With reference to maintenance functions in organisms, consider the following statements: 1. The transfer of energy source from outside to inside is referred to as respiration. 2. These processes require energy sourced from outside the body. 3. All organisms obtain energy directly from sunlight. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation Living organisms are organized structures that require continuous maintenance to prevent breakdown due to environmental effects. This maintenance function requires energy, which must be acquired from the external environment. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Maintenance processes (such as repair, growth, and molecular movement) require energy. Since energy is constantly expended by the organism, it must be sourced from outside the body. This energy source is generally referred to as food. - Statement 2 is Correct: The process of transferring a source of energy (food) from outside the body to the inside is technically referred to as nutrition. Respiration is the process of breaking down these food sources (often using oxygen acquired from outside) to release energy for cellular needs. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Not all organisms obtain energy directly from sunlight. Only autotrophs (such as green plants and certain bacteria) utilize sunlight to create food via photosynthesis. Heterotrophs (such as animals and fungi) depend on complex organic substances derived from other organisms for their energy. Key Takeaway: Nutrition is the intake of energy sources (food) from the outside, whereas Respiration is the metabolic process of breaking down that food to release energy for life processes.

NCERT Class 10 Science — Chapter 1: Life Processes

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With reference to maintenance functions in organisms, consider the following statements:

The transfer of energy source from outside to inside is referred to as respiration.
These processes require energy sourced from outside the body.
All organisms obtain energy directly from sunlight.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Living organisms are organized structures that require continuous maintenance to prevent breakdown due to environmental effects. This maintenance function requires energy, which must be acquired from the external environment.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Maintenance processes (such as repair, growth, and molecular movement) require energy. Since energy is constantly expended by the organism, it must be sourced from outside the body. This energy source is generally referred to as food.
Statement 2 is Correct: The process of transferring a source of energy (food) from outside the body to the inside is technically referred to as nutrition. Respiration is the process of breaking down these food sources (often using oxygen acquired from outside) to release energy for cellular needs.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Not all organisms obtain energy directly from sunlight. Only autotrophs (such as green plants and certain bacteria) utilize sunlight to create food via photosynthesis. Heterotrophs (such as animals and fungi) depend on complex organic substances derived from other organisms for their energy.

Key Takeaway:
Nutrition is the intake of energy sources (food) from the outside, whereas Respiration is the metabolic process of breaking down that food to release energy for life processes.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Life Processes

Which enzyme, present in saliva and pancreatic juice, is primarily responsible for the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars?

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The accumulation of which compound in muscle cells leads to cramps during sudden physical activity or anaerobic respiration?

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Which hair-like structures lining the upper respiratory tract help in filtering air by trapping dust and particles?

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In the circulatory system of fishes, the heart is characteristically composed of how many chambers?

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Consider the following in the context of body design and exchange with the environment: 1. In single-celled organisms, the entire surface can handle intake and waste removal. 2. In multicellular organisms, simple diffusion is sufficient for all cells. 3. Increased body size and complexity necessitate specialised organs. Which of the statements given above are correct?

hard

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The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Maintenance processes (such as repair, growth, and molecular movement) require energy. Since energy is constantly expended by the organism, it must be sourced from outside the body. This energy source is generally referred to as food.
Statement 2 is Correct: The process of transferring a source of energy (food) from outside the body to the inside is technically referred to as nutrition. Respiration is the process of breaking down these food sources (often using oxygen acquired from outside) to release energy for cellular needs.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Not all organisms obtain energy directly from sunlight. Only autotrophs (such as green plants and certain bacteria) utilize sunlight to create food via photosynthesis. Heterotrophs (such as animals and fungi) depend on complex organic substances derived from other organisms for their energy.