Scribd
Upload
4 views

Fundamental Unit of Life Class9 CBSE Notes (1)

Cells are the fundamental units of life, discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665, and are categorized into unicellular and multicellular organisms. The document outlines the structure of cells, including components like the plasma membrane, nucleus, and various organelles, as well as the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It emphasizes the importance of understanding cellular structures and functions in the study of biology.

Uploaded by

javidiqbalnaik933
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

Fundamental Unit of Life Class9 CBSE Notes (1)

Cells are the fundamental units of life, discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665, and are categorized into unicellular and multicellular organisms. The document outlines the structure of cells, including components like the plasma membrane, nucleus, and various organelles, as well as the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It emphasizes the importance of understanding cellular structures and functions in the study of biology.

Uploaded by

javidiqbalnaik933
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

The Fundamental Unit of Life - Class 9 CBSE

1. Introduction

- The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.

- Discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665 in a cork slice using a primitive microscope.

- Cell theory: Proposed by Schleiden and Schwann; states that all living organisms are composed of

cells and cell products.

2. Types of Organisms

- Unicellular: Organisms made of a single cell (e.g., Amoeba, Paramecium).

- Multicellular: Organisms composed of multiple cells (e.g., Plants, Animals).

3. Structure of Cell

- Three main components: Plasma membrane, Nucleus, Cytoplasm.

4. Plasma Membrane

- Also called cell membrane; outermost covering of the cell.

- Made of lipids and proteins.

- Semi-permeable membrane; controls movement of substances.

- Functions: Protection, communication, selectively allows substances in/out.

5. Cell Wall

- Found in plant cells, fungi, and bacteria.

- Provides structural support and protection.

- Made of cellulose in plants.

- Freely permeable to substances.


6. Cytoplasm

- Jelly-like substance between plasma membrane and nucleus.

- Contains cell organelles and is the site of many biochemical reactions.

7. Cell Organelles

- Membrane-bound structures performing specific functions.

- Important organelles:

a) Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

- Rough ER: Has ribosomes; synthesizes proteins.

- Smooth ER: No ribosomes; synthesizes lipids, detoxifies drugs.

b) Golgi Apparatus

- Stack of flattened membranes.

- Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.

c) Lysosomes

- Contain digestive enzymes.

- Break down waste and foreign materials (suicidal bags).

d) Mitochondria

- Powerhouse of the cell; generates ATP via respiration.

- Double membrane; inner membrane folded into cristae.

e) Plastids (only in plants)

- Chloroplasts: Contain chlorophyll; site of photosynthesis.


- Chromoplasts: Colored pigments.

- Leucoplasts: Storage of starch, oils.

f) Vacuoles

- Store nutrients, waste products.

- Large central vacuole in plant cells; small in animal cells.

8. Nucleus

- Control center of the cell; contains genetic material.

- Components:

- Nuclear membrane: Double membrane with pores.

- Nucleoplasm: Jelly-like fluid inside nucleus.

- Chromatin: Long threads of DNA; condense into chromosomes.

- Nucleolus: Site of ribosome formation.

9. Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

- Prokaryotic: No true nucleus, no membrane-bound organelles (e.g., Bacteria).

- Eukaryotic: True nucleus, membrane-bound organelles (e.g., Plant and Animal cells).

10. Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells

- Cell wall: Present in plant cells, absent in animal cells.

- Vacuole: Large in plant cells, small or absent in animal cells.

- Plastids: Present in plant cells, absent in animal cells.

- Centrosome: Present in animal cells, generally absent in plant cells.

Summary:

Cells are the building blocks of all living organisms. Understanding their structure and function is
essential to studying biology and life processes. This chapter covers detailed cellular structures and

their functions, differences in cell types, and organelles involved in life-sustaining processes.

You might also like