Maharashtra HSC Class 12 Biology February 2026 question paper

Maximum marks 70 · Time 3 hours

Try each question first, then open its model answer. Where the paper offers a choice, both questions are shown with OR between them.

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Section A

1 mark each

Q.1 (i)1 mark $A cell divides mitotically into two. Daughter cells divide and redivide repeatedly. Such growth is called _____.$
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Q.1 (ii)1 mark $The transgenic plant Tomato contains transgene _____ for the production of flavonoids.$
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Q.1 (iii)1 mark $The cranial capacity of Neanderthal-man was _____ C.C.$
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Q.1 (iv)1 mark $Identify the organism which meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading the detritus:$
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Q.1 (v)1 mark $Identify the algae among the following:$
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Q.1 (vi)1 mark $In plants, soluble food is always translocated in the form of _____.$
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Q.1 (vii)1 mark $Identify invasive plant species from the following :$
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Q.1 (viii)1 mark $The mature plasma cell produces antibodies at the rate of _____ molecules per second.$
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Q.1 (ix)1 mark $Which is the largest WBC among the following?$
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Q.1 (x)1 mark $The number of deaths when environmental pressures come into play is known as _____.$
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Q.2 (i)1 mark $Give the function of Leydig’s cells.$
Q.2 (ii)1 mark $Define endangered species.$
Q.2 (iii)1 mark $Name the gene which is inherited directly from father to son.$
Q.2 (iv)1 mark $The producers receive 5000 Joules of light energy, then how much energy will be transferred to the carnivores (secondary consumers)?$
Q.2 (v)1 mark $Define the term chlorosis.$
Q.2 (vi)1 mark $Give the name of key factor in DNA profiling.$
Q.2 (vii)1 mark $Define combined water.$
Q.2 (viii)1 mark $Give the role of tapetum.$

Section B

2 marks each · attempt any 8

Q.32 marks $Give the features of respiratory surface for gaseous exchange.$
Q.42 marks $Differentiate between complete sex-linkage and incomplete sex-linkage with reference to location of the gene and inheritance.$
Q.52 marks $Explain the properties of nerve fibre with reference to : (a) Irritability (b) Conductivity$
Q.62 marks $\mathrm{H_1}$
Q.72 marks $Give any four advantages of micropropagation.$
Q.82 marks $Name the organisms and their role in conversion of rock into soil.$
Q.92 marks $Explain various harmful effects of noise pollution on human being.$
Q.102 marks $Explain skeletal features of Homo erectus .$
Q.112 marks $Enlist the main objectives for improved animal breeding programmes using gene transfer technology.$
Q.122 marks $Mention any four factors affecting water absorption.$
Q.132 marks $Write briefly on Alzheimer’s disease.$
Q.142 marks $Calculate the amount of ATP required by nitrogen fixer for the formation of 1000 molecules of ammonia. Name the specialised cell of cyanobacteria where nitrogen is fixed.$

Section C

3 marks each · attempt any 8

Q.153 marks

Match the respiratory surface to the organism in which it is found : Organisms Respiratory surface / organs (1) Limulus (a) Lungs (2) Protists (b) Internal gills (3) Tadpoles of frog (c) Book lungs (4) Fishes (d) External gills (5) Reptiles (e) Plasma membrane (6) Spiders (f) Book gills (g) Cloaca

Q.163 marks $Explain criss-cross inheritance with reference to bleeder’s disease by suitable charts.$
Q.173 marks $(a) Distinguish between hibernation and aestivation. (b) Give two behavioural adaptations of desert animals.$
Q.183 marks $Define : (a) Siphonogamy (b) Parthenocarpy (c) Polyembryony$
Q.193 marks $What is transpiration? Explain stomatal opening and closing mechanism with reference to starch-sugar interconversion theory.$
Q.203 marks $Enlist any six characteristics of genetic code.$
Q.213 marks $\alpha$
Q.223 marks $Define addiction. Give the physiological effects of : (a) Cocaine (b) Cannabinoids$
Q.233 marks $What is infertility? Describe in brief ZIFT and GIFT.$
Q.243 marks $Draw Urey and Miller’s experimental setup and label it.$
Q.253 marks $(a) What is grand period of growth? (b) Give two examples each of : (1) Growth promoters (2) Growth inhibitors$
Q.263 marks $(a) What is biofertilizer? (b) Draw and label the T.S. of root nodules.$

Organisms	Respiratory surface / organs
(1) Limulus	(a) Lungs
(2) Protists	(b) Internal gills
(3) Tadpoles of frog	(c) Book lungs
(4) Fishes	(d) External gills
(5) Reptiles	(e) Plasma membrane
(6) Spiders	(f) Book gills
	(g) Cloaca

Section D

4 marks each · attempt any 3

Q.274 marks $With the help of labelled diagram describe the structure of human sperm.$
Q.284 marks $What is cardiac cycle? Draw a normal ECG and label it. What do P-wave and QRS complex represent?$
Q.294 marks $Write the name of disorders caused due to hypo and hyper secretion of adrenal corticoids. Mention any 3 symptoms of each of these disorders.$
Q.304 marks $Explain nuclear and helobial type of endosperm with suitable examples.$
Q.314 marks $Describe in brief : (a) What is germ line gene therapy? Why is it not encouraged? (b) Explain somatic cell gene therapy. Mention any two acquired disorders for which it is used.$