SCIENCE

5. The Fundamental Unit of Life

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Extra Corner
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Parts of the Location Structure Function

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Cell
Cell membrane Outermost (i) Made up lipids (i) The cell membrane gives the cell
membrane of the proteins. its structure and shape.
cell. (ii) It is highly flexible. (ii) It separates the cell contents
(iii) It is a living from the environment.
membrane. (iii) It regulates the materials that
(iv) It is a selectively enter and leave the cell and allows
Permeable membrane. only certain molecules to enter and
exit the cell.
(iv) It helps the cell and unicellular
organisms like amoeba, bring
molecules inside it through a
process called endocytosis.
Cell wall located outer side of (i) Cell wall in plants is (i) Provides strength to the cell.
cell membrane in made up of cellulose. (ii) Protects the cell against physical
certain kinds of (ii) It is rigid and damage.
cells(plants, fungi, permeable. (iii) Gives the cell its shape.
algae, most bacteria) (iii) It is a non-living (iv) Provides protection from
structure. pathogens such as bacteria.
(v) Helps the plant cells to hold lot
of water without bursting during
endosmosis.
(vi) Helps in maintaining the size
and shape of the cell during
plasmolysis.
Nucleus Located at the centre (i) It is surrounded by a (i) The nucleus plays an important
of cell double membrane, role in cell division.
known as the nuclear (ii) It controls all the activities of the
envelope or nuclear cell and determines the way it will
membrane. develop and what form it will attain
(ii) Outer membrane is in on maturity. Hence it is called the
contact with the master/director of the cell.
cytoplasm, and (iii) It stores proteins and RNA
connected in some (ribonucleic acid) in the nucleolus.
places to the (iv) Production of ribosomes takes
endoplasmic reticulum. place in the nucleolus.
(iii) Nuclear pores in the
nuclear membrane create
passages through the
nuclear membrane, and
allow exchange of
products between and
endoplasmic reticulum
(iv) Nucleoplasm is the
matrix present inside the
nucleus in which a dense
spherical structure called
the nucleolus is
embedded.
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(v) The nucleus also

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contains an entangled
mass of thread-like

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structure called
chromatin. Just before
cell division, chromatin
organises itself into
small rod-like structures
called chromosomes.
Chromosomes Organised inside the (i) Chromosomes are (i) The functional units of
nucleus before cell made up of long strands chromosomes are genes and t
division of DNA (deoxy contain information for inheritance
ribonucleic acid) and of characteristics from one
protein molecules. generation to the next.
(ii) DNA molecules
contain the information
necessary for
constructing and
organising cells.
Endoplasmic Near the nucleus (i) Large network of (i) Ribosomes present on RER
Reticulum membrane bound tubes manufacture proteins.
and sheets (ii) SER helps in the manufacture of
(ii) Two types of ER are fats or lipids.
- Smooth endoplasmic (iii) Proteins and lipids
reticulum (SER) that do manufactured by RER and SER are
not contain ribosomes used in membrane biogenesis and
and Rough endoplasmic some function as enzymes and
reticulum (RER) which hormones.
contains ribosomes. (iv) ER functions as passageway for
intracellular transport.
(v) SER helps in detoxification of
poisons and drugs in liver cells of
vertebrates
Golgi apparatus Near the Comprised of a series of (i) Storage, modification, and
endoplasmic flattened sacs called packaging of substances
reticulum cisternae arranged manufactured in the cell.
parallel to each other. (ii) Complex sugars are made from
simple sugars.
(iii) Lysosomes are formed from
Golgi apparatus.
Lysosomes Throughout the Membrane bound sacs (i) Lysosomes help to keep the cell
cytoplasm. filled with digestive clean by digesting foreign materials
enzymes. and worn- out cell organelles.
These enzymes are made (ii) When the metabolism of the cell
by the RER. is disturbed, the lysosomes burst and
the enzymes in them digest their
own cell.
Mitochondria Throughout the (i) It has two The energy required for various
cytoplasm. membranes, an outer chemical activities of the cell is
membrane and an inner released by mitochondria in the
membrane. form of ATP molecules.
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(ii) Outer membrane is

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porous and inner

membrane has many

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folds called cristae.

(iii) The space inside the
inner membrane is called
the matrix.
(iv) They have their own
DNA and ribosomes and
hence can replicate and
produce their own
proteins.
Plastids Throughout the (i) Oval shaped double (i) Chloroplast is the site of
cytoplasm. membrane bound photosynthesis.
organelle. (ii) Leucoplasts store starch, oils,
(ii) The membrane is protein granules.
embedded in a material (iii) chromoplasts impart colours to
called the stroma. flowers, leaves, and fruits.
Vacuole in the cytoplasm (i) It gets filled with a (i) In plant cells, vacuoles when
solution known as cell filled up with cell sap. provides
sap (water, sugars, and turgidity and rigidity to the cell.
amino acids). (ii) Substances like amino acids,
(ii) Vacuoles have no sugars, organic acids and some
definite size. proteins are stored in vacuoles.
(iii) In unicellular organisms, food
vacuoles store the food consumed.
(iv) In unicellular organisms,
vacuoles store excess water and
waste materials.

(a) Give the differences between cell membrane and cell wall.
Cell Membrane Cell Wall
All cells are surrounded by a covering Present in certain kinds of cells (plants,
called cell membrane. fungi, algae, most bacteria)
It is a living membrane. It is a living membrane.
It is flexible. It is hard and rigid.
Selectively permeable Completely permeable
Made up of phospholipids and proteins. Made up of cellulose in plants.

(b) Give the differences between diffusion and osmosis

Diffusion Osmosis
Diffusion is the spontaneous movement of a Osmosis is the movement of water from a
substance from a region of higher region of higher water concentration to a
concentration to a region of lower region of lower water concentration through
concentration. a semi- permeable membrane.
Diffusion can occur in any medium, Osmosis occurs only in a liquid medium
whether it is liquid, solid, or gas. (water in case of organisms)
Diffusion does not require a semipermeable Osmosis requires a semipermeable
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membrane. membrane.
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(c) Give the differences between mitosis and meiosis

Mitosis Meiosis
It takes place in most of the cells in the body It takes place in specific cells of
(somatic cells). reproductive organs of plants and animals.
It takes place for the purpose of growth and It takes place during the formation of
replacing old and worn out cells. gametes.
Two daughter cells are formed. Four daughter cells are formed.
Daughter cells have the same number of The daughter cells have half the number of
chromosomes as the mother cell. chromosomes than that of mother cell.
Daughter cells are genetically similar to the Daughter cells are genetically not similar to
mother cell. the mother cell.

1. Who discovered cells and how?

Sol. Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665.
 He observed cells in a cork slice with the help of a primitive microscope.
 The cork slice resembled the structure of a honeycomb consisting of many small
compartments or box like structures.
 Hooke called these boxes as cells.
2. Why is the cell called the structural and functional unit of life?
Sol. All living organisms are made up of cells, which perform various functions essential for
survival of the organisms, e.g. respiration, digestion, excretion etc.
 Thus, cell is the functional unit of life. In unicellular organisms, a single cell carries out
all the functions, while in multicellular organisms, group of cells carry out different
functions.
 Thus, cell is the structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
3. How do substances like CO2 and water move in and out of the cell? Discuss.
Sol. CO2 and other gases move in and out of the cell by the process of diffusion.
 When the concentration of carbon dioxide is more inside the cell than outside, CO 2
diffuses out of the cell.
 If CO2 concentration inside the cell is less, CO2 moves inside the cell from outside.
 The water moves in and out of the cell by the process of osmosis.
 Osmosis is the movement of water from region of higher water concentration to a region
of lower water concentration through a semi permeable membrane.
4. Why is the plasma membrane called a selectively permeable membrane?
Sol. The plasma membrane is called a selectively permeable membrane because it allows
entry and exit of some selected molecules through the cells.
 It also prevents movement of some other materials.

5. How is a prokaryotic cell different from a eukaryotic cell?

Or Fill in the gaps in the following table illustrating differences between prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells.
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Sol.
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Prokaryotic Cell Eukaryotic Cell

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 Size: generally small  Size: generally large

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(1-10 μ) 1μ = 10 m (5-100 μ)
 Nuclear region: poorly defined and  Nuclear region: well-defined and
known as nucleoid surrounded by a nuclear membrane.
 Chromosome: single.  More than one chromosome.
 Membrane bound cell organelles are  Membrane bound cell organelles are
absent. present.
6. Can you name two organelles that contain their own genetic material?
Sol. Mitochondria and plastids are the two cell organelles that contain their own genetic
material
7. If the organisation of a cell is destroyed due to some physical or chemical influence,
what will happen?
Sol. Living cells are capable of performing certain basic functions due to the presence of cell
organelles present in it.
 If these are destroyed then cell will not be able to work properly and will die after
sometime.
8. Why are lysosomes known as suicidal bags?
Sol. Lysosomes contain powerful digestive enzymes.
 During the disturbance in cellular metabolism, lysosomes may burst and digest their own
cell. Therefore, they are called suicidal bags of the cell.
9. Where are proteins synthesised inside the cell?
Sol. Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis inside the cell.
10. Make a comparison and write down ways, in which plant cells are different from
animal cells.
Sol.
Plant Cell Animal Cell
 Cell wall is present outside the plasma
 Cell wall is absent.
membrane.
 Generally regular in shape.  Generally irregular in shape.
 Larger in size than animal cells.  Smaller in size than plant cells.
 Plastids are present.  Plastids are absent in all except Euglena.
 A permanent and large vacuole is  Vacuoles are many, small and
present. temporary.
 Many simple units of Golgi apparatus  A single, highly complex and prominent
called dictyosome are present. Golgi apparatus is present.

11. What would happen if the plasma membrane ruptures or breaks down?
Sol. In case plasma membrane ruptures or breaks down,
 all the useful substances will move out of the cell because membrane is selectively
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permeable.
 the transportation of materials will be disturbed.

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 the cell will loose its normal shape.

 this may lead ultimately to the death of the cell.
12. What would happen to the life of a cell if there was no Golgi apparatus?
Sol. Effects of the absence of Golgi apparatus on life of a cell are as follows:
 The packaging and dispatching of different types of proteins to various targets outside the
cell will be influenced.
 The products of cell cannot be stored and modified later.
 This will affect the lysosomes formation. This will cause accumulation of worn out and
dead cell organelles within the cell, which may cause cell death.
13. Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell? Why?
Sol. Mitochondria are called powerhouse of the cell.
 It contains oxidative enzymes, which oxidise the food and convert it into energy currency
of the cell in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
 This energy is used by body for making new chemical compounds and for doing other
works.
 So, mitochondria are called powerhouse of the cell.
14. Where do the lipids and proteins constituting the cell membrane get synthesised?
Sol. The synthesis of lipids occurs in Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER).
 The proteins are synthesised in the ribosomes, which are attached to the Rough
Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER).
15. How does Amoeba obtain its food?
Sol. Amoeba obtains its food through endocytosis.
 It is the process of ingestion of food through the plasma membrane, which enables the
Amoeba to engulf food and other materials from surroundings.
16. What is osmosis?
Sol. Osmosis is the movement of water from region of higher water concentration to a region
of lower water concentration through a semi permeable membrane.
17. Carry out the following osmosis experiment: Take four peeled potato halves and
scoop each one out to make potato cups. One of these potato cups should be made from
a boiled potato. Put each potato cup in a trough containing water. Now,
(i) keep cup A empty
(ii) put one tea spoon sugar in cup B.
(iii) put one tea spoon salt in cup C.
(iv) put one tea spoon sugar in the boiled potato cup D.
Keep them for two hours. Then observe the four potato cups and answer the following:
(i) Explain, why water gathers in the hollowed portion of B and C?
(ii) Why is potato A necessary for experiment?
(iii) Explain, why water does not gather in the hollowed out portion of A and D?
Sol. (i) The water gathers in the hollowed portion of B and C due to the process of osmosis.
Concentration of solute (sugar in cup Sol. B and salt in cup C) is higher inside the cup than
water. Hence, water flows from a region of its higher concentration to the region of lower
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concentration.
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(ii) Potato A acts as reference of control for the experiment, which helps in comparing
results.
(iii) Water does not gather in the hollow portion of A and D because of the following reasons:
 Hollow portion of potato A is empty and there is no concentration difference so, no
osmosis occurs.
 The hollowed portion of potato D contains sugar, but the potato cup is boiled. Osmosis
cannot occur as semi permeable membrane is destroyed by boiling.

1. The word 'cell’ is derived from

A. Greek word that means 'small box-like structure
B. Latin word that means 'a little room'
C. Greek word that means 'a little room
D. Latin word that means 'small box-like
2. Living cells were discovered by
A. Robert Hooke B. Purkinje C. Leeuwenhoek D. Robert Brown
3. The term "protoplasm' was coined by
A. Purkinje B. Robert Hooke C. Virchow D. Robert Brown
4. Cell theory states that cells are structural and functional unit of
A. planes B. animals C. Both (a) and (b) D. microbes
5. The cell theory was further explained by Virchow.
A. True B. False C. Can’t say D. Partially true/false
6. Match the following columns.
Column I Column II
A. Robert Hooke 1. Discovery of nucleus
B. Schleiden and 2. Protoplasm
Schwann
C. Robert Brown 3. Cell theory
D. Purkinje 4. Discovered cell
Codes
A B C D
A. 3 4 1 2
B. 1 2 3 4
C. 2 4 1 3
D. 2 3 1 2
7. Choose the incorrect statement from the following options.
A. All cells arise from pre-existing cells only
B. Rudolf Virchow proposed the cell theory
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C. Nucleus was discovered by Robert Brown in 1831.

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D. The nucleus and cytoplasm of a living cell, altogether form the protoplasm.
8. Match the following columns.

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Column I Column II
A. 1. Multicellular organism
Chlamydomonas
B. Prokaryotes 2. Organism having nuclear membrane
C. Fungi 3. Unicellular organisms
D. Eukaryotes 4. Organisms without a nuclear membrane
Codes
A B C D
A. 3 4 1 2
B. 1 2 3 4
C. 2 4 1 3
D. 2 3 2 1
9. The shape and of cells are related to
A. type of cell B. function of cell C. length of cell D. Both (a) and (b)
10. The only cell organelle seen in prokaryotic cell is
A. mitochondria B. ribosomes C. plastids D. lysosomes
11. The covering of the cell that separates external the content of the cell from its
environment is called
A. cell wall B. cytoplasm C. cell membrane D. nucleus
12. Diffusion is the process in which substance move from region of ... (A) ... concentration
to a region of ... (B)... concentration.
A. (A)-low, (B)-high B. (A) –high, (B) How
C. (A)-how, (B)-low D. (A)-nigh, (B)-high
13. Plasma membrane is called as
A. selectively permeable B. permeable
C. impermeable D. semipermeable
14. A cell will swell up if
A. the concentration of water molecules in cell is higher than the concentration of water
molecules in surrounding medium
B. the concentration of water molecules in surrounding medium is higher than water
molecules concentration in the cell
C. the concentration of water molecules is same in the cell and in the surrounding medium
D. concentration of water molecules does not matter
15. Match the following columns.
Column I Column II
A. Hypotonic solution 1. Cell will shrink
B. Hypertonic solution 2. Cell will swell up
C. Isotonic solution 3. Cell will stay the same
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Codes
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A B C
A. 3 2 1

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B. 1 2 3
C. 3 1 2
D. 2 1 3
16. Osmosis is the special case of diffusion through a selectively permeable membrane.
A. True B. False C. Can't say D. Partially true or false
17. The flexibility of plasma membrane cu presence of be contributed to the
A. proteins B. lipids and C. nucleic acids D. Both (a) and (b)
18. Amoeba acquires its food through a process, termed
A. exocytosis B. endocytosis
C. plasmolysis D. Both exocytosis and endocytosis
19. Select the odd one out.
A. The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane is affected by the amount of
substances dissolved in it
B. Membranes are made of organic molecules like proteins and lipids
C. The cell membrane separates the content of the cell from its external environment
D. The cell membrane allows the movement of all material across it
20. The rigid outer covering in plant cell is called cell membrane.
A. True B. False C. Can't say D. Partially true or false
21. The cell wall of which out of these is not made up of cellulose?
A. Bacteria B. Hydrilla C. Mango tree D. Lactus
22. Plasmolysis in a plant cell is defined as
A. breakdown or lysis of plasma membrane in hypotonic medium
B. shrinkage of cell content in hypertonic medium
C. shrinkage of nucleoplasm
D. None of the above
23. The nucleus has a double layered covering called
A. cell membrane B. nuclear membrane
C. cell wall D. plasma membrane
24. Chromosomes are made up of
A. DNA B. Protein C. ONA and protein D. RNA
25. Functional segments of DNA are called ...(A).... In a cell which is not dividing, the DNA
is present as ... (B)... material.
Choose the correct option for A and B respectively are
A. chromosomes, gene B. gene. chromatin
C. chromatin gene D. chromosomes, chromatin
26. The undefined nuclear region of prokaryotes are also known as
A. nucleus B. nucleolus C. nucleic acid D. nucleoid
27. Cell organelles are present in
A. cytoplasm B. plasma membrane
C. nucleus D. nucleoid
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28. Match the following columns.

Column I Column II
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A. Cellulose 1. Cytoplasm

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B. Chromosomes 2. Functional segment of DNA

C. Cell organelles 3. Pant cell wall
D. Genes 4. Nucleus
Codes
A B C D
A. 4 3 2 1
B. 3 4 1 2
C. 4 3 1 2
D. 3 4 2 1
29. Lipid molecules in the cell are synthesised by
A. smooth endoplasmic reticulum B. rough endoplasmic reticulum
C. Golgi apparatus D. plastids
30. Rough endoplasmic reticulum are site of ...(A)... manufacture, while smooth endoplasmic
reticulum helps in manufacture of...(B)... molecules.
Choose the correct option for A and B respectively
A. lipids, fats B. carbohydrates, fats
C. proteins, fats D. vitamins, proteins
31. Which cell organelle plays a crucial role in detoxifying many poisons and drugs in a cell?
A. Golgi apparatus B. Lysosomes
C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum D. Vacuoles
32. Endoplasmic reticulum is the site for energy generation.
A. True B. False C. Can't say D. Partially true or false
33. The cell organelle involved in forming complex sugars from simple sugars are
A. endoplasmic reticulum B. ribosomes
C. plastids D. Golgi apparatus
34. Lysosome arises from
A. endoplasmic reticulum B. Golgi apparatus
C. nucleus D. mitochondria
35. Silver nitrate solution is used to study
A. endoplasmic reticulum B. Golgi apparatus
C. nucleus D. mitochondria
36. Which of the following are covered by a single membrane?
A. Mitochondria B. Vacuole C. Lysosome D. Plastid
37. Organelle other than nucleus, containing DNA is
A. endoplasmic reticulum B. Golgi apparatus
C. mitochondria D. lysosome
38. Mitochondria have two membrane. The outer membrane is very ... (A)..., while the inner
membrane is ... (B)...

A. A-porous, B-deeply folded B. A-folded, B-porous

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C. A-rigid, B-soft D. A-porous, B-rigid

39. Mitochondria are able to make their own proteins.
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A. True B. False

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C. Can't say D. Partially true or false

40. Which of the following is only present in plant cells?
A. Plastids B. Endoplasmic reticulum
C. Mitochondria D. Golgi apparatus
41. Kitchen of the cell is
A. mitochondria B. endoplasmic reticulum
C. chloroplast D. Golgi apparatus
42. Match the following columns
Column I Column II
A. Chromoplasts 1. Colourless plastids
B. Leucoplasts 2. Yellow or orange pigments
C. Chloroplasts 3. Coloured plastids
Codes
A B C
A. 3 1 2
B. 1 3 2
C. 2 3 1
D. 1 3 2
43. Numerous membrane layer present in chloroplasts are called
A. cytoplasm B. leucoplasts C. mitochondria D. stroma
44. Leucoplasts are primarily organelles which stores
A. protein granules B. oils C. starch D. All of these
45. Pick out the incorrect statement.
A. Leucoplast is a colourless plastid
B. Cell wall is a non-living structure, mainly composed of cellulose
C. Golgi apparatus acts as the site of protein synthesis
D. Protoplasm is a life giving substance of a cell
46. Find out the false statement.
A. Golgi apparatus is involved with the formation of lysosomes
B. Nucleus, mitochondria and plastid have DNA, hence they are able to make their own
structural proteins
C. Mitochondria is said to be the power house of the cell as ATP is generated in them
D. Cytoplasm is called as protoplasm
47. Storage sacs in plant and animal cells is called
A. vacuoles B. Golgi apparatus
C. mitochondria D. plastids
48. Vacuoles are ...(A)... sized in animals cells, while plant cells have very ... (B)... vacuoles.
A. (A) – large, (B) – small B. (A) – small, (B) – large
C. (A) – small, (B) – small D. (A) – large, (B) – large
49. Select the correct functional role of vacuole in a cell.
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A. Vacuoles do not help in maintaining rigidity if cell

B. Vacuoles form thread-like tail in sperms of many mammals
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C. Vacuoles expel excess water and waste products from the cell

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D. Vacuoles store only excretory products of a cell

50. Choose the incorrect statement.
A. Lysosomes form the garbage disposal system of animal cells
B. Ribosome carries out the synthesis of proteins
C. Liquid content of the vacuole in a plant cell is called cell sap
D. The colourless plastid that stores proteins, lipids and starch is named xanthophylls
51. Match the following columns.
Column I Column II
A. 1. Storage sacs
Mitochondria
B. Lysosomes 2. Proteins synthesis
C. Vacuoles 3. Power house of the cell
D. Ribosomes 4. Suicidal bags
Codes
A B C D
A. 1 2 3 4
B. 4 3 2 1
C. 3 4 1 2
D. 4 3 1 2

Questions.
1. Who discovered free-living cells?
2. Give name of two organisms each that are (i) Unicellular (ii) Multicellular
3. Name the two cells which can change their shape?
4. What is plasmolysis?
5. Unicellular organisms differ from multicellular ones. How?
6. Name the molecules which contribute to the flexibility exhibited by the plasma membrane.
7. Why plasma membrane is called selectively permeable membrane?
8. Name the process by which CO2 is removed from the cell.
9. Apart from gaseous exchange, how is diffusion important for organisms?
10. Which component of plant cell provides the structural strength to it?
11. What is the role of nuclear pores in a cell?
12. What are genes? Where are they located?
13. Why is nuclear region in prokaryotes poorly defined?
14. How do prokaryotic cells reproduce? Name two prokaryotes.
15. Give one significance of cytoplasm in a eukaryotic cell.
16. Identify the site for protein synthesis in a cell.
17. What is the role of SER in liver cells of vertebrates?
18. Which organelles constitutes the network of complex cellular membrane system in living
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cells?
19. Fill in the blanks to complete the statement.
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During......., the lysosomes digest stored food contents by....... to supply energy to the cell.

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20. What is the similarity between mitochondria and plastids? Give any two.
21. Name the organelle which acts as storage sacs of the cell.
22. Name two cell organelles that contain their own genetic material.
23. Name the smallest cell and longest cell in human body.
24. What is the function of chromosome?
25. Name the cleansing organelle in the cell.
26. What is the full form of DNA?
27. Give the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.
28. How do substances like CO2 and water move in and out of the cell?
29. Why is plasma membrane called a selectively permeable membrane?
30. Draw a neat labelled diagram of animal cell.
31. What is the function of nucleus in a cell?
32. Give the difference between plant cell and animal cell.

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