Cell - Structure and Functions

Indicate whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F).

(a) Unicellular organisms have one-celled body. (T)

(b)Muscle cells are branched. (T)

(c) The basic living unit of an organism is an organ. (F)

(d) Amoeba has irregular shape. (T)

Make a sketch of the human nerve cell. What function do nerve cells perform?

Answer:

Nerve cells carry nerve signals from brain to different organs and from different organs
to the brain.

Write short notes on the following:

(a) Cytoplasm

Answer: Cytoplasm: It is the jelly-like substance present between the cell membrane
and the nucleus. Various other components, or organelles, of cells are present in the
cytoplasm. These are mitochondria, golgi bodies, ribosomes, etc.

(b) Nucleus of a cell

Answer: Nucleus: It is generally spherical and located in the centre of the cell. Nucleus
is separated from the cytoplasm by a membrane called the nuclear membrane. This
membrane is also porous and allows the movement of materials between the cytoplasm
and the inside of the nucleus.

Which part of the cell contains organelles?

Answer: The cytoplasm contains cell organelles.

Make sketches of animal and plant cells. State three differences between them.

Answer:
State the difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

Answer:

Where are chromosomes found in a cell? State their function.

Answer: Chromosomes are found inside the nucleus of a typical cell. Chromosomes
contain genes which are carriers of genetic information. Chromosomes govern distinct
features of an organism. Chromosomes take part in cell division.

Cells are the basic structural units of living organisms. Explain.

Answer: Cells are the smallest units from which a living organism is made. A cell
contains all the necessary structures which are required to carry out various biological
processes. A group of cells makes a tissue which further makes organs and finally an
organism. Thus, cells are called the basic structural unit of living organisms.

Explain why chloroplasts are found only in plant cells?

Answer: Chloroplasts are a type of plastids which contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a

green colour pigments which plays important role in photosynthesis. Since green plants
need to prepare their food, hence chloroplast is present in them.

Complete the sentences with the help of clues given below:

1. This is necessary for photosynthesis.

3. Term for component present in the cytoplasm.

6. The living substance in the cell.

8. Units of inheritance present on the chromosomes.

Answer: 1: CHLOROPHYLL, 3: ORGANELLE, 6: PROTOPLASM, 8: GENES

1. Green plastids.

2. Formed by collection of tissues.

4. It separates the contents of the cell from the surrounding medium.

5. Empty structure in the cytoplasm.

7. A group of cells.

Answer: 1: CHLOROPLAST, 2: ORGAN, 4: MEMBRANE, 5: VACUOLE, 7: TISSUE

Cell: Structure And Function

Discovery of the Cell:

In 1655, the English scientist Robert Hooke made an observation that would change
basic biological theory and research forever. While examining a dried section of cork
tree with a crude light microscope, he observed small chambers and named them cells.

Over the next 175 years, research led to the formation of the cell theory, first proposed
by the German botanist Matthias Jacob Schleiden and the German physiologist
Theodore Schwann in 1838 and formalized by the German researcher Rudolf Virchow
in 1858. In its modern form, this theorem has four basic parts:

1. The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life; all organisms are composed
of cells.

2. All cells are produced by the division of preexisting cells (in other words, through
reproduction). Each cell contains genetic material that is passed down during this
process.

3. All basic chemical and physiological functions - for example, repair, growth,
movement, immunity, communication, and digestion - are carried out inside of cells.

4. The activities of cells depends on the activities of subcellular structures within the cell
(these subcellular structures include organelles, the plasma membrane, and, if present,
the nucleus)

Variety in Cell Number, Shape and Size:

There are millions of living organisms. They are of different shapes and sizes. Their
organs also vary in shape, size and number of cells.

Number of Cells

Human body has trillions of cells which vary in shapes and sizes. Different groups of
cells perform a variety of functions. Organisms made of more than one cell are called
multicellular organisms. An organism with billions of cells begins life as a single cell
which is the fertilized egg. The fertilised egg cell multiplies and the number of cells
increase as development proceeds.

The single-celled organisms are called unicellular organisms. A single celled organism
performs all the necessary functions that multicellular organisms perform.
A single-celled organism, like amoeba, captures and digests food, respires, excretes,
grows and reproduces. Similar functions in multicellular organisms are carried out by
groups of specialised cells forming different tissues. Tissues, in turn, form organs.

Shape of Cells

Generally, cells are round, spherical or elongated. Some cells are long and pointed at
both ends. They exhibit spindle shape . Cells sometimes are quite long. Some are
branched like the nerve cell or a neuron The nerve cell receives and transfers
messages, thereby helping to control and coordinate the working of different parts of the
body.

Components of the cell are enclosed in a membrane. This membrane provides shape to
the cells of plants and animals. Cell wall is an additional covering over the cell
membrane in plant cells. It gives shape and rigidity to these cells.

Cell Structure and Function:

Each organ in the system performs different functions such as digestion, assimilation
and absorption. Similarly, different organs of a plant perform specific/specialized
functions. For example, roots help in the absorption of water and minerals.

Each organ is further made up of smaller parts called tissues. A tissue is a group of
similar cells performing a specific function.

Parts of the Cell

Cell Membrane: -
The cell membrane functions as a semi-permeable barrier, allowing a very few
molecules across it while fencing the majority of organically produced chemicals inside
the cell.

The basic components of a cell are cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. The
cytoplasm and nucleus are enclosed within the cell membrane, also called the plasma
membrane. The membrane separates cells from one another and also the cell from the
surrounding medium. The plasma membrane is porous and allows the movement of
substances or materials both inward and outward.

The cell membrane gives shape to the cell. In addition to the cell membrane, there is an
outer thick layer in cells of plants called cell wall. This additional layer surrounding the
cell membrane is required by the plants for protection. Plant cells need protection
against variations in temperature, high wind speed, atmospheric moisture, etc. They are
exposed to these variations because they cannot move. Cells can be observed in the
leaf peel of Tradescantia, Elodea or Rhoeo. You can prepare a slide as in the case of
onion.

Cytoplasm
It is the jelly-like substance present between the cell membrane and the nucleus.
Various other components, or organelles, of cells are present in the cytoplasm. These
are mitochondria, golgi bodies, ribosomes, etc.

Nucleus

It is an important component of the living cell. It is generally spherical and located in the
centre of the cell. It can be stained and seen easily with the help of a microscope.
Nucleus is separated from the cytoplasm by a membrane called the nuclear membrane.
This membrane is also porous and allows the movement of materials between the
cytoplasm and the inside of the nucleus.

With a microscope of higher magnification, we can see a smaller spherical body in the
nucleus. It is called the nucleolus. In addition, nucleus contains thread-like structures
called chromosomes. These carry genes and help in inheritance or transfer of
characters from the parents to the offspring. The chromosomes can be seen only when
the cell divides.

You can visualize genes as memory stick or CD which we use to carry data from one
computer to another or we can carry music as well. Similarly genes carry genetic codes
which are responsible for the unique physical character of an animal or a plant.

Nucleus acts as control centre of the activities of the cell. The entire content of a living
cell is known as protoplasm. It includes the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Protoplasm is
called the living substance of the cell.

Comparison of Plant and Animal Cells

There are a few differences between a plant and animal cell.

Plant cells have a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane, and animal cells only have
a membrane.

Plant cells contain chloroplasts which are used for photosynthesis.

Plant cells have a large vacuole (it's like a fluid sack), compared to an animal cell.

Animal cells are 'blobby', but cells in plants are more structured due to the cell wall,
and form a lattice like structure which helps with rigid ness.

Summary

All organisms are made of smaller parts called organs.

 Organs are made of still smaller parts. The smallest living part of an organism is a
cell.

Cells were first observed in cork by Robert Hooke in 1665.

Cells exhibit variety of shapes and sizes.

Number of cells also varies from organism to organism.

Some cells are big enough to be seen with the unaided eye. Hens egg is an example.

Some organisms are single-celled, while others contain large number of cells.

The single cell of unicellular organisms performs all the basic functions performed by a
variety of cells in multicellular organisms.

The cell has three main parts, (i) the cell membrane, (ii) cytoplasm which contains
smaller components called organelles, and (iii) the nucleus.

Nucleus is separated from cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane.

Cells without well organised nucleus, i.e. lacking nuclear membrane, are called
prokaryotic cells.

Plant cells differ from animal cells in having an additional layer around the cell
membrane termed cell wall.

Coloured bodies called plastids are found in the plant cells only. Green plastids
containing chlorophyll are called chloroplasts.

Plant cell has a big central vacuole unlike a number of small vacuoles in animal cells.
Q.1: Indicate True(T) or False(F)

a. Unicellular organisms have one-celled body.

b. Muscle cells are branched structures.

c. The basic living structure of an organism is an organ.

d. Amoeba has irregular shape.

Ans: a)T b)T (spindle shaped structures) c)F d)T.

Q.2: What function do nerve cells perform?

Ans: Functions of human nerve cell:

(i) Nerve cells receive message from different parts of body.

(ii) They further transfer these messages to brain and accordingly brain
send commands for functioning of different organs of body.

Q.3: Write short notes on the following:

(a) Cytoplasm (b) Nucleus of a cell

Ans:

(a) Cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is a jelly like substance which is present

between the cell membrane and the nucleus. Various other organelles of
cells are present in the cytoplasm. Cytoplasm is made up of chemical
substances like carbohydrates, proteins and water. These chemical
substances are present in cells of all types and sizes. Cytoplasm contains
many important tiny substances called Organelles.

(b) Nucleus of a cell: Nucleus is the master of the cell. It commands all
the functioning of the cell. It is generally located in the center of the cell
and is spherical in shape. A membrane called nuclear membrane
separates it from cytoplasm. It contains the genetic material DNA and
RNA in it. This porous membrane allows the transfer of material in the
nucleus and cytoplasm. Nucleus contains a dense body called Nucleolus
which actually contains Chromosomes, the genetic material.

Q.4: Which part of the cell contains organelles?

Ans: Cytoplasm.

Q.5: State a difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

Ans: Prokaryotes do not have a well designed nuclear membrane while,

eukaryotes have a well designed nuclear membrane.

Q.6: Where are the chromosomes found in cell? State their

functions.

Ans: Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of a cell. Their function is to

carry characteristic features of parent cells to the daughter cell means,
from parent to offspring.

Q.7: Cells are the basic structural units of living organism.

Explain.

Ans: In Biology, the basic unit of which all living things are composed is
known as cell. The cell is the smallest structural unit of living matter
that is capable of functioning independently. A single cell can be a
complete organism in itself, as in bacteria and protozoans. A unicellular
organism also captures and digests food, respires, excretes, grows, and
reproduces. Similar functions in multi-cellular organisms are carried out
by groups of specialized cells which are organized into tissues and organs
such as, the higher plants and animals. Hence, cell is known as the basic
structural and functional unit of life.

Q.8: Explain why chloroplasts are found only in plant cells.

Ans: Chloroplasts are found only in plant cells because they are required
for photosynthesis.

Short Questions with their Answers

Q.1: Define Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes.

Ans:

Prokaryote: The cells having nuclear material without nuclear membrane

are termed as prokaryotic cells. An organism with these kinds of cells is
called a Prokaryote e.g. Bacteria and Blue Green Algae.
Eukaryote: The cells having well organized nucleus with a nuclear
membrane are termed as eukaryotic cells. All organisms other than
Bacteria and Blue Green Algae are Eukaryotes.

Q.2: What is Protoplasm?

Ans: The entire content of a living cell is known as protoplasm. It includes

cytoplasm and the nucleus.

Q.3: Give three examples of unicellular organisms.

Ans: Amoeba, Paramecium and Chlamydomonas.

Q.4: Name the cell organelle which is found only in plant cell.

Ans: Plastids.

Q.5: What is the smallest cell size?

Ans: The smallest cell is 0.1 to 0.5 micrometer in Bacteria.

Q.6: What is the largest cell?

Ans: The largest cell is 170mm x 130mm, is the egg of an Ostrich.

Long Questions with their Answers

Why are the mitochondria known as the power house of the cell?

Ans: Mitochondria are rod shaped and very minute bodies present in
cytoplasm. They are concerned with release of energy from food during
respiration. Because of this they are often referred to as the power house
of the cell.

Why plasma membrane is called a selectively permeable

membrane?

Ans: A cell bound by a semi-permeable membrane called plasma

membrane that enables it to exchange only certain materials with its
surroundings. Plasma membrane permits the entry and exit of some
material in the cell. It also prevents movement of some other material.
Therefore, Plasma Membrane is called as selectively permeable
membrane.
Write a short note on the shape of cells or cell shape.

Ans: Cells exhibit a variety of shapes. Some cells have a definite shape
while some keep on changing its shape. For example- White Blood Cell
(WBC) present in our bodies, Amoeba continuously changes their shape.
However, most of the cells maintain a constant shape and the different
shapes are related to their specific functions. For example- blood cells are
spherical, muscle cells have spindle shape, and nerve cells are long and
branched. It is mainly the cell membrane which provides the shape to the
cells of plants and animals.

Write short notes on the following:

(a) Gene

(b) Chromosomes

(c) Organelles

(d) Vacuole

(e) Tissues

(f) Plastids.

Ans:

(a) Gene: Gene is a unit of inheritance in living organisms. Nucleus

contains thread-like structures called chromosomes which carry genes in
them. Genes are composed of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), except in
some viruses. They achieved their effects by directing the synthesis of
proteins.

(b) Chromosome: These are the microscopic thread-like parts present

in the nucleus of a cell that carries hereditary information in the form of
genes.

(c) Organelles: The various tiny components of a cell present in the

cytoplasm are known as organelles. These are Mitochondria, Golgi
bodies, Ribosome etc.

(d) Vacuole: A vacuole is a clear space generally stored in the

cytoplasm. Big size vacuole is found in the plant cell whereas; in animal
cells they are very small. In protozoa, vacuoles are cytoplasmic organs
performing many functions such as digestion, excretion etc.

(e) Tissues: Each organ is further made up of smaller parts called

tissues. A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a specific function.

(f) Plastids: Plastids are found in the plant cells but are absent in animal
cells. They are found scattered in the cytoplasm of the leaf cells. Plastids
are of three types -

(i) Chloroplast

(ii) Leucoplast and

(iii) Chromoplast

Among these three types chloroplast is the most important as they

contain chlorophyll which is a necessary element for photosynthesis.
Because of this reason plastids are also said as Kitchen of plant cells.

Differentiate between Plant cell and animal cell.

Ans: The differentiation between plant and animal cells is given in the
following table:

Animal Cell

(a) Cell wall is absent.

(b) These cells do not contain Chloroplasts.

(c) Chromosomes are present in the nucleus.

(d) Vacuoles are less and of smaller size.

Plant cells

(a) Plant cells have rigid cell walls.

(b) Chloroplasts are present.

(c) Chromosomes are present.

(d) Vacuoles are larger and more in numbers.

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