Embark on a captivating journey of scientific exploration with NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 6: “The Making of a Scientist.” Delve into the inspiring life story of renowned scientist Richard Ebright, understanding the challenges and determination that shaped his success. These comprehensive question-and-answer solutions offer valuable insights into the chapter’s themes, characters, and scientific concepts. Strengthen your grasp of English literature while gaining knowledge about the world of science. Prepare for exams with confidence using this resourceful guide to “The Making of a Scientist.”
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 6 The Making of a Scientist Questions and Answers
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(Page 32)
Q1. How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?
Ans: Richard’s fascination with the migration of butterflies was ignited by the book titled ‘The Travels of Monarch X.’ This captivating literary work served as a gateway to the realm of science, transforming his perspective. Motivated by his newfound passion, Richard embarked on various projects and conducted numerous experiments. Through his unwavering dedication, he eventually ascended to greatness, emerging as a distinguished scientist.
Q2. How did his mother help him?
Ans: Richard was immensely fortunate to have a remarkable mother who provided invaluable support. She not only accompanied him on enriching trips but also procured scientific equipment on his behalf. Devoting her time to setting up stimulating challenges, she played a pivotal role in Richard’s growth and learning. Her profound impact became evident when she presented him with the book ‘The Travels of Monarch X.’ This literary treasure served as a catalyst, forever altering the course of Richard’s life.
Page 34
Q1. What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?
Ans: At the science fair, Ebright showcased slides of frog tissues that he observed under a microscope. Despite his efforts, he did not receive any prizes for his display. This experience taught him a valuable lesson – to succeed in such scientific competitions, conducting substantial experiments was essential, rather than merely presenting a visually appealing exhibit. Motivated by this realization, Ebright embarked on a journey of working on diverse projects and conducting genuine experiments to further his scientific pursuits.
Q2. What experiments and projects does he then undertake?
Ans: Ebright dedicated himself to numerous projects and conducted a wide range of experiments. In his eighth-grade endeavor, he delved into the investigation of a viral disease responsible for the recurring decimation of monarch caterpillars. Hypothesizing that the disease might be transmitted by a beetle, he embarked on his quest for answers. Building upon his findings, the following year’s science fair project focused on testing viceroy butterflies, aiming to demonstrate their mimicry of monarch butterflies.
In addition to his butterfly studies, Ebright explored the intriguing phenomenon of bright spots on the monarch pupa. Through diligent research, he made a groundbreaking discovery—an unidentified insect hormone. This unexpected finding led him down a new path of understanding cellular life and how cells interpret their DNA. Ebright’s pioneering work shed light on the intricate mechanisms governing cellular processes and contributed to the development of his innovative theory.
Q3. What are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist?
Ans: The author identifies three fundamental elements that shape a scientist: an exceptional intellect, an inquisitive nature, and the determination to excel and triumph for noble reasons. Richard Ebright embodied these traits. As a brilliant student, he excelled academically and demonstrated his prowess as a champion debater. His eloquence extended to public speaking engagements, where he captivated audiences. Alongside his academic pursuits, Ebright possessed a passion for the outdoors, showcasing his skills as a skilled canoeist and an all-around nature enthusiast.
Notably, Ebright’s proficiency in photography, particularly in capturing the essence of nature and scientific exhibits, showcased his artistic eye. Behind his competitive spirit lay an insatiable curiosity, a quality essential for scientific exploration. It was this unique combination of attributes that laid the foundation for his success as a scientist. Guided by his inquisitive nature, Ebright’s journey led him to develop a groundbreaking theory on the intricacies of cellular life.
Think about it (Page 38)
Q1. How can one become a scientist, an economist, a historian…? Does it simply involve reading many books on the subject? Does it involve observing, thinking and doing experiments?
Ans: While reading books serves as a vital aspect of learning, it is only one piece of the puzzle. A true learner must also cultivate keen observation skills and enhance their capacity for critical thinking. To achieve a level of mastery in a specific field, one must possess a curious mind and an insatiable thirst for exploration, manifested through real-life experiments and dedicated project work. Perseverance is key; setbacks should never deter one from their pursuit. The burning desire to acquire knowledge and uncover novel theories necessitates tremendous dedication and effort in one’s chosen area of interest. Success lies in the sweat and toil invested in the relentless quest for learning and discovery.
Q2. You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s work in light of what you have studied. If you get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright on projects and experiments, which field would you like to work on and why?
Ans: Richard Ebright’s contributions focused on the fields of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His groundbreaking theory on cellular life has significantly advanced the scientific community’s understanding of cell structure, growth, and the diverse functions exhibited by organisms. Moreover, his work indirectly aids in the identification of disease-causing agents and sheds light on their growth within living organisms. Ebright’s exploration of insect hormones and his research on photos provided a crucial answer to a longstanding biological puzzle—how cells possess the ability to “read” the instructions encoded in their DNA.
DNA, located within the nucleus of cells, serves as the substance that governs heredity, passing genetic information from one generation to the next. It intricately determines the form and function of cells, holding the key to their fundamental characteristics.
If given the opportunity to engage in projects and experiments akin to Richard Ebright’s, my personal interest would lie in studying various life-threatening diseases. By delving into the intricacies of DNA, I aspire to uncover valuable remedies for treating chronic or fatal illnesses, aiming to make a positive impact on human health.
Talk about it (Page 38)
Q1. Children everywhere wonder about the world around them. The questions they ask are the beginning of the scientific inquiry. Given below are some questions that children in India have asked Professor Yash Pal and Dr Rahul Pal as reported in their book, Discovered Questions (NCERT, 2006).
(i) What is DNA fingerprinting? What are its uses?
(ii) How do honeybees identify their own honeycombs?
(iii) Why does rain fall in drops?
Can you answer these questions? You will find Professor Yash Pal’s and Dr Rahul Pal’s answers (as given in Discovered Questions) on page 75.
Ans: (i) DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling or genetic fingerprinting, is a technique used to analyze and identify unique patterns within an individual’s DNA sequence. It involves examining specific regions of the DNA molecule that exhibit variations between individuals, such as short tandem repeats (STRs) or variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs). These regions contain repeating sequences of nucleotides that differ in length between individuals, making them highly distinctive.
DNA fingerprinting has a wide range of applications across various fields, including:
- Human Identification.
- Medical and Genetic Research.
- Historical and Anthropological Studies.
(ii) Honeybees possess remarkable sophistication in their understanding of location, navigation, and positioning. These incredible insects employ various mechanisms to communicate and navigate effectively. For instance, they utilize warning chemicals, leaving trails that guide their fellow honeybees to the location of their honeycomb. Additionally, honeybees possess a form of pictorial memory, allowing them to remember visual cues and landmarks. They also have a directional sense that aids in finding their way and a means of estimating distances, enabling them to locate their own honeycombs with remarkable precision. Honeybees’ abilities in these aspects contribute to their remarkable navigation skills and efficiency within their environment.
(iii) In the air, the presence of solid particles is primarily represented by dust particles. When water vapor becomes too heavy, it seeks out these particles as a focal point of attraction. The water vapor condenses onto the dust particle, forming a droplet that eventually falls to the Earth’s surface.
Q2. You also must have wondered about certain things around you. Share these questions with your class, and try and answer them.
Ans: Certainly! Here are some questions that I have pondered:
1. Why do birds fly in a V-shaped formation during migration?
Possible answer: Birds fly in a V-shaped formation during migration to reduce wind resistance and conserve energy. This formation allows them to take advantage of the upwash created by the wings of the bird in front, resulting in improved efficiency and endurance during long flights.
2. How do plants know which way to grow their roots?
Possible answer: Plants exhibit a phenomenon known as gravitropism, which enables them to sense gravity and determine the direction of root growth. Specialized cells called statocytes perceive the gravitational pull, initiating signaling pathways that guide root growth downward, in the opposite direction of the gravitational force.
3. Why do stars twinkle at night?
Possible answer: The twinkling of stars is caused by the Earth’s atmosphere. As starlight passes through the layers of the atmosphere, it encounters variations in temperature and density, which result in the bending or refraction of light. This bending causes the apparent brightness of the stars to fluctuate, creating the twinkling effect.
4. How do chameleons change color?
Possible answer: Chameleons have specialized cells in their skin called chromatophores, which contain pigments. These chromatophores can expand or contract, altering the distribution of pigments and influencing the colors observed. The change in color is mainly attributed to the chameleon’s mood, temperature, lighting, and communication, rather than camouflage as commonly believed.