)
11. The course of perception of sound in human ear.
12. Role of ear in maintaining balance of the body.

1. Differences between Endocrine and Exocrine glands.
2. Exact location and shape of the endocrine glands in the human body.
3. Hormones secreted by the following glands: Pancreas: insulin and glucagon; Thyroid: only thyroxin; Adrenal gland: Cortical hormones and adrenaline; Pituitary: growth hormone, tropic hormones, ADH and oxytocin.
4. Effects of hypo secretion and hyper secretion of hormones.
5. A brief idea of Feedback mechanism withreference to TSH.

1. Functions of Male and Female reproductive organs and male accessory glands. An idea of secondary sexual characters.
2. Structure and functions of the various parts of the sperm and egg.
3. Explanation of the terms: Fertilization, implantation, placenta, gestation and parturition.
4. A brief idea of the role of placenta in nutrition, respiration and excretion of the embryo; its endocrinal function.
5. Functions of Foetal membranes and amniotic fluid.
6. Menstrual cycle outline of menstrual cycle.
7. Role of Sex hormones: Testosterone, Oestrogen and Progesterone in reproduction.
8. Identical and fraternal twins: meaning and differences only.

1. Main reasons for the sharp rise in human population in India and in the world.
2. A brief explanation of the terms: demography, population density, birth rate, death rate and growth rate of population.
3. Problems faced due to population explosion: unemployment, over exploitation of natural resources, low per capita income, price rise, pollution, unequal distribution of wealth.
4. Methods of population control: Surgical methods – Tubectomy and vasectomy

1. A brief idea of human ancestors – Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, Cro-Magnon and Homo sapiens sapiens (Modern Man) with reference to the following characteristics: Bipedalism, Increasing Cranial capacity, Reduction of size of canine teeth, Forehead and brow ridges, Development of chin, Reduction in body hair, Height and Posture
2. Lamarck’s theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics – with reference to use of organs (e.g.: neck and forelimbs of giraffe) and disuse of organs (e.g.: vestigial organs in humans like wisdom teeth, vermiform appendix, pinnae).
3. Darwin’s theory of Natural selection: Survival of the fittest - e.g. adaptation of peppered moth. 

1. Air: Vehicular, industrial, burning garbage, brick kilns.
2. Water: Household detergents, sewage, industrial waste, oil spills.
3. Thermal pollution.
4. Soil: Industrial waste, urban commercial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers.
5. Biomedical waste – used and discarded needles, syringes, soiled dressings etc.
6. Radiation: X-rays; radioactive fallout from nuclear plants.
7. Noise: Motor Vehicles, Industrial establishments, Construction Sites, Loudspeakers etc.

1. Biodegradable wastes: meaning and example; paper, vegetable peels, etc. Non biodegradable wastes: meaning and example; plastics, glass, Styrofoam etc. Pesticides like DDT etc.

1. Brief explanation of: Greenhouse effect and Global warming, Acid rain, Ozone layer depletion.
2. Measures to control pollution: Use of unleaded petrol / CNG in automobiles, Switching of engines at traffic signal lights, Social forestry, Setting of sewage treatment plants, Ban on polythene and plastics, Organic farming, Euro Bharat vehicular standard. (A brief idea of the above measures)
3. A brief mention of “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”- A national campaign for Clean India.