BIOLOGY

Chapter 5: The Fundamental Unit of Life

 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

The Fundamental Unit of Life

Cells are the basic structural and functional unit of life. Cell was discovered by Robert Hooke. A
number of cells can work together to form tissues and organs.
History of Cell
• The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. It is the smallest
part of the body of an organism which is capable of independent existence and is able to
perform all the essential functions of life.
• The history of cell science began in 1665, with the observation of a thin section of bottle
cork by the English scientist Robert Hooke.
• In 1838, Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann proposed a basic cell theory. In 1858,
another scientist, Virchow, made an addition to the existing cell theory.
• The postulates of the modern cell theory are
▪ The cell is the smallest unit of structure of all living things.
▪ The cell is the unit of function of all living things.
▪ All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
• Cells vary in number. Examples: Single-celled Amoeba, few-celled Spirogyra and multi-celled
human being. They vary in size. Examples: Bacteria are the smallest, nerve cells are the
longest and the ostrich egg is the largest. They vary in shape. Example: Columnar epithelial
cells.
Cellular respiration
Cellular respiration is the process by which the food releases energy in the mitochondria. Cells
absorb glucose from the food and burn it to produce energy.

Structural Organization of Cells

Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic cells
Two types of cells Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are primitive and lack well
defined nucleus. Eukaryotic cells are more advanced and have well defined nucleus.
Cell structure in Eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells have the most well-defined structure. These cells have cell membrane,
membrane bound cell organelles and a well-defined nucleus. The nucleus has its own
membrane called nuclear membrane.
Cell membrane
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

• Cell membrane is the outer covering of a cell.

• It is made up of phospho-lipid bilayer membrane.
• It is selectively permeable in nature.
• The structure of a cell membrane is best described by the fluid mosaic model.
Diffusion
The movement of molecules from a region of their high concentration to a region of their
lower concentration is known as diffusion.
Osmosis in selectively permeable membrane
Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane. Osmosis is a selective
process since the membrane does not allow all molecules to pass through it. Water is usually
the only free flowing molecule across this membrane.
Isotonic, hypotonic solutions, hypertonic solutions
• Isotonic solutions are those which have the same solute and pH concentration as the
surrounding body fluid or the cytoplasm.
• Hypotonic solutions contain lesser amount of solute concentration compared to the
surrounding fluid and can force the cell to rupture due to excess input of water into the cell.
• Hypertonic solutions contain higher concentration of solute compared to the surrounding
fluid and thus push water out of cell, shrinking it.

Types of Organisms
Cell walls in plants
Plant cells are different from animals cells due to the presence of a cell wall. The cell wall is
made of cellulose and gives a rigid structure to the plant cell.
Cell Organelles
• Endocytosis: Endocytosis is the invagination of cell membrane, followed by pinching off
forming a membrane bound vesicle. This is commonly seen in Amoeba.
• Nucleus in cells: Nucleus is the processing unit of the cell. It is a double membrane bound
organelle which contains the genetic material for inheritance.
• Chromosomes: During the growth phase of the cell, the chromatin condenses into a much
thicker structure called chromosome.
• Chromatin: Chromatin is a thread like structure which serves as the genetic material
present inside the nucleus of the cell. It is made up of DNA and protein molecules. The DNA
contains the hereditary information needed for the structure and function of the organism.
BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

• Cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is the fluid found inside the cell. It gives the structure to the cell and
houses different organelles of the cell.
• Organelles: Organelles are structures present in the cytoplasm of the cell that help in
several functions of the cell.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum: Endoplasmic reticulum is a membrane like cell organelle that
plays an integral role in the interpretation of the genetic information present in the
nucleus.
• Rough ER: Rough ER are the ones that have ribosomes on it. The ribosome is made up of
nucleic acids and proteins. They are the site of protein synthesis. The Rough ER is also
involved in the modification and folding of protein.
• Smooth ER: Smooth ER do not have ribosomes and thus are not involved in protein
synthesis. They are however, involved in the lipid metabolism and detoxifying poisonous
molecules.
• Golgi Apparatus: Golgi Apparatus is also called the post office of the cell. They package and
transport the proteins across the cytoplasm.
• Lysosomes: They are referred to as suicide bags of the cell as they contain potent enzymes
that can digest a cell. Lysosome also help in defense by attacking a foreign object.
• Mitochondria: Mitochondria are also called power plant of the cell. They generate ATP via
the electron transport chain. They also have a DNA called mtDNA, which makes them semi-
autonomous organelle.
• Plastids: There are various types of plastids in different cells based on the pigment they
contain. The chloroplast is the plastid where the photosynthesis occurs. Some of the other
plastids are leucoplast and chromoplast.
• Vacuoles Vacuoles are large vesicles that hold water or air in them and give structural
rigidity to the cell. Vacuoles are common in plant cells. In animals the vacuoles are either
very small or absent.

Differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

Eukaryotic Cell
The term “Eukaryotes” is derived from the Greek word “eu“, (meaning: good) and “karyon”
(meaning: kernel), therefore, translating to “good or true nuclei.” Eukaryotes are more complex
and much larger than the prokaryotes. They include almost all the major kingdoms except
kingdom monera.

Structurally, eukaryotes possess a cell wall, which supports and protects the plasma membrane.
The cell is surrounded by the plasma membrane and it controls the entry and exit of certain
substances.

The nucleus contains DNA, which is responsible for storing all genetic information. The nucleus is
surrounded by the nuclear membrane. Within the nucleus exists the nucleolus, and it plays a
crucial role in synthesising proteins. Eukaryotic cells also contain mitochondria, which are
responsible for the creation of energy, which is then utilized by the cell.

Present in only plant cells, chloroplasts are the subcellular sites of photosynthesis. Endoplasmic
reticulum helps in the transportation of materials. Besides these, there are also other cell
organelles that perform various other functions and these include ribosomes, lysosomes, Golgi
bodies, cytoplasm, chromosomes, vacuoles and centrosomes.
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

Examples of eukaryotes include almost every unicellular organism with a nucleus and all
multicellular organisms.

Prokaryotic Cell
The term “prokaryote” is derived from the Greek word “pro“, (meaning: before) and “karyon”
(meaning: kernel). It translates to “before nuclei. “

Prokaryotes are one of the most ancient groups of living organisms on earth, with fossil records
dating back to almost 3.5 billion years ago.

These prokaryotes thrived in the earth’s ancient environment, some using up chemical energy
and others using the sun’s energy. These extremophiles thrived for millions of years, evolving
and adapting. Scientists speculate that these organisms gave rise to the eukaryotes.

Prokaryotic cells are comparatively smaller and much simpler than eukaryotic cells. The other
defining characteristic of prokaryotic cells is that it does not possess membrane-bound cell
organelles such as a nucleus. Reproduction happens through the process of binary fission.

Structurally, prokaryotes have a capsule enveloping its entire body, and it functions as a
protective coat. This is crucial for preventing the process of phagocytosis (where the bacteria
gets engulfed by other eukaryotic cells, such as macrophages) The pilus is a hair-like appendage
found on the external surface of most prokaryotes and it helps the organism to attach itself to
various environments. The pilus essentially resists being flushed, hence, it is also called
attachment pili. It is commonly observed in bacteria.
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

Right below the protective coating lies the cell wall, which provides strength and rigidity to the
cell. Further down lies the cytoplasm that helps in cellular growth, and this is contained within
the plasma membrane, which separates the interior contents of the cell from the outside
environment. Within the cytoplasm, ribosomes exist and it plays an important role in protein
synthesis. It is also one of the smallest components within the cell.

Some prokaryotic cells contain special structures called mesosomes which assist in cellular
respiration. Most prokaryotes also contain plasmids, which contains small, circular pieces of
DNA. To help with locomotion, flagella are present, though, pilus can also serve as an aid for
locomotion. Common examples of Prokaryotic organisms are bacteria and archaea. Also, all
members of Kingdom Monera are prokaryotes.

Structural Organisation of a Cell

CHARACTERISTICS FUNCTIONS
Plasma membrane
Very thin, flexible and delicate living Acts as an effective barrier and regulates the
semi- permeable membrane entry of certain solutes and ions
Cell wall
Freely permeable, mainly composed Gives rigidity and shape to the plant cells and
of cellulose provides protection
Cytoplasm
Contains a mixture of water and soluble Seat of occurrence of glycolysis (production of
organic and inorganic compounds and pyruvic acid)
various cell organelles
Endoplasmic reticulum
May be smooth (SER) or rough (RER) Acts as a supportive framework of the cell
Mitochondria
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Double-walled, inner wall thrown into Seat of aerobic respiration and synthesises
folds called cristae respiratory enzymes and energy-rich compounds
Golgi apparatus (in animal cells)
Dictyosomes (in plant cells)
Consists of a set of membrane-bounded, Synthesis of the plasma membrane, cell wall etc.
fluid-filled vesicles and vacuoles and synthesis and secretion of enzymes and
hormones
Ribosomes
Single-walled, dense, spherical Synthesis of proteins
bodies composed mainly
of RNA and proteins
Lysosomes
Contains 40 different types of enzymes Intracellular digestion

CHARACTERISTICS FUNCTIONS
Centrosomes
Contains one or two centrioles which are Initiates and regulates cell division
surrounded by radiating microtubules to
form
an aster shape
Plastids
Double membrane, proteinaceous Chromoplasts: Impart colour to flowers and fruits
matrix containing DNA and Chloroplasts: Trap solar energy for
disc-like structures photosynthesis
called thylakoids containing chlorophyll Leucoplasts: Store starch
Nucleus
Mostly spherical and dense, surrounded Regulates cell cycle and cell functions
by nuclear membrane with pores
Nucleolus
Round, one or more in number Participates in protein synthesis by forming and
storing RNA
Chromatin fibres
Network of thread-like structures which Chromosomes carry hereditary information or
genes
are made of DNA
Vacuoles
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Non-living structures Storage of water and other substances,

food, pigments and waste products
Granules
Small particles, crystals or droplets Starch (in plant cells), glycogen (in animal cells)
and fat-containing granules serve as food for the
cell

Differences between Plant and Animal Cells

PLANT CELL ANIMAL CELL
1. Presence of a definite cell wall made 1. Absence of a cell wall
of cellulose
2. Cell membrane present internal to 2. Cell membrane forms the boundary
the cell wall of the cell
3. Absence of centrosome 3. Presence of centrosome
4. Absence of centriole 4. Presence of centriole
5. Presence of plastids 5. Absence of plastids
Difference Between Plant cell and Animal cell
The cell is the fundamental unit of life. All the life activities are carried out by cells. The organisms
are classified based on the number of cells present in them. Unicellular organisms are single-
celled, while multicellular organisms have a large number of cells.
Unicellular organisms are believed to be one of the earliest forms of life on earth. Eventually,
more complex multicellular organisms evolved from these unicellular life forms over the aeons.
Multicellular organisms have specialized cells with complicated cell organelles, which unicellular
organisms typically lack.
In an ecosystem, plants have the role of producers while animals have taken the role of
consumers. Hence, their daily activities and functions vary, so do their cell structure. Cell
structure and organelles vary in plants and animals, and they are primarily classified based on
their function. The difference in their cell composition is the reason behind the difference
between plants and animals, their structure and functions.
Each cell organelle has a particular function to perform. Some of the cell organelles are present in
both plant cell and the animal cell, while others are unique to just one. Most of the earth’s higher
organisms are eukaryotes, including all plant and animals. Hence, these cells share some
similarities typically associated with eukaryotes.
For example, all eukaryotic cells consist of a nucleus, plasma membrane, cytoplasm,
peroxisomes, mitochondria, ribosomes and other cell organelles.
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As stated above, both plant and animal cells share a few common cell organelles, as both are
eukaryotes. The function of all these organelles is said to be very much similar. However, the
major differences between the plant and animal cells, which significantly reflect the difference in
the functions of each cell.

Transport of Materials across Cells

Transport of
materials
across cells

Passive Active
Bulk transport
transport transport

Simple Facilitated
Osmosis Pinocytosis Endocytosis Exocytosis
diffusion diffusion

Receptor-
Endosmosis Exosmosis Phagocytosis Potocytosis mediated
endocytosis

• Passive transport is a kind of diffusion in which an ion or a molecule crossing the cell membrane
moves against its electrochemical or concentration gradient.
• In simple diffusion, molecules of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide enter the cell
without the help of transport proteins such as permeases.
• In facilitated diffusion, ions or molecules cross the membrane rapidly by using specific
proteins called transport proteins or permeases which are present in the membrane.
• The spontaneous passage of water molecules from a region of high water concentration
to a region of low water concentration through a selectively permeable membrane is
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

called osmosis.
• The process by which water molecules enter a cell is called endosmosis.
• The process by which water molecules move out of the cell is called exosmosis.
• In plant cells, when excess of exosmosis occurs, the cytoplasm and plasma membrane
shrink away from the cell wall. This is known as plasmolysis.
• Active transport is the movement or transport of substances through a biological
membrane such as the cell membrane. This process requires energy.
• Large molecules are continuously imported or exported into the cells across the plasma
membrane. The process where the cells either release or absorb fluids and particles
through their outer membrane is called bulk transport.
• Materials enter a cell by invagination and formation of vesicles. As the materials leave
the cell, the membrane of a vesicle fuses with the plasma membrane and extrudes its
contents to the surrounding medium. This outward transport of materials by using
carrier molecules is called exocytosis.
• Endocytosis is the intake or ingestion of materials by cells through the plasma membrane.
• Phagocytosis, also known as cell eating, is a common method in which substances are
taken up in the solid form.
• In potocytosis, small molecules or ions are specifically internalised into the cell.
• Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a pathway for selective uptake of large molecules
such as ligands in clathrin-coated pits.
• In pinocytosis, also known as cell drinking, substances are taken up by the cell in the fluid form.
Cellulose In Digestion
Cellulose is a complex organic compound that occurs abundantly in nature. It is a polymeric
carbohydrate molecule consisting of a linear chain having thousands of glycosidic linkages.
It consists of unbranched chains of glucose (linked D-Glucopyranose). They are straight chains
linked by hydrogen bonds producing a substance that is inert and insoluble in water, in their pure
form.
Modified cellulose and pure cellulose are different in their chemical compositions. They are
components of the plant cell wall and have no odour or taste. It is crystalline in nature and does
not dissolve water and other solvents. Termites and herbivorous animals lack the enzyme for
cellulose digestion.
Digestion of Cellulose in Termites
Termites have mastigophorans (microbes) in their gut which brings about digestion of cellulose.
Herbivorous animals, on the other hand, are ruminants. They have different compartments in
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their stomach to carry out digestion.

The rumen is the first compartment where ingested food containing cellulose is stored
temporarily and later regurgitated to chew their cud. They are able to digest cellulose because of
the presence of bacteria and enzymes in the rumen where anaerobic bacterial digestion occurs. A
by-product of this type of digestion releases methane which is foul-smelling and causes the
destruction of the ozone layer of the Earth.
Digestion of Cellulose in Humans
Cellulose is a fibre which is not digestible by the human digestive system. It, however, helps in
the smooth functioning of the intestinal tract.
The presence of beta acetal linkages in cellulose makes it different from starch and is a deciding
factor in its digestibility. Humans lack the enzyme required to breakdown the linkages.
Furthermore, it forms a major part of the human diet from plant foods.
Fruits and vegetables contain cellulose in small amounts which are easily digestible. Fibres
contain cellulose which acts as roughage, adding bulk to consumed food and helps in the smooth
passage of the food efficiently and at a much faster pace. High fibre diet reduces the risk of colon
cancer as fibre in the diet helps reduce the time the faeces stay in the colon wall.
Since it is insoluble in water it binds with other components adding bulk helping to move through
the intestines by aiding bowel movements. Consuming food that does not contain cellulose over
a period of time results in the bowel becoming weak leading to constipation.
These fibres aid in the growth of bacteria in the gut which feeds on sugars and fibres. They
maintain the health of the gut and checks for bacteria causing illness. Fibres also prevent weight
gain and aids in weight loss.
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 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

Important Question
➢ Multiple Choice Questions:
1. The basic unit of life is:
(a) tissue
(b) cell
(c) both
(d) none of them
2. Who discovered the cell?
(a) Robert Hooke
(b) Leeuwenhoek
(c) Robert Brown
(d) T. Schwann
3. The cell wall of a plant cell is made up of:
(a) glucose
(b) fructose
(c) protein
(d) cellulose
4. Which of the following controls all biological activities of a cell?
(a) Protoplasm
(b) Cell wall
(c) Nucleus
(d) All of these
5. Which of the following is known as the ‘Power House’ of a cell?
(a) Nucleus
(b) Golgi Bodies
(c) Ribosome
(d) Mitochondria
6. Digestive Enzymes are found in:
(a) Protoplasm
(b) Cell wall
(c) Lysosomes
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

(d) Mitochondria
7. Which is the longest cell of the human body?
(a) Nerve cell
(b) Liver cell
(c) Kidney cell
(d) Cardiac cell
8. Which of the following cell organelles functions both as an intracellular transport system and
as a manufacturing surface?
(a) Nucleus
(b) Mitochondria
(c) ER
(d) None of these
9. Which of the following cell organelles help in the storage, modification, and packaging of
substances manufactured in the cell?
(a) Golgi apparatus
(b) Nucleus
(c) Mitochondria
(d) Chloroplasts
10. Who proposed the “Black Reaction”?
(a) Benda
(b) Camillo Golgi
(c) Schleiden
(d) None of them
11. Who discovered the nucleus in the cell?
(a) Leeuwenhoek
(b) Robert Brown
(c) Schleiden
(d) Robert Hooke
12. Which of the following are formed in bone marrow?
(a) RBC
(b) Cartilage cell
(c) Blood platelets
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

(d) Fibres
13. Which of the following can be made into crystal?
(a) A bacterium
(b) An amoeba
(c) A virus
(d) A sperm
14. Chromosomes are made up of:
(a) DNA
(b) Protein
(c) DNA and protein
(d) RNA
15. Which of the following are covered by a single membrane?
(a) Mitochondria
(b) Vacuole
(c) Ribosome
(d) Plastid
➢ Very Short Question:
1. What are plastids? Name the different types of plastids found in plant cell.
2. What is plasma membrane made up of?
3. What did Robert Hooke observed first in cork cell?
4. Name the autonomous organelles in the cell.
5. What does protoplasm refer to?
6. Name two cells which keep changing their shape.
7. Name the smallest cell and the longest cell in human body.
8. Name 3 features seen/ present in almost every cell.
9.What is diffusion?
10.What is osmosis? This takes place from high water concentration to low water
concentration.
➢ Short Questions:
1. State two conditions required for osmosis.
2. What is plasmolysis?
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

3. How does fungi and bacteria can withstand much greater changes in the surrounding
medium than animal cells?
4. Give the function of nuclear membrane.
5. Name the cell-organelles that have their own DNA and ribosomes.
6. State the difference between smooth endoplasmic reticulum and rough endoplasmic
reticulum.
7. What is endocytosis?
8. What is the function of vacuoles?
➢ Long Questions:
1. Give five points of differences between plant cell and animal cell.
2. Give five points of differences between prokaryotic cell and eukaryotic cell.
3. Draw a neat labelled diagram of plant cell and label its parts.
4. Draw a neat labelled diagram of animal cell.
➢ Assertion Reason Questions:
1. For two statements are given- one labelled Assertion (A) and the other labelled Reason (R).
Select the correct answer to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given
below:
a. Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and reason is the correct explanation for
assertion.
b. Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is not the correct explanation for
Assertion.
c. Assertion is true but Reason is false.
d. Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Assertion: All plants and animals are composed of cells.
Reason: Plants and animals made up of DNA.
2. For two statements are given- one labelled Assertion (A) and the other labelled Reason (R).
Select the correct answer to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given
below:
a. Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and reason is the correct explanation for
assertion.
b. Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is not the correct explanation for
Assertion.
c. Assertion is true but Reason is false.
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

d. Both Assertion and Reason are false.

Assertion: All plants and animals are composed of cells.
Reason: All plants and animals are composed of cells.
➢ Case Study Question:
1. Read the following and answer any four questions from (i) to (v)
Study the given diagram and answer the following questions.

(i) Identify the given diagram.

(a) Structure of animal cell
(b) Structure of plant cell
(c) Bacterial cell
(d) Prokaryotic cell
(ii) The function of part labelled as 1 is
(a) Release of energy
(b) Protein synthesis
(c) Transmission of heredity characters
(d) Storage
(iii) Mention any two structures which are not found in above cell.
(a) Cell wall and ribosomes
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

(b) Cell wall and golgi apparatus

(c) Cell membrane and Golgi apparatus
(d) Plastids and cell wall
(iv) Chromosomes are present in
(a) Cell membrane
(b) Golgi apparatus
(c) Endoplasmic reticulum
(d) Nucleus
(v) Lysosomes are also called
(a) suicide bags
(b) digestive bags
(c) demolition squads
(d) all the above
2. Read the following and answer any four questions from (i) to (v)
Leucoplasts are colourless plastids. They store starch, oil, proteins. Chromoplasts are
coloured plastids. They contain pigments. e.g. Chloroplasts contain green pigment present in
the plant cell. Chromoplasts provide colour to various flowers and fruits.

(i) What is the function of leucoplasts?

(a) They store starch, oil, proteins.
(b) They provide colour various flowers and fruits.
(c) They help in photosynthesis.
(d) They give support to the plants.
(ii) Which plastids provide colour to fruits and flowers?
 BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

(a) Leucoplasts
(b) Chromoplasts
(c) Chloroplasts
(d) Proteinoplast
(iii) Which of the following statement is true?
(a) Plastids are present in both plant and animal cell.
(b) Plastids are absent in plant as well as animal cell.
(c) Plastids are present only in plant cell.
(d) Plastids are present only in animal cell.
(iv) Which plastids contain green pigment?
(a) Leucoplasts contain green pigment.
(b) Chloroplasts contain green pigment.
(c) Chromoplasts mainly contain green pigment.
(d) None of the plastids contain green pigment.
(v) Which plastids bring about the process of photosynthesis?
(a) Leucoplasts
(b) Chromoplasts mainly
(c) Chloroplasts
(d) None of the plastids bring about photosynthesis.
✓ Answer Key-
➢ Multiple Choice Answers:
1. (b) cell
2. (a) Robert Hooke
3. (d) cellulose
4. (c) Nucleus
5. (d) Mitochondria
6. (c) Lysosomes
7. (a) Nerve cell
8. (c) ER
9. (a) Golgi apparatus
10. (b) Camillo Golgi
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11. (b) Robert Brown

12. (a) RBC
13. (c) A virus
14. (c) DNA and protein
15. (b) Vacuole
➢ Very Short Answers:
1. Answer: Plastids are organelles found only in plants. They are:
(a) Chloroplast-Containing chlorophyll
(b) Chromoplast-Containing carotenoids and xanthophyll (coloured plastids)
(c) Leucoplast-Wllite or colourless plastids
2. Answer: Plasma membrane is made up of proteins and lipids.
3. Answer: Robert Hooke observed that cork consists of box like compartments which formed
a honeycomb structure.
4. Answer. Chloroplasts and mitochondria are the autonomous organelles in the cells.
5. Answer: Protoplasm refer to cytoplasm and nucleus.
6. Answer: Amoeba and white blood cells.
7. Answer: The smallest cell is the red blood cell or sperm cell in male. Longest cell is the nerve
cell.
8. Answer: Plasma membrane, nucleus and cytoplasm.
9. Answer: When gases like CO2, O2, move across the cell membrane, this process is called
diffusion.
10.Answer: The movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane is
called osmosis. This takes place from high water concentration to low water concentration.
➢ Short Answer:
1. Answer:
(i) The difference in the concentration of water, one should have higher concentration than
the other.
(ii) Semi-permeable membrane is also required through which water will flow.
2. Answer: When a living plant cell loses water through osmosis there is shrinkage or
contraction of the contents of the cell away from the cell wall. This phenomenon is known
as plasmolysis.
3. Answer: The cell wall present in fungi and bacteria permits these cells to withstand very
dilute external medium without bursting.
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The cells take up water by osmosis, swells, and builds the pressure against the cell wall. The
wall exerts an equal pressure against the swollen cell. It is because of the cell wall, such cells
can withstand much greater changes in the surrounding medium than animal cells.
4. Answer: The nuclear membrane present as outer covering in the nucleus allows the transfer
of material inside and out of the nucleus to cytoplasm.
5. Answer: The cell organelles with their own DNA and ribosomes are mitochondria and
plastids.
6. Answer:

7. Answer: The cell membranes flexibility allows the cell engulf in food and other material from
its external environment. This process is known as endocytosis. E.g., Amoeba acquires its
food through such processes.
8. Answer: Vacuoles are storage sacs for solid or liquid content. In plant cells it provides
turgidity and rigidity to the cell. In single-celled organisms vacuoles store food, e.g.,
Amoeba.
➢ Long Answer:
1. Answer:

2. Answer:
BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

3. Answer:

4. Answer:

➢ Assertion Reason Answer:

1. (b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is not the correct explanation for
Assertion.
2. (a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and reason is the correct explanation for
assertion.
➢ Case Study Answer:
1. Answer:
BIOLOGY THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

(i) (a) Structure of animal cell

(ii) (a) Release of energy
Mitochondria are sites of cellular respiration. They use molecular oxygen from air
to oxidise the carbohydrates and fats (lipids) present in the cell to carbon dioxide
and water vapour. Oxidation releases energy, a portion of which is used to form
ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Since the mitochondria synthesize, energy-rich
compounds (ATP), they are known as ‘power house’ of the cell. The energy stored
in ATP is used by the cell.
(iii) (d) Plastids and cell wall
(iv) (d) Nucleus
(v) (a) suicide bags
Lysosomes serve as intracellular digestive system, hence, called digestive bags.
They destroy any foreign material which enter the cell such as bacteria and virus.
In this way they protect the cells from bacterial infection.
Lysosomes also remove the worn out and poorly working cellular organelles by
digesting them to make way for their new replacements. In this way, they remove
the cell debris and are also known as demolition squads, scavengers and cellular
housekeepers. Thus, lysosomes form a kind of garbage disposal system of the cell
2. Answer:
(i) (a) They store starch, oil, proteins.
(ii) (b) Chromoplasts
(iii) (c) Plastids are present only in plant cell.
(iv) (b) Chloroplasts contain green pigment.
(v) (c) Chloroplasts