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NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 Locomotion and Movement

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 Locomotion and Movement

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Apr 14, 2025 03:48 PM IST

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 explains how different organisms move and perform voluntary and involuntary movements. It covers various types of movements, along with the structure and function of muscles and the skeletal system. The chapter focuses on skeletal muscle contraction. Understanding these mechanisms through these solutions ensures that conceptual clarity is established. Students can refer to these explanations to practice important questions related to muscle contraction and energy consumption. Studying NCERT solutions is important for students preparing for exams.

This Story also Contains
  1. NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Biology Locomotion and Movement - PDF Download
  2. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17: Solved Exercise
  3. NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 Locomotion and Movement- Concepts
  4. Important Diagrams of NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17
  5. Practice Questions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 Locomotion and Movement
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 Locomotion and Movement

A significant part of the chapter covers the human skeletal system, including bones, joints, and their functions. Skeletal disorders are also discussed. Referring to NCERT Solutions for Class 11 helps students answer textbook questions effectively. Solving questions related to the chapter provides better retention of skeletal functions, improving exam performance.

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Biology Locomotion and Movement - PDF Download

Students can download the PDF from the link below:

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NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17: Solved Exercise

The detailed exercise question answers are given below:

Q2. Define the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction.

Answer:

Sliding filament theory of muscle contraction

1. The sliding filament theory was mainly proposed to explain the process of muscle contraction. This theory proposes that during muscle contraction the thin filaments slide over the thick filaments leading to shortening of the myofibrils.

2. Each muscle fibre possesses alternate light and dark bands, which contain a specialised contractile protein known as actin and myosin respectively.

3. Actin refers to a thin contractile protein present in the light band and is known as the I-band, on the other hand, myosin is a thick contractile protein present in the dark band and is known as the A-band.

4. An elastic fibre called Z line bisects each I-band. To this z-line, the thin filament is firmly anchored. The central part of the thick filament that is not overlapped by the thin filament is known as the H-zone.

5. During muscle contraction, the myosin heads or cross bridges come in close contact with the thin filaments causing the thin filaments to be pulled towards the middle of the sarcomere. The Z line attached to the actin filaments is also pulled leading to the shortening of the sarcomere. Hence, the length of the band remains constant as its original length and the I-band shortens and the H-zone disappears.


Q3. Describe the important steps in muscle contraction.

Answer:

The process of muscle contraction includes the following events.

1. Depolarisation of Sarcolemma- In this event, a signal is sent by the central nervous system through a motor neuron, and it reaches the neuromuscular junction or motor end plate. The neuromuscular junction refers to the junction between a motor neuron and the sarcolemma of the muscle fibre. The reception of the signal by the neuromuscular junction causes the acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter,r to release and set the action potential in the sarcolemma.

2. Release of Calcium Ions- This step includes the transmission of the action potential by sarcolemma to the sarcoplasmic reticulum to release calcium ions in the sarcoplasm.

3. Conformational Changes in Actin Filaments- The calcium ions thus released bind to the troponin and tropomyosin on active filaments, changing the three-dimensional shape of the actin–troponin-tropomyosin complex. This causes the active site for myosin, which is found on the actin filament, to be exposed.

4. Activation of Myosin Heads- Later on, the myosin heads also get activated and they release energy by the hydrolysis of AT,P resulting in the binding of myosin heads to the active sites present on the actin filaments. This leads to the formation ofthe actin-myosin cross-bridge.

5. Sliding of Actin Filaments over Myosin- After the formation of cross-bridges, the myosin head rotates to pull the actin filament towards the centre of the A-band, i.e. the H-zone. The Z-line attached to the actin filaments is also pulled inwards, resulting in the contraction of the sarcomere. During contraction, the I-band shortens, while the A-band retains its length. This causes the muscles to contract.


Q4. Write true or false. If false, change the statement so that it is true.

(a) Actin is present inthe thin filament
(b) The h-zone of striated muscle fibre represents both thick and thin filaments.
(c) The human skeleton has 206 bones.
(d) There are 11 pairs of ribs in a man.
(e) Sternum is present on the ventral side of the body.

Answer:

(a) Actin is present in the thin filament

True statement

(b) The h-zone of striated muscle fibre represents both thick and thin filaments.

False statement. H -zone of striated muscle fibre is the central part of the thick filament that is not overlapped by the thin filament.

(c) The human skeleton has 206 bones

True statement.

(d) There are 11 pairs of ribs in a man.

False statement. There are 12 pairs of ribs in a man.

(e) Sternum is present on the ventral side of the body.

True statement


Q5. Write the difference between :

(a) Actin and Myosin

Answer:

The differences between actin and myosin are as follows:

Actin
Myosin
Actin refers to the thin contractile protein
Myosin refers to the thick contractile protein
Actin is found in light bands called isotropic bands
Myosin is found in dark bands called anisotropic bands

Q5. Write the difference between :

(b) Red and White muscles

Answer:

Red muscle fibre
White muscle fibre
These are thin and smaller in size
These are thick and larger
Due to the presence of myoglobin, they are red
Due to the presence of only a small amount of myoglobin, they are white
These carry out slow and sustained contractions
These carry out fast contractions for shorter durations.

Q5. Write the difference between :

(c) Pectoral and Pelvic girdle

Answer:

Pectoral girdle
Pelvic girdle
Skeletal support where forelimbs are attached
A skeletal support where the hindlimbs are attached
It includes two bones, i.e. clavicle and scapula
It includes three bones i.e., the ileum, pubis and ischium

Q6. Match Column I with Column II :

Column I Column II
(a) Smooth muscle (i) Myoglobin
(b) Tropomyosin (ii) Thin filament
(c) Red muscle (iii) Sutures
(d) Skull (iv) Involuntary

Answer:

The correct matching is as follows: a-iv, b-ii, c- i, d-iii

Column I Column II
(a) Smooth muscle (iv) Involuntary
(b) Tropomyosin (ii) Thin filament
(c) Red muscle (i) Myoglobin
(d) Skull (iii) Sutures

Q7. What are the different types of movements exhibited by the cells of the human body?

Answer:

The different types of movements exhibited by the cells of the human body are as follows:

1. Amoeboid movement - The leucocytes present in the blood show amoeboid movement. During tissue damage, these blood cells move in an amoeboid manner (by forming temporary pseudopodia) from the circulatory system towards the site of injury to initiate an immune response.

2. Ciliary movement- The reproductive cells such as sperms and ova show ciliary movement. The passage of ova through the fallopian tube towards the uterus is facilitated by this movement.

3. Muscular movement- The muscle cells of the human body show muscular movement. These contract and relax to bring about the movement. E.g. Movements of limbs, tongue and jaws are examples of muscular movements.

Q8. How do you distinguish between a skeletal muscle and a cardiac muscle?

Answer:

The differences between skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles are as follows:

Skeletal muscle
Cardiac muscle
The function of skeletal muscles is voluntary.
Cardiac muscles function involuntarily.
The cells of these muscles are unbranched
The cells of these muscles are branched
Intercalated discs between the cells are absent
Intercalated discs between the cells are present
These consist of alternate light and dark bands
These possess bands that are faint
These are voluntary
These are involuntary
They help in locomotory actions and body posture
Cardiac muscles help in the movements of the heart

Q9. Name the type of joint between the following:-

(a) atlas/axis

Answer:

(a) The atlas/axis possesses a pivotal joint

Q9. Name the type of joint between the following:-

(b) carpal/metacarpal of thumb

Answer:

(b) The carpal/metacarpal of the thumb possesses a saddle joint


Q9. Name the type of joint between the following:-

(c) between phalanges

Answer:

between the phalanges hinge joint

Q9. Name the type of joint between the following:-

(d) femur/acetabulum

Answer:

The femur/acetabulum possesses ball and socket joints.

Q9. Name the type of joint between the following:-

(e) between cranial bones

Answer:

Between cranial bones, fibrous joints are present.

Q9. Name the type of joint between the following:-

(f) between pubic bones in the pelvic girdle

Answer:

Between pubic bones in the pelvic girdle ball and socket joints are present.


Q10. Fill in the blank spaces:

(a) All mammals (except a few) have __________ cervical vertebra.
(b) The number of phalanges in each limb of a human is __________
(c) Thin filament of myofibril contains 2 ‘F’ actins and two other proteins namely __________ and __________.
(d) In a muscle fibre, Ca++ is stored in __________
(e)The __________ and __________ pairs of ribs are called floating ribs.
(f) The human cranium is made of __________ bones.

Answer:

(a) All mammals (except a few) have seven cervical vertebrae.
(b) The number of phalanges in each limb of a human is 14.
(c) Thin filament of myofibril contains 2 ‘F’ actins and two other proteins namely troponin and tropomyosin.
(d) In a muscle fibre, Ca++ is stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
(e) The 11th and 12th pairs of ribs are called floating ribs.
(f) The human cranium is made of eight bones.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11: Subject-wise

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How do you solve NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 questions effectively?

To answer Locomotion and Movement questions correctly, follow the following steps:

  1. Get familiar with key topics like modes of movement, muscle organization, and skeletal systems.
  2. Learn the mechanism of muscle contraction, i.e., actin and myosin interaction.
  3. Go through the organization and types of joints with examples again.
  4. Focus on muscular and skeletal system disorders like arthritis and osteoporosis.
  5. Practice muscle, bone, and joint diagrams for better understanding.
  6. Practice previous year questions and MCQs to boost preparation.

NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 Locomotion and Movement- Concepts

These solutions offer students questions and answers to all the chapters in a downloadable format. Try to understand all the concepts of every topic given in the Chapter, and then write the answers to all these questions on your own, which will let you know whether your answers and concepts are correct or not.

The chapter discusses the various topics:-

Types of Movement

  • The different kinds of movement discussed under this topic include amoeboid, ciliary, and muscular movement.
  • WBCs and macrophages perform the amoeboid movement, ciliary movement is achieved by the cilia present in the respiratory tract and reproductive system.
  • The muscular system involves the movement of muscles in skeletal muscle that work along with the bones in the animals.

Muscle

  • The different types of muscle discussed under this topic are skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles, and all perform different functions.
  • Skeletal muscles aid in voluntary movement, involuntary movement is controlled by smooth muscles and cardiac muscles make sure that heart muscles are beating throughout.

Skeletal System

  • The skeletal system provides the required shape, support and protection to the body framework.
  • The skeleton consists of 206 bones, classified into the axial and appendicular skeletons.
  • The bone, along with the muscle, helps in body movement and locomotion.

Joints

  • Joints are divided into fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints based on location and mobility.
  • Synovial joints allow the maximum mobility, followed by cartilaginous and fibrous joints.

Disorders of the Muscular and Skeletal System

  • Various conditions affect the skeletal muscles and bones.
  • Diseases such as Myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, arthritis, gout, etc. are also discussed under this topic.
  • These disorders affect movement and locomotion, which require medical treatment.

Important Topics of NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 - Locomotion and Movement

You will encounter questions based on these topics in your exams. The important topics of the chapter are given below:

17.1 Types of Movement

17.2 Muscle

17.3 Skeletal System

17.4 Joints

17.5 Disorders of the Muscular and Skeletal System

Important Diagrams of NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17

The important diagrams of the chapter are given below-

Skeletal muscle

The structure of skeletal muscle is given above.

Sliding filament theory

The sliding filament theory is given above.

Spinal column

The figure of the vertebral column (different sides) is shown above.

Thorax

The diagram of the thorax is given above.

Pectoral girdle

The diagram of the pectoral girdle is given above.

Practice Questions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17

Question 1: Explain the structure of the sarcomere.

Answer: A sarcomere is the functional unit of skeletal muscle, enclosed by Z lines, and it contains I bands (actin), A bands (myosin), and H zones (myosin alone).

Question 2: Contrast skeletal and smooth muscles.

Answer: Skeletal muscles are striated, voluntary, and multinucleated, whereas smooth muscles are non-striated, involuntary, and single-nucleated.

Question 3: Explain the sliding filament theory.

Answer: Muscle contraction is produced when the myosin heads bind onto actin filaments and are drawn to the sarcomeric center, and the muscle fiber contracts.

Question 4: Describe the roles of the human skeletal system.

Answer: The human skeletal system provides support, protection, allows for movement, helps to produce blood cells, stores minerals, and possesses endocrine functions.

Question 5: Describe joints in the human body.

Answer: Joints are of three types: fibrous (immovable), cartilaginous (slightly movable), and synovial (freely movable), e.g., sutures, intervertebral discs, and ball-and-socket joints.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology: Chapter-wise

NCERT solutions for all the class 11 biology chapters are given below:-

The Chapter 17 Class 11 Biology Solutions are framed following the textbook data. The PDF provides answers to all questions that appear in the same order as provided in the textbook. It is very beneficial for all the academic requirements of students for the CBSE board exams. Locomotion and Movement questions and answers are provided in the most efficient and easy-to-understand pattern. The conceptual knowledge of students can be assessed while referring to the NCERT. The PDF is easily available in a ready-to-download format.

Also, check NCERT Books and NCERT Syllabus here:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the benefits of the NCERT solutions for class 11 biology chapter 17 locomotion and movement?
  • NCERT is the base of your learning.  
  • You will get all the answers to locomotion and movement class 11 NCERT and locomotion and movement NCERT PDF will help you to score good marks in the exam.  
  • Solution PDF of NCERT locomotion and movement will also boost your knowledge with understanding.  
  • Locomotion and Movement NCERT solutions will also help you in your 12th board exam. 
2. What are the important topics of locomotion and movement class 11 ncert solutions?

Important topics of NCERT solutions for class 11 biology chapter 17 locomotion and movement?

  • Types of Movement  

  • Muscle  
  • Structure of Contractile Proteins  
  • Mechanism of Muscle Contraction  
  • Skeletal System  
  • Joints  
  • Disorders of Muscular and Skeletal System 
3. What are the differences between skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles given in locomotion and movement class 11 pdf?

 The differences between skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles are as follows:  

  Skeletal muscle  
  Cardiac muscle  
  • The function of skeletal muscles is voluntary.  
  • Cardiac muscles function involuntarily.  
  • The cells of these muscles are unbranched  
  • The cells of these muscles are branched  
  • INtercalated discs between the cells are absent  
  • Intercalated discs between the cells are present  
  • These consists of alternate light and dark bands  
  • These possess bands that are fainted  
  • These are voluntary in nature  
  • These are involuntary in nature  
  • They help in locomotory actions and body posture  
  • Cardiac muscles help in movements of the heart  
4. What is amoeboid movement as per locomotion ncert?

The leucocytes present in the blood show amoeboid movement. During tissue damage, these blood cells move in an amoeboid manner (by forming temporary pseudopodia)  from the circulatory system towards the site of injury to initiate an Immune response.

5. What are the different types of movement in humans?

The different types of movements exhibited by the cells of the human body are as follows: 

1. Amoeboid movement - The leukocytes present in the blood show amoeboid movement. During tissue damage, these blood cells move in an amoeboid manner (by forming temporary pseudopodia)  from the circulatory system towards the site of injury to initiate an immune response.

2. Ciliary movement- The reproductive cells such as sperms and ova show ciliary movement. The passage of ova through the fallopian tube towards the uterus is facilitated by this movement. 

3. Muscular movement- The muscle cells of the human body show muscular movement. These contract and relax to bring about the movement. E.g. Movements of limbs, tongue and jaws are examples of muscular movements.

6. What is the structure of a muscle fiber in Class 11 Biology?

In Class 11 Biology, a muscle fiber, also known as a muscle cell, is a long, cylindrical cell containing numerous myofibrils that are made of repeating units called sarcomeres containing actin (thin filaments) and myosin (thick filaments).

7. How does a sarcomere contribute to muscle contraction?

The sarcomere, the fundamental unit of muscle contraction, shortens by the sliding of thin (actin) and thick (myosin) filaments past each other. They are driven by the myosin heads binding to actin and undergo a power stroke, a process requiring ATP and calcium ions. 

8. What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary muscles?

Voluntary muscles, like those in your limbs, are under your own control, allowing you to move them intentionally, while involuntary muscles, such as those in your heart and digestive system, operate automatically without any voluntary effect.

9. What are the different types of joints in the human body?

The human body features three main types of joints: fibrous (immovable), cartilaginous (partially movable), and synovial (freely movable), with synovial joints further categorized into six types based on their structure and movement.

10. What is the role of calcium in muscle contraction?

Calcium ion acts as cofactor of myosin ATPase enzyme which hydrolyses ATP into ADP and inorganic phosphate so releasing energy. Energy stimulates formation of actomyosin complexes, rotation of heads of myosin and inward sliding of actin fillaments so causing muscle contraction.

11. How does ATP play a role in muscle contraction?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is essential for muscle contraction, providing the energy needed for the myosin heads to bind to actin, perform a power stroke, and detach, allowing for muscle movement and relaxation.

12. What is the sliding filament theory?

As per sliding filament theory, when actin and myosin filaments slide towards each other, muscle contraction takes place. A neural signal reaching the neuromuscular junction releases a neurotransmitter (Acetylcholine) which generates an action potential in the sarcolemma.

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A block of mass 0.50 kg is moving with a speed of 2.00 ms-1 on a smooth surface. It strikes another mass of 1.00 kg and then they move together as a single body. The energy loss during the collision is

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0.34\; J

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200 \, \, J - 500 \, \, J

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11.2\, L\, H_{2(g)}  at STP  is produced for every mole HCL_{(aq)}  consumed

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6L\, HCl_{(aq)}  is consumed for ever 3L\, H_{2(g)}      produced

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increase two fold

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remain unchanged

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be a function of the molecular mass of the substance.

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less than 3

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more than 6 but less than 9

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more than 9

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