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Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [2]
List two differences between the movement of leaves of a sensitive plant and the movement of a shoot towards light.
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 31/6/1 Q22(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:51 · grounding rag
Model Answer

| Basis | Movement of sensitive plant leaves | Movement of shoot towards light |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Caused by touch (stimulus) | Caused by light (stimulus) |
| Growth | Not dependent on growth; cells change shape by losing/gaining water | Dependent on growth; auxin causes unequal growth on two sides of shoot |

In short: sensitive plant movement is growth-independent and rapid, while shoot bending towards light (phototropism) is growth-dependent and slower.

Source: Chapter 6, Section 6.2 / 6.2.1 / 6.2.2

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Explanation

Examiners expect exactly two clear, contrasting differences. The two key points are:

  1. Growth involvement — sensitive plant = no growth; phototropism = growth-dependent. This is explicitly stated in the textbook.
  2. Mechanism — sensitive plant uses change in water content of cells; shoot bending uses auxin-driven differential growth.

Stating only one difference will fetch only 1 mark. A table format is acceptable and often preferred for "difference" questions as it is clear and saves time.

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Previous-year CBSE Grade 10 board exam questions, organised by subject and chapter, each with a model answer — free to read and print.