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Science and Tech Mains Question

Mains type questions for upsc preparation

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hectordaniel6458276
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6 views

Science and Tech Mains Question

Mains type questions for upsc preparation

Uploaded by

hectordaniel6458276
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Science and Technology – Mains Question 01

1. What do you understand about the term ‘cell’? Discuss the basic cell structure and the significance of
every structure. (10 marks, 150 words)

How to Approach the Question:


 Introduction: Start the answer by giving a brief introduction about the cell in 20-30 words.
 Body: Discuss in detail the structure of the cell and the significance of each part mentioned in 80-90
words. Draw the diagram of the cell to explain better.
 Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing the aforementioned points and highlight the importance of cell
as a unit within 20-30 words.

Answer:
A cell is the structural, functional, and biological unit of all organisms. It is an autonomous self-replicating
unit that may exist as a functional independent unit of life (as in the case of a unicellular organism) or as a
sub-unit in a multicellular organism (such as in plants and animals) that performs a particular function in
tissues and organs. In 1665, Robert Hooke was the first person to have discovered a cell and Robert Brown
discovered the Nucleus of the cell. There are two types of cells, plant cells and animal cells.
Structure of Cell and its Significance:

 Cell Membrane: It envelops each and every cell in the body. The external and intracellular materials
are distinguished from one another by the cell membrane. It regulates the flow of materials into and
out of cells and serves as the cell's barrier by protecting the inner bodies.
 Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the gel-like fluid inside the cell. It is the medium for chemical
reactions. It provides a platform upon which other organelles can operate within the cell. All of the
functions for cell expansion, growth, and replication are carried out in the cytoplasm of a cell. Within
the cytoplasm, materials move by diffusion, a physical process that can work only for short distances.
 Cytoplasmic Organelles: These "little organs" dangle in the cell's cytoplasm. For a cell to function
normally, its organelles must cooperate and work effectively. While some of them help with
structure and support, others are essential for a cell's ability to move and reproduce. The Golgi
apparatus, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and mitochondria are a few
examples of cytoplasmic organelles.
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 Mitochondria: They are referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell. Mitochondria are
the sites of aerobic respiration which also aid in chemical transformation and provide
energy in the form of ATP. In addition to ribosomes, circular DNA, and RNA molecules,
mitochondria also contain a few additional molecules that aid in the production of
proteins.
 Plastids: These are the large cell organelles present only in plant cells. It has its own DNA.
There are three types of plastids - Chromoplast, leucoplast, and chloroplast. Chromoplast
gives the yellow, orange, or red color to the plant portion, leucoplast stores oil fats, and
proteins, while the chloroplast absorbs light energy necessary for photosynthesis.
 Nucleus: The control center of the cell is the nucleus, which is made up of a nuclear membrane
enclosing a fluid nucleoplasm. The genetic substance of the cell, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), is
found in chromatin threads within the nucleus. The basic structure and mode of operation of a cell
are determined by its nucleus.
 Cell Wall: The non-living, rigid structure known as the cell wall gives plants' and fungi plasma
membranes an outer layer. The cell wall serves as a barrier to undesirable macromolecules, allows
for cell-to-cell contact, and provides the structure and defense against mechanical damage and
infection. In animals, the cell wall is lacking.
The cell is therefore the fundamental structural component of all living organisms. It is also the essential
component that makes life operate. Within every cell is a plasma membrane composed of proteins and
lipids. Because of their cell walls, bacteria, fungi, and plants can all maintain their cells in the hypotonic
media without bursting. Despite their small size, cells have evolved into an enormous diversity of shapes
and sizes. They work together to form the tissues, which then form the organs and, eventually, the body as
a whole.

Additional Information:

 There are various organelles present within the cell and are classified into three categories based on
the presence or absence of a membrane. These are as follows:
 Organelles Without Membrane: The Cell wall, Ribosomes, and Cytoskeleton are non-
membrane-bound cell organelles.
 Single Membrane-bound Organelles: Vacuole, Lysosome, Golgi Apparatus, and Endoplasmic
Reticulum are single membrane-bound organelles present only in a eukaryotic cell.
 Double Membrane-bound Organelles: Nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplast are double
membrane-bound organelles present only in a eukaryotic cell.

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