NCERT Exemplar Reproductive Health - 1 - Biology Class 12 - NEET

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q.1. The method of directly injecting a sperm into ovum in Assisted Reproductive Technology is called:
(a) GIFT
(b) ZIFT
(c) ICSI
(d) ET
Ans. (c)
Solution. Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an assisted reproductive technique in which a single sperm is directly injected into the cytoplasm of an ovum under a microscope. Fertilisation occurs in the laboratory and the resulting embryo may be transferred into the uterus for further development.

Q.2. 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
Ans. (c)
Solution. Population growth increases when both IMR (infant mortality rate) and MMR (maternal mortality rate) decline together. A fall in IMR increases survival of infants, and a fall in MMR increases survival of mothers, especially in the reproductive age group, leading to population explosion.

In the given situation, the trends are opposite:

• Increased IMR means more infant deaths, reducing the number of individuals who survive to reproductive age.

• Decreased MMR means more mothers survive childbirth, which supports population increase.

Since one factor reduces population growth (higher IMR) while the other supports population growth (lower MMR), their effects tend to counterbalance each other. Hence, there is no marked or significant change in the overall population growth rate.

Q.3. 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
Ans. (a)
Solution. During intense, regular breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin remains elevated. High prolactin suppresses the release of pituitary gonadotropins (FSH and LH), preventing ovulation. As ovulation does not occur, conception is unlikely for several months postpartum if exclusive breastfeeding is practised. This natural effect underlies the method called lactational amenorrhoea.

Q.4. 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
Ans. (d)
Solution. Sterilisation (vasectomy in males; tubectomy/tubal ligation in females) is generally effective and safe, but it is considered a last-resort contraceptive because it is largely irreversible, is a surgical procedure, there are social misconceptions (for example, that it reduces sexual desire), and in some regions adequate facilities or trained personnel may be lacking. Therefore all four reasons (i-iv) contribute to its being chosen later in family planning decisions.

Q.5. A national level approach to build up a reproductively healthy society was taken up in our country in:
(a) 1950s
(b) 1960s
(c) 1980s
(d) 1990s
Ans. (a)
Solution. A national level approach towards reproductive health and family planning began in the country during the 1950s, when population stabilisation and maternal-child health became policy priorities.

Q.6. 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
Ans. (a)
Solution. Emergency contraception (combination hormonal pills or insertion of a copper IUD) is most effective when used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. These methods act primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation, by inhibiting fertilisation or by preventing implantation depending on the method used.

Q.7. 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
Ans. (b)
Solution.

• Hormone-releasing IUDs: examples include Progestasert and LNG-20 (levonorgestrel releasing device).
• IUDs increase phagocytic activity in the uterine cavity and cervix, promoting the removal/destruction of sperm and thus preventing fertilisation.

Q.8. Following statements are given regarding MTP. Choose the correct options given below:
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
(a) ii and iii
(b) i and iii
(c) i and  iv
(d) i  and ii
Ans. (c)
Solution.

• MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) is considered relatively safe when performed in the first trimester (up to ≈12 weeks). Risks increase in the second trimester.
• MTP is not a contraceptive method; it terminates an existing pregnancy.
• MTP procedures require qualified medical personnel and appropriate facilities to ensure safety and reduce complications.

Q.9. From the sexually transmitted diseases mentioned below, identify the one which does not specifically affect the sex organs:
(a) Syphilis
(b) AIDS
(c) Gonorrhea
(d) Genital warts
Ans. (b)
Solution. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are infections transmitted primarily through sexual contact. While many STDs primarily affect the genital organs (such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, genital warts), HIV/AIDS affects the immune system and has systemic effects beyond the sex organs.

Q.10. 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
Ans. (d)
Solution. Condoms are thin rubber/latex sheaths used during sexual intercourse to block semen from entering the female reproductive tract. Advantages include:

• They act as an effective physical barrier against insemination;
• They generally do not interfere with the coital act;
• They reduce the risk of transmission of many STDs, including HIV.

Both male and female condoms are disposable, provide privacy to users, are inexpensive and widely available. The male condom brand Nirodh is commonly known in India.

Q.11. 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
Ans. (b)
Solution.

• ZIFT (Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer): a zygote or early embryo (usually up to the 8-cell stage) produced in vitro is transferred into the fallopian tube to continue development in vivo.
• GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer) involves placing oocytes and sperm together in the fallopian tube so that fertilisation occurs in the tube rather than in the laboratory; it is used when the recipient can provide a suitable environment for fertilisation and early development but cannot produce viable oocytes.

Q.12. The correct surgical procedure as a contraceptive method is:
(a) Ovariectomy
(b) Hysterectomy
(c) Vasectomy
(d) Castration
Ans. (c)
Solution. Among the options, vasectomy is the commonly recommended surgical contraceptive method for males. Tubectomy/tubal ligation is the corresponding surgical method for females. Ovariectomy, hysterectomy and castration are major surgeries not routinely used for contraception because they have extensive medical consequences.

Q.13. Diaphragms are contraceptive devices used by the females. Choose the correct option from the statements given below:
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
(a) i and ii,
(b) i and iii,
(c) ii and iii,
(d) iii & iv
Ans. (c)
Solution. Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults are barrier devices made of rubber or silicone that are inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix during coitus. They prevent sperm from entering the uterine cavity and thereby reduce the chance of fertilisation. They are typically reusable and are commonly used with spermicidal creams or jellies to increase effectiveness.

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q. 1. Reproductive health refers only to healthy reproductive functions. Comment.
Ans. Reproductive health does not refer solely to the absence of disease or healthy functioning of reproductive organs. It denotes a state of complete physical, mental, behavioural, social and physiological well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system and its functions and processes. This includes access to safe and effective contraception, maternal health services, prevention and treatment of STIs, responsible sexuality education and the ability to reproduce and to decide if, when and how often to do so.

Q.2. Comment on the Reproductive and Child Health Care programme of the government to improve the reproductive health of the people.
Ans. The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme focuses on increasing public awareness of reproductive health, improving maternal and child healthcare services, providing family planning options, immunisation, antenatal and postnatal care, and preventing and managing reproductive tract infections and STDs. Emphasis is placed on accessible primary health care, skilled birth attendance, institutional deliveries, and counselling to build a healthy society with better outcomes for mothers and children.

Q.3. The present population growth rate in India is alarming. Suggest ways to check it.
Ans. The most important approach is to promote smaller family norms and to provide and popularise effective contraceptive methods. Practical measures include:

• Public awareness campaigns (for example, the slogan "Hum Do Hamare Do" - We two, our two) through media and posters to motivate smaller families.
• Encouraging voluntary adoption of one-child or two-child norms among couples, especially among urban, working populations.
• Raising the legal age of marriage (statutory marriageable age: females to 18 years, males to 21 years) to reduce early childbearing.
• Providing incentives and welfare measures for couples with small families and improving access to family planning services and education.

Q.4. STDs can be considered as self-invited diseases. Comment.
Ans. Many sexually transmitted diseases are strongly linked to behavioural risk factors such as unprotected intercourse, multiple sexual partners, casual sexual encounters and lack of awareness. Therefore, when people engage in high-risk sexual behaviour without protection, they increase their own chances of acquiring STDs. Education, safer-sex practices and condom use help prevent these infections.

Q.5. Suggest the reproduction-related aspects in which counselling should be provided at the school level.
Ans.

• Introduce age-appropriate sex education to provide correct scientific information and dispel myths and misconceptions.
• Teach the structure and function of reproductive organs, changes during adolescence (puberty), menstruation and hygiene.
• Provide guidance on safe and hygienic sexual practices, contraception basics, prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, and where to seek confidential medical help.
• Encourage responsible behaviour, informed decision making, respect for consent and gender sensitivity.

Q.6. Mention the primary aim of the "Assisted Reproductive Technology" (ART) programme.
Ans. The primary aim of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is to help couples who are infertile to have children through specialised techniques such as IVF (in vitro fertilisation), ICSI, GIFT, ZIFT, embryo transfer and related procedures. ART provides clinical, laboratory and surgical approaches to overcome barriers to conception.

Q.7. What is the significance of progesterone-estrogen combination as a contraceptive measure?
Ans.
Low-dose combined oral contraceptives containing progesterone and estrogen prevent pregnancy by:

• Inhibiting ovulation (suppressing the mid-cycle surge of LH and FSH).
• Altering the cervical mucus to make it hostile to sperm penetration.
• Altering the endometrium so that implantation is less likely.

Q.8. Strict conditions are to be followed in medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) procedures. Mention two reasons.
Ans.
The Government legalised MTP to provide a safe, legal option but imposed strict conditions to prevent misuse and unsafe procedures. Two reasons are:

• To prevent indiscriminate and illegal female foeticide and sex-selective abortions.
• To ensure that abortions are performed safely by qualified personnel in appropriate facilities so that maternal health and life are protected.

Q.9. Males in whom testes fail to descend to the scrotum are generally infertile. Why?
Ans. Normal spermatogenesis requires a temperature slightly lower than core body temperature; the scrotum provides a cooler environment for the testes. If testes remain undescended (a condition called cryptorchidism), the higher abdominal temperature impairs spermatogenesis and can lead to reduced fertility.

Q.10. Mention two advantages of lactational amenorrhea as a contraceptive method.
Ans.
(i) There is no ovulation and therefore the menstrual cycle does not take place while lactational amenorrhea is effective.
(ii) Since no medicines or devices are used, side effects are minimal or absent when strict, exclusive breastfeeding is practised and the method is used correctly.