Important Chapters from NCERT Class 6 Science and Summaries | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 are really important if you want to prepare for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). These books cover all the important topics and help you understand the basic concepts really well. Many questions in the exam come directly from these books, so they're a key part of what you need to study. 

For UPSC exams, especially if you're from a science background, NCERT Science books are indispensable. Science forms a significant portion of the IAS Prelims GS Paper 1 and plays a crucial role in various aspects of IAS Mains as well. Beginning your science preparation with NCERT books is highly advisable as it provides a solid foundation to expand upon. This article outlines the key chapters from Class 6th Science NCERT book that are essential for effective UPSC preparation.

Important Chapters of Science Class 6th NCERT for UPSC

NCERT Name: Science Class 6th

Total No. Of Chapters: 11 Chapters

Important Chapters for UPSC :

Chapter 1: Food- Where does it come from

Chapter 2: Components of Food 

Let's Start with the summary of chapters one by one 

Chapter 1: Food- Where does it come from

Introduction to Food & Nutrition

Food is fundamental to the survival and well-being of all living organisms. It provides essential nutrients that support various bodily functions, including energy production, growth, repair of tissues, and protection against diseases. A balanced diet ensures the intake of necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to maintain optimal health.

Importance of Food for Living Organisms:

1. Energy Source: Food supplies the energy required for daily activities, metabolism, and bodily functions. Carbohydrates and fats are primary energy sources.

2. Growth: Proteins, vitamins, and minerals are crucial for growth, especially in children. These nutrients help in building tissues, bones, and muscles.

3. Repair and Maintenance: Nutrients like proteins aid in the repair and maintenance of cells, tissues, and organs. They help in healing wounds and replacing old or damaged cells.

4. Immunity: Certain nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and selenium, play vital roles in strengthening the immune system and protecting against infections and diseases.

Types of Food:

1. Food Variety: Includes a wide range of foods such as grains (rice, wheat), vegetables (carrots, spinach), fruits (apples, oranges), dairy products (milk, cheese), meats (chicken, fish), oils (olive oil, sunflower oil), and spices (pepper, turmeric).

2. Ingredients: Ingredients are the materials required to prepare dishes. They can be sourced from plants (rice, vegetables) or animals (meat, dairy). For example, boiled rice requires rice and water as ingredients, while vegetable curry requires vegetables, spices, and water.

Food Sources:

1. Plant Sources: Plants provide various food items like fruits (apples, grapes), vegetables (carrots, spinach), grains (rice, wheat), oils (coconut oil, mustard oil), and spices (ginger, turmeric). Different parts of plants are edible, such as roots (carrots), stems (potatoes), leaves (spinach), and fruits (apples).

2. Animal Sources: Animals are a source of foods such as milk (from cows), eggs (from chickens), meat (from cattle, poultry), and honey (produced by bees). These animal products are rich in proteins, fats, and essential nutrients necessary for human nutrition.

Animal Classification Based on Food Habits:

1. Herbivores: Animals that primarily consume plants and plant-based products. Examples include cows, goats, deer, and rabbits. They obtain nutrients from grass, leaves, and fruits.

2. Carnivores: Animals that predominantly feed on other animals. Examples include lions, tigers, wolves, and eagles. They derive their nutrients from the flesh and organs of other animals.

3. Omnivores: Animals that have a diet comprising both plant-based and animal-based foods. Humans, bears, pigs, and crows are examples of omnivores. They have adapted digestive systems capable of processing a variety of foods.

4. Scavengers: Animals that consume the remains of dead animals. Examples include vultures, hyenas, and some species of beetles. They play a crucial role in ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition of carcasses.

Conclusion: 

Food is not only a source of sustenance but also a cornerstone of health and well-being for all living organisms. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods ensures the intake of essential nutrients necessary for growth, energy production, and maintenance of bodily functions. Understanding the sources of food, including plants and animals, and the dietary habits of different species helps in promoting healthier lifestyles and ecological balance in natural ecosystems. By appreciating the importance of food diversity and nutritional adequacy, individuals can make informed choices to support their health and the environment.

Chapter 2: Components of Food

Introduction 

Nutrition is essential for maintaining health and vitality by providing the necessary nutrients for our body's cellular functions. These nutrients are obtained from various foods, including vegetables, fruits, cereals, and pulses, and they play specific roles in energy production, growth, and tissue repair.

Key Concepts in Nutrition

• Food: Comprises edible substances that supply energy, help repair old tissues, and aid in building new tissues.
• Nutrition: The process of consuming and utilizing nutrients from food, necessary for growth, health, and energy production.
• Diet: Refers to the total amount of food consumed by a person. It can vary widely based on individual needs and lifestyle.
• Malnutrition: Occurs when the body does not receive adequate nutrients. It leads to weakened physical and mental conditions and can stem from both undernutrition and overnutrition.

Nutrients and Their Functions

• Carbohydrates: These are the primary source of energy. Found in foods like rice, potatoes, and bananas, carbohydrates are oxidized to release energy, with glucose providing as much as 686 kilocalories per mole.
• Proteins: Essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body cells and tissues. Proteins are found in meat, fish, eggs, and legumes and are composed of amino acids. They can also serve as an energy source under certain conditions.
• Fats: More energy-dense than carbohydrates, fats are crucial for protecting organs, storing energy, and carrying fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Common sources include butter, oils, and fatty meats.
• Vitamins: These are organic compounds necessary in small quantities for various physiological functions. For example, Vitamin A is crucial for vision and skin health, Vitamin D for bone health, and Vitamin C for immune function.
• Minerals: Inorganic elements like calcium and iron are vital for various bodily functions, including bone formation and oxygen transport in the blood.
• Water: Makes up a significant portion of the human body and is crucial for hydration, nutrient transport, and waste elimination.
• Dietary Fibers: While they provide no direct nutrition, fibers aid in digestive health and help prevent conditions like constipation. They are primarily found in cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

Nutritional Tests

• Starch Test: Adding iodine to a food sample that turns blue-black indicates the presence of starch.
• Protein Test: A violet color after adding copper sulphate and caustic soda to a food sample indicates protein.
• Fat Test: An oily patch on paper after crushing food and drying it in sunlight indicates the presence of fats.

Importance of a Balanced Diet 

A balanced diet is crucial as it includes varied food items that together provide all essential nutrients. This diet supports overall health, prevents nutritional deficiencies, and ensures that all body processes function optimally. It should be well-rounded with proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibers, and water.

Health Implications of Nutrient Deficiencies

• Mineral Deficiencies: Such as iron deficiency leading to anemia, which causes fatigue and weakness, or iodine deficiency causing goitre.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: Insufficient vitamin A can lead to night blindness, lack of vitamin C to scurvy, and insufficient vitamin D can cause rickets in children.

Conclusion 

Nutrition is foundational to health and wellness. Understanding and consuming a balanced diet rich in all essential nutrients ensures that the body can perform its functions, prevent diseases, and maintain energy levels for daily activities. Proper dietary habits and choices can significantly impact one's overall health and quality of life.