Unit of Life – Test Paper

Question 1:

Distinguish between prokaryotic and enkaryotic cells.

ANSWER:

Prokaryotic Cell Eukaryotic Cell

Size of the cell is
comparatively small (1–10
nm).
Nucleus is absent.
Cell division occurs by
fission or budding (no
mitosis).
Membrane-bound cell
organelles are absent.
Size of the cell is larger (5–
100 nm).
Nucleus is present.
Cell division occurs by
mitotic or meiotic cell
division.
Membrane-bound cell
organelles are present.

Question 2:

Write down differences between organ and organelle.

ANSWER:

Organs Organelles
They are found in They are found in unicellular
multicellular organisms. and multicellular organisms.
They are formed by
They are formed by
micromolecules and
tissues.
macromolecules.
They are macroscopic. They are microscopic.
Different organs
Different organelles constitute
constitute organ
cells.
systems.
Question 3:

Write down differences between nucleus and nucleoid.

ANSWER:

Nucleus
It is larger than nucleoid.
It has a covering of
double membrane.
Nucleolus is present.
Its DNA is wrapped with
histone proteins to form
chromatin.
Nucleoid
It is comparatively smaller
than nucleus.
Covering membrane is
absent.
Nucleolus is absent.
Histone proteins are absent
and DNA of a nucleoid is often
naked.

Question 4:

Mention differences between light microscope and electron microscope.

ANSWER:

Light Microscope Electron Microscope

Glass lenses are used.
It uses a beam of light to
illuminate the object.
Internal vacuum is not
essential.
Electromagnets are used.
It uses a beam of electrons to
illuminate the object.
Internal vacuum is essential.

Question 5:

Give a brief account of discovery of the cell.

ANSWER:
Discovery of cell:
Cell was first discovered and named in 1665 by an English scientist Robert
Hooke. He was examining a thin slice of cork and observed that the cork
resembled the structure of honeycomb consisting of many little
compartments. He called these compartments as cells (meaning 'little room'
in Latin).
In 1838, Jakob Matthias Schleiden first proposed the idea that all plants
consist of cells.
In 1839, Theodor Schwaan proposed that all animals and plants are made
up of cells.

Question 6:

Describe the proteins of plasma membrane.

ANSWER:

Plasma membrane consists of two types of proteins that floats in the fluid
phospholipid layer:
(i) Intrinsic proteins: They completely cover the lipid bilayer.
(ii) Extrinsic proteins: They occur either on the outer surface or on the inner
surface of the lipid membrane.

Question 7:

Enumerate functions of plasma membrane.

ANSWER:

Plasma membrane serves as a barrier for the entry and exit of materials in

the cells. It allows only certain selective materials to pass through it. Apart
from this, it also performs certain physical and biological activities. These
are as follows:
(i) Diffusion.
(ii) Osmosis.
(iii) Active transport.
(iv) Endocytosis.
Question 8:

Give an example of diffusion across plasma membrane.

ANSWER:

Diffusion is the process of movement of molecules from a region of high

concentration to a region of lower concentration until an equilibrium is
reached.
When concentration of gases such as CO2 gets high in the cell as compared
to the external environment, then CO2 moves out of the cell by the process
of diffusion via plasma membrane. Similarly, O2 enters the cell by the
process of diffusion when its concentration is reduced in the cell.

Question 9:

Set up an experiment to demonstrate osmosis.

ANSWER:

Osmosis is the movement of water from a region of higher water

concentration to the region of lower water concentration through a semi-
permeable membrane.
Following experimental set up explains the process of osmosis.

Question 10:

Write down the differences between diffusion and osmosis.

ANSWER:

Diffusion
It can occur in any
medium.
Diffusing molecules may be
solid, liquid, or gas.
It does not require a semi-
permeable membrane.
It achieves an equilibrium
in the free energy of
diffusing molecules.
Osmosis
It occurs only in liquid
medium.
Movement of only solvent
molecules occur.
It requires semi-permeable
membrane.
It never achieves an
equilibrium in the free
energy of solvent molecules.

Question 11:

Write a note on endocytosis.

ANSWER:

Endocytosis:
The ingestion of materials by the cells through the plasma membrane is
called endocytosis. It includes three processes—that is,
(a) phagocytosis (cell eating),
(b) photocytosis (cell drinking), and
(c) receptor-mediated endocytosis.
 All of these processes require energy, so these may be considered as
different forms of active transport.

Question 12:

What would happen when eukaryotic cells are placed in hypotonic,

hypertonic and isotomic solutions?

ANSWER:

When we place an eukaryotic cell in hypotonic solution, it swells up and

ultimately bursts because of the large quantity of water entering the cell.
When we place an eukaryotic cell in isotonic solution, there is no change in
its size, as the water concentrations in the external and internal media are
the same.
When we place an eukaryotic cell in hypertonic solution, it gets plasmolysed
because of the excess loss of water.

Question 13:

Name the following :

(a) Smallest cell organelle

(b) Largest cell organelle;

(c) ER studded with ribosomes

(d) Functional segments of the DNA molecule.

ANSWER:

(a) Ribosome is the smallest cell organelle.

(b) Nucleus is the largest cell organelle.
(c) ER studded with ribosomes is referred to as rough endoplasmic reticulum
(RER).
(d) Genes are the functional segments of the DNA molecule.

Question 14:

Distinguish between the following

(a) Chromoplast and chloroplast

(b) Ribosome and centrosome.

ANSWER:

(a)

Chloroplast Chromoplast
It is a green plastid. It is a non-green plastid.
It lacks chlorophyll. Only
It contains chlorophyll
carotenoids and phycobilins are
and carotenoids.
present.

(b)
Ribosomes Centrosomes
They are present in
They are present only in animal
both animal and plant
cells.
cells.
They do not have any function in
They aid in the
protein synthesis. They aid in cell
synthesis of proteins.
division.

Question 15:
Write main differences between plant and animal cells.

ANSWER:

Plant Cell Animal Cell

It is larger in size than
animal cell.
It contains a cell wall.
Plastids are present in
plant cell.
It lacks centrosome and
centriole.
It is comparatively smaller in
size.
It lacks a cell wall.
Plastids are absent in animal
cell.
It contains centrosome and
centriole.

Question 16:

What will happen in a cell if its nucleus is removed? Give reasons in support
of your answer.

ANSWER:

If the nucleus of a cell is removed, then the cell will die. This is because the
nucleus of a cell controls all the metabolic activities in a cell, and if it is not
present, then the metabolic functioning of the cell will stop and its
protoplasm will dry up ultimately, causing cell death.

Question 17:

Explain why do spinach look green, papaya yellow and edible part of water
melon red?

ANSWER:

Spinach looks green due to the presence of a green pigment called

chlorophyll in them. Similarly, papaya looks yellow and edible part of
watermelon looks red due to the presence of coloured plastids called
chromoplasts in these fruits. Chromoplasts lack chlorophyll but contains
carotenoid pigments that give different colours to these fruits.
Question 18:

Write down two main functions of

(a) Endoplasmic reticulum

(b) Lysosome.

ANSWER:

(a) Functions of endoplasmic reticulum are as follows:

(i) It forms a supporting skeletal framework of the cell.
(ii) It provides a pathway for the distribution of nuclear material from one
cell to the other.

(b) Functions of lysosomes are as follows:

(i) They remove the worn out or poorly working cellular organelles by
digesting them to make way for new cells.
(ii) They destroy foreign materials such as bacteria and viruses that enter
the cell.

Question 19:

Name the following

(a) The cell organelle which synthesizes protein.

(b) The type of plastid which stores food.

ANSWER:

(a) Ribosome is the cell organelle that synthesises protein.

(b) Leucoplast is the type of plastid that stores food.
Question 20:

"Lysosomes are known as suicide bags". Why?

ANSWER:

'Lysosomes are known as suicide bags' because the enzymes of lysosomes

eat up their own cells if the cells get damaged. This is referred to as
autolysis or self-digestion in which the cell is destroyed by the action of its
own enzymes.

Question 21:

Define the following terms :

(a) Cell inclusions

(b) Cytosol

(c) Protoplasm

(d) Nucleoplasm.

ANSWER:

(a) Cell inclusions: They are considered to be the non-living components of

the cell that do not possess metabolic activity and are not bounded by
membranes.
(b) Cytosol: It refers to the soluble part of cytoplasm that contains protein
fibres and is located between the cell organelles.
(c) Protoplasm: It is the living content of the cell that is surrounded by the
plasma membrane.
(d) Nucleoplasm: It is the ground substance of the nucleus enclosed by a
nuclear envelope.

Question 22:
Where do the ribosomes get synthesized?

ANSWER:

Ribosomes are composed of RNA (Ribonucleic acid) and proteins. Ribosomes

are synthesised in the nucleolus part of the nucleus as nucleolus is rich in
RNA and protein molecules. Nucleolus is referred to as factory of ribosomes.

Question 23:

Write short notes on

(a) Mitochondria;

(b) Plastids.

ANSWER:

(a) Mitochondria:
These are the tiny bodies of varying shape located in the cytoplasm. They
are self-replicating organelles as they have their own DNA. They synthesise
energy-rich compounds (ATP); hence, they are referred to as powerhouse of
the cell.
(b) Plastids:
They are present in only plant cells. They have their own DNA and ribosomes
and are self-replicating. Their function is to provide colour to plants
(chromoplasts), to perform photosynthesis (chloroplasts), and to store food
in the form of starch, fats, and proteins (leucoplasts).

Question 24:

Write names of cell organelles.

ANSWER:

Name of cell organelles are as follows:

Nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus,
lysosomes, plastids, chloroplasts, vacuoles, peroxisomes, and centrosomes.
Question 25:

What are three main functional regions of the cell?

ANSWER:

The main functional regions of the cell are as follows:

(i) Nucleus: It is responsible for all the metabolic activities of the cell.
(ii) Mitochondria: It synthesises energy-rich compounds (ATP) in the cell
that is then used in various processes.
(iii) Ribosomes: They are responsible for the synthesis of proteins in the cell.

Question 26:

What is the location of following in the cell :

(a) Chromatin

(b) Chromosome

(c) Tonoplast

(d) Nucleolus

ANSWER:

(a) Chromatin is located in the nucleoplasm of the nucleus.

(b) Chromosomes are located in the nucleus.
(c) Tonoplast forms the outer covering of the vacuole.
(d) Nucleolus is located in the nucleoplasm of the nucleus.

Question 27:

What are the genes? Where are they located in the cell?

ANSWER:
Genes are the functional segments of DNA. They contain the hereditary
information of the cell. They are located in the nucleus of the cell.

Question 28:

Lysosomes are also called digestive bags. Why?

ANSWER:

'Lysosomes are also called digestive bags' because they destroy the foreign
materials such as bacteria and viruses that enter the cells by digesting them
and protects the cell from viral and bacterial infections.

Question 29:

Which organelle is the "power plant" of eukaryotic cell. Write in brief its
functions.

ANSWER:

Mitochondria is known as the 'power plant' of eukaryotic cell. Its function is

to provide energy to the cell. It synthesises energy-rich compound (ATP) by
the process of cellular respiration that stores energy. The energy stored in
ATP is used by the cell for various processes.

Question 30:

What are centrioles? Write about their functions.

ANSWER:

Centrioles are hollow and cylindrical structures made up of microtubules.

Two centrioles combine to form a centrosome.
The function of a centriole is to form spindle fibres during cell division in
animal cells.
Question 31:

Where do lipids and proteins constituting the plasma membrane get

synthesised?

ANSWER:

Lipids and proteins constituting the plasma membrane are synthesised by

the endoplasmic reticulum.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is involved in the synthesis of lipids,
whereas rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) synthesises proteins.

Question 32:

Draw a well labelled diagram of typical prokaryotic cell?

ANSWER:

                                   Prokaryotic cell
Question 33:

What does the term plasmolysed mean when used to describe a cell?

ANSWER:

Plasmolysed cell refers to a cell that has shrunk due to loss of water. It
occurs if the cell is kept in a hypertonic solution in which the concentration
of water is less than that of the cell. Water crosses the plasma membrane in
both directions, but more water leaves the cell than it enters, causing the
cell to shrink.

Question 1:

Describe with a diagram the fluid mosaic organisation of the plasma

membrane.

ANSWER:

Fluid mosaic model of plasma membrane:

It was proposed by Singer and Nicolson to explain the ultrastructure of the

plasma membrane of the cell. It can be described as 'a number of protein
icebergs floating in a sea of lipids'. This is the most accepted model as it
describes the properties as well as the organisation of plasma membrane.
According to this model, plasma membrane is made up of a bilayer (two
molecules thick layer) of phospholipids. The following are the two types of
proteins that float in the layer of phospholipid fluid:
(i) Intrinsic proteins: It completely covers the lipid bilayer.
(ii) Extrinsic proteins: It occurs either on the outer surface or on the inner
surface of the lipid membrane.
Proteins and lipids provide flexibility to the plasma membrane that helps it in
the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.

Question 2:

Draw a well labelled diagram of animal cell and mention one function of the
main cell organelles.

ANSWER:

Following are the main cell organelles:

(i) Nucleus: It controls all the metabolic activities of a cell and regulates the
cell cycle.
(ii) Endoplasmic reticulum: They provide skeletal framework to the cell and
are concerned with the production of lipids and proteins.
(iii) Ribosomes: They play an important role in protein synthesis.
(iv) Mitochondria: They are the powerhouse of the cell as they provide
energy to the cell by performing cellular respiration.
(v) Golgi apparatus: It is involved in the synthesis of cell wall, plasma
membrane, and lysosomes.
(vi) Lysosomes: They are the cellular housekeepers and form a kind of
garbage disposal system of the cell by removing worn out or damaged
cellular organelles.
(vii) Vacuoles: They help in maintaining the osmotic pressure in the cell. and
also in storing excess nutrients and molecules.
(viii) Peroxisomes: They carry out certain oxidative reactions (detoxification)
and remove the toxic substances from the cell.
(ix) Centrosome: It helps in cell division in animal cell.
 

Question 3:

Give an illustrated account of nucleus.

ANSWER:

Nucleus:
Nucleus is a large, centrally located spherical component of cell. It is
enclosed by two nuclear membranes, collectively called nuclear envelope
that are connected to the endoplasmic reticulum. Nuclear envelope contains
many nuclear pores and encloses the nucleoplasm (liquid ground substance).
Nuclear pores help in the transfer of materials between the nucleoplasm and
the cytoplasm. Nucleolus (one or more in number) and chromatin material
are embedded in the nucleoplasm. Nucleolus is rich in proteins and RNA
molecules and acts as the site for ribosome formation; hence, it is referred
to as ribosome factory.
The chromatin material is a thin thread-like inter-coiled mass of
chromosomes and contains DNA and proteins. It is formed by repeated units
of nucleosomes. It is condensed into two or more thick ribbon-like
chromosomes during cell division.
Functions of nucleus:
(i) It controls all the metabolic activities of the cell.
(ii) It regulates the cell cycle.
(iii) It is responsible for the transfer of heredity traits from parent to
offspring.

Question 4:

Write short note on the following :

(a) Golgi apparatus

(b) Mitochondria

ANSWER:

(a) Golgi apparatus:

Golgi apparatus consists of a set of membrane-bounded, fluid-filled vesicles,
vacuoles, and flattened cisternae. Cisternae are stacked together in parallel
rows. They are formed at one end of the stack, called cis face of Golgi, and
are budded off as vesicles at the other face, called trans face of Golgi.
Golgi apparatus arises from the membrane of smooth endoplasmic
reticulum. Golgi saccules (cisternae at cis and trans face) are constantly
renewed. Distal saccules (trans face) disappear after vesicle formation.
The main function of Golgi apparatus is to secrete vacuoles or secretory
vesicles that contain cellular secretions such as enzymes, proteins, and
cellulose.

(b) Mitochondria:

Mitochondria are tiny bodies of varying shapes and sizes distributed in the
cytoplasm. They are bounded by a double membrane envelope. The inner
membrane is folded several times forming cristae. Each cristae are studded
with small round bodies known as F1 paricles or oxysomes. Matrix of
mitochondria contains ribosomes, DNA molecule, and phosphate granules.
The main function of mitochondria is to synthesise ATP (energy-rich
molecule) and provide energy to the cell via cellular respiration; hence, they
are called as powerhouses of the cell.

Model Paper -2

Page No 141:
Question 1:

Which of the following is not correct?

(a) Robert Brown discovered the cell.

(b) Schleiden and Schwann formulated the cell theory.

(c) Virchow explained that cells are formed from pre-existing cells.

(d) A unicellular organism carries out its life activities within a single cell.
ANSWER:

(a) Robert Brown did not discover the cell. The cell was discovered by Robert Hook.

Page No 141:

Question 2:

New cells generate from

(a) bacterial fermentation        (b) regeneration of old cells

(c) pre-existing cells               (d) abiotic materials

ANSWER:

Answer: (c)

According to the biogenic theory, new cells can only arise from pre-existing cells. Only
complete cells, in favourable conditions, can give rise to new cells.

Page No 141:

Question 3:

Match the following

(a) Cristae           (i) Flat membranous sacs in stroma

(b) Cisternae       (ii) Infoldings in mitochondria

(c) Thylakoids      (iii) Disc-shaped sacs in Golgi apparatus

ANSWER:
 Column I Column II

(a) Cristae (ii) Infoldings in mitochondria

(b
Cisternae (iii) Disc-shaped sacs in Golgi apparatus
)

(c) Thylakoids (i) Flat membranous sacs in stroma

Page No 141:

Question 4:

Which of the following is correct:

(a) Cells of all living organisms have a nucleus.

(b) Both animal and plant cells have a well defined cell wall.

(c) In prokaryotes, there are no membrane bound organelles.

(d) Cells are formed de novo from abiotic materials.

ANSWER:

Answer: (c)

Membrane-bound organelles are organelles surrounded by a double membrane. Nucleus,

mitochondria, chloroplasts, etc., are examples of such organelles. These cell organelles are
absent from prokaryotes.

(a) Only eukaryotic cells have nuclei. They are absent from prokaryotes.

(b) Cell walls are only present in plant cells. They are absent from all animal cells.

(d) All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Page No 141:

Question 5:

What is a mesosome in a prokaryotic cell? Mention the functions that it performs.

ANSWER:
Mesosome is a convoluted membranous structure formed in a prokaryotic cell by the
invagination of the plasma membrane. Its functions are as follows:

(1) These extensions help in the synthesis of the cell wall, replication of DNA. They also
help in the equal distribution of chromosomes into the daughter cells.

(2) It also increases the surface area of the plasma membrane to carry out various
enzymatic activities.

(3) It helps in secretion processes as well as in bacterial respiration.

Page No 141:

Question 6:

How do neutral solutes move across the plasma membrane? Can the polar molecules also
move across it in the same way? If not, then how are these transported across the
membrane?
ANSWER:

Plasma membrane is the outermost covering of the cell that separates it from the
environment. It regulates the movement of substances into the cell and out from it. It allows
the entry of only some substances and prevents the movement of other materials. Hence,
the membrane is selectively-permeable.

Movement of neutral solutes across the cell membrane – Neutral molecules move across
the plasma membrane by simple passive diffusion. Diffusion is the movement of molecules
from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

Movement of polar molecules across the cell membrane – The cell membrane is made up
of a phospholipid bilayer and proteins. The movement of polar molecules across the non-
polar lipid bilayer requires carrier-proteins. Carrier-proteins are integral protein particles
having certain affinity for specific solutes. As a result, they facilitate the transport of
molecules across the membrane.

Page No 141:

Question 7:

Name two cell-organelles that are double membrane bound. What are the

characteristics of these two organelles? State their functions and draw labelled
diagrams of both.
ANSWER:

Mitochondria and chloroplasts are the two organelles that are double-membrane-bound.

Characteristics of the mitochondria

Mitochondria are double- membrane-bound structures. The membrane of a mitochondrion

is divided into the inner and outer membranes, distinctly divided into two aqueous
compartments – outer and inner compartments. The outer membrane is very porous
(containing the organelle), while the inner membrane is deeply-folded.

These folds are known as cristae. Cristae increase the surface area inside the cell. They
are the sites for ATP-generating chemical reactions. The membrane of a mitochondrion
contains specific enzymes meant for specific mitochondrial functions. Hence, the
mitochondria are the sites for aerobic respiration. They have their own DNA and ribosomes.
Thus, they are able to make their own proteins. This is why they are considered as semi-
autonomous organelles

Characteristics of chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are double-membrane-bound structures.

They are divided into outer and inner membranes, further divided into two distinct regions:

(i) Grana are stacks of flattened discs containing chlorophyll molecules. The flattened
membranous sacs are called thylakoids. The thylakoids of adjacent grana are connected by
membranous tubules called stroma lamellae.

(ii) Stroma is a homogenous mixture in which grana are embedded. It contains several

enzymes that are used for the synthesis of carbohydrates and proteins. It also contains its
own DNA and ribosomes.
Functions of the mitochondria:

(i) They are the sites for cellular respiration.

(ii) They provide energy in the form of ATP for all vital activities of living cells.

(iii) They have their own DNA and ribosomes. Hence, they are regarded as semi-
autonomous organelles.

(iv) They have several enzymes, intermediately required for the synthesis of various
chemicals such as fatty acids, steroids, and amino acids.

Functions of chloroplasts:

(i) They trap solar energy and utilise it for manufacturing food for plants. Hence, they are
involved in the process of photosynthesis.

(ii) They contain the enzymes required for the synthesis of carbohydrates and proteins.

Page No 141:

Question 8:

What are the characteristics of prokaryotic cells?

ANSWER:

Prokaryotic cell is a unicellular organism lacking membrane-bound organelles.

The characteristics of prokaryotic cells are as follows:

(i) Most of them are unicellular.

(ii) They are generally small in size. The size of a prokaryotic cell varies from 0.5 – 5 µm.

(iii) The nuclear region of a prokaryotic cell is poorly-defined because of the absence of a
nuclear membrane. Hence, a prokaryotic cell lacks a true nucleus.

(iv) The genetic materials of prokaryotic cells are naked. They contain single, circular
chromosomes. In addition to the genomic DNA, they have a small, circular plasmid DNA.

(v) They have specialised membranous structures called mesosomes. Mesosomes are
formed by the invagination of the cell membrane. These extensions help in the synthesis of
the cell wall, replication of DNA. They also help in the equal distribution of chromosomes
into the daughter cells.

(vi) Membrane-bound cell organelles such as mitochondria, plastids, and endoplasmic

reticulum are absent from a prokaryotic cell.

(vii) Most prokaryotic cells contain a three-layered structure – outermost glycocalyx, middle
cell wall, and the innermost plasma membrane. This structure acts as a protective unit.

Examples of prokaryotic cells include blue green algae, bacteria, etc.

Page No 141:

Question 9:

Multicellular organisms have division of labour. Explain.

ANSWER:

Multicellular organisms are made up of millions and trillions of cells. All these cells perform
specific functions. All the cells specialised for performing similar functions are grouped
together as tissues in the body. Hence, a particular function is carried out by a group of cells
at a definite place in the body. Similarly, different functions are carried out by different
groups of cells in an organism. This is known as division of labour in multicellular
organisms.

Page No 141:

Question 10:

Cell is the basic unit of life. Discuss in brief.

ANSWER:
Cells are the basic units of life capable of doing all the required biochemical processes that
a normal cell has to do in order to live. The basic needs for the survival of all living
organisms are the same. All living organisms need to respire, digest food for obtaining
energy, and get rid of metabolic wastes.

Cells are capable of performing all the metabolic functions of the body. Hence, cells are
called the functional units of life.

Page No 141:

Question 11:

What are nuclear pores? State their function.

ANSWER:

Nuclear pores are tiny holes present in the nuclear membrane of the nucleus. They are
formed by the fusion of two nuclear membranes.

These holes allow specific substances to be transferred into a cell and out from it. They
allow molecules such as RNA and proteins to move in both directions, between the nucleus
and the cytoplasm.

Page No 141:

Question 12:

Both lysosomes and vacuoles are endomembrane structures, yet they differ in terms of their
functions. Comment.
ANSWER:

Lysosomes are membrane-bound vesicular structures holding a variety of enzymes such as

lipases, proteases, and carbohydrases. The purpose of lysosomes is to digest worn out
cells. They are involved in the intracellular digestion of foreign food particles and microbes.
Sometimes, they also act as suicidal bags. They are involved in the self digestion of cells.
They are a kind of waste disposal systems of a cell. On the other hand, vacuoles are
storage sacs found in cells. They might store the waste products of cells. In unicellular
organisms, the food vacuole contains the consumed food particles. It also plays a role in
expelling excess water and some wastes from the cell.

Page No 141:

Question 13:
Describe the structure of the following with the help of labelled diagrams.

(i) Nucleus (ii) Centrosome

ANSWER:

(i) Nucleus

Nucleus controls all the cellular activities of the cell. It is spherical in shape. It is composed
of the following structures:

Nuclear membrane: It is a double membrane separating the contents of the nucleus from
the cytoplasm. The narrow space between the two membranes is called the perinuclear
space. Nuclear membrane has tiny holes called nuclear pores. These holes allow specific
substances to be transferred into a cell and out from it.

Nucleoplasm/Nuclear matrix: It is a homogenous granular fluid present inside the

nucleus. It contains the nucleolus and chromatin. Nucleolus is a spherical structure that is
not bound by any membrane. It is rich in protein and RNA molecules, and is the site for
ribosome formation. Chromatin is an entangled mass of thread-like structures. It contains
DNA and some basic proteins called histones.

(ii) Centrosome

Centrosome consists of two cylindrical structures called centrioles. Centrioles lie

perpendicular to each other. Each has a cartwheel-like organisation.

A centriole is made up of microtubule triplets that are evenly spaced in a ring. The adjacent
triplets are linked together. There is a proteinaceous hub in the central part of a centriole.
The hub is connected to the triplets via radial spokes. These centrioles help in organising
the spindle fibres and astral rays during cell division. They form the basal body of cilia and
flagella.
 Page No 141:

Question 14:

What is a centromere? How does the position of centromere form the basis of classification
of chromosomes. Support your answer with a diagram showing the position of centromere
on different types of chromosomes.
ANSWER:

Centromere is a constriction present on the chromosomes where the chromatids are held
together.

Chromosomes are divided into four types based on the position of the centromere.

(i) Metacentric chromosome

The chromosomes in which the centromere is present in the middle and divides the
chromosome into two equal arms is known as a metacentric chromosome.

(ii) Sub-metacentric chromosome

The chromosome in which the centromere is slightly away from the middle region is known
as a sub-metacentric chromosome. In this, one arm is slightly longer than the other.
(iii) Acrocentric chromosome

The chromosome in which the centromere is located close to one of the terminal ends is
known as an acrocentric chromosome. In this, one arm is extremely long and the other is
extremely short.

(iv) Telocentric chromosome

The chromosome in which the centromere is located at one of the terminal ends is known
as a telocentric chromosome.