FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE – GRADE 9

Long Answer Questions

Q1. Who discovered cells, and how?

Answer:

Cells are the fundamental structural and functional units of living things. Robert
Hooke, a British scientist, first used the term “cells” in 1665. Hooke was the first to
examine living things under a microscope. He examined a thin slice of cork under a
microscope and saw honeycomb-like structures. These structures were called cells
by Robert Hooke.

Antonie Van Leuwenhoek soon made more discoveries when he invented his
microscope lenses, which were much more potent than at the time. His microscope
was the first to allow him to examine bacteria and cells of human beings.

More discoveries about cells were made with the help of microscopes. Seeing the
intricate structures within cells with a light microscope was difficult. The electron
microscope, a more robust microscope than the light microscope, was developed
to allow for more straightforward observation of objects smaller than cells.

Q2. Why is the cell called the structural and functional unit of life?

Answer: A cell refers to the smallest unit of life that is responsible for all aspects of
life. All living things are composed of cells. They are their structural, functional, and
biological components. Further, a cell can reproduce itself independently. They are
therefore known as the building blocks of life.

Our most important unit for forming our bodies is the cell. Every organ of our body
is made up of cells. Cells also divide and multiply to create new organs and
gametes. A cell is a functional living unit because it can divide and multiply for the
reasons mentioned above.

 Because all living organisms are composed of cells, the cell is known as life’s
structural and functional unit.
 Cells are essential for many life processes, including maintaining life.
 Cells also provide structure, form, nutrient processing, and energy
conversion.
  Multicellular organisms possess specialised cells that perform specific
functions.
Q3. Explain why ozone is thermodynamically less stable than oxygen.

Answer: Ozone is thermodynamically inelastic with oxygen because its

decomposition results in the release of heat (DH is negative) and an increase in
entropy (DS is positive). These two effects are mutually reinforcing and result in
significant negative Gibbs energy changes (DG) that allow oxygen conversion.

Q4. What do you mean by cell organelles?

Answer:

The cellular components of cells are called cell organelles. These cell organelles
include both membrane-bound and non-membrane organelles. They are found in
cells and have different shapes and activities. To allow cells to function normally,
they must coordinate and work together. Most of them provide support and form,
but others play a role in cell motility and reproduction. The presence or absence of
a membrane can classify organelles into one of three types.

 The cell wall, ribosomes and cytoskeleton are all examples of organelles in
cells that don’t have a membrane.
 Endoplasmic Reticulum and Lysosome are all single membrane-bound
organelles. The reticulum is a single membrane-bound organelle found only
in eukaryotic cell symbionts.
 The only two membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells are the
nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplast.
Q5. What happens to substances such as CO2 or water when moving in and
out of a cell? Discuss.

Answer:

CO2 is a substance that moves in and out of cells through diffusion, while water
does this by osmosis. It’s the movement of particles from different substances from
their highest to their lowest concentrations.

(i) More CO2 can be produced in a respiring cell. Its internal concentration increases
as a result. Because the outside medium has a lower concentration of CO2, CO2
escapes from cells and is absorbed into the external medium.
(iii) CO2 in photosynthetic cells is being used for photosynthesis. Its intracellular
concentration tends to be lower than that in the outside medium. CO2 diffuses
outside the cell to the inside. Osmosis is water movement from the area of higher
concentration (pure or dilute water) to the area of lower concentration (robust
solution) when the two are separated with a semipermeable barrier.
Semipermeable membranes are used to separate plasma membranes.

Endosmosis is the process by which water enters a cell. This happens until wall
pressure counterbalances this tendency. In addition, water would escape the cell if
the external medium contained a robust solution. This phenomenon is known as
exosmosis.

Q6. Perform the following experiment:

1. Take four potato halves, and hollow them out to make potato cups. The
boiled potato should make one of these potato cups.
2. Place each potato cup into a trough with water.
3. Pour the water into the trough.
(a) Keep cup A empty,

(b) Add one teaspoon of sugar to cup B.

(c) Add one teaspoon of salt to cup C.

(d) Add one teaspoon of sugar to a boiled cup D.

One must keep this set up for at least two hours. Next, examine the four potato
cups. Then answer the following questions:

(i) Describe why water collects in B and C hollowed portions.

(ii) Why is potato A required for this experiment?

(iii). Explain why water doesn’t collect in the hollowed-out portion of A or D.

Answer:

(i) Sugar and Salt increase osmotic concentration, which causes water to flow
osmotically through the trough of potatoes’ C and B cells into the cavity.
(ii) Potato A is a control experiment to ensure that water does not move in the
potato cavity because it has lower osmotic content than potato tuber cells.

(iii) Potato tuber D doesn’t have living cells. Dead cells do not support osmosis. Even
though there is sugar in cavity D, water cannot pass from the trough through the
dead potato cells to the cavity of the tuber.

Q7. Differentiate between chromatin and chromosome.

Answer:

Chromatin:

The DNA double-helix in eukaryotes has created chromatin, a type of structure

known as chromatin. It is composed of DNA, protein, and RNA. Chromatin’s primary
function is to pack DNA into the nucleus of cells. Chromatin regulates gene
expression, and it allows DNA replication. This protein also protects DNA from
damage. The proteins can bind with DNA strands in histones.

Chromosome:

The highest condensed DNA double-helix structure with proteins is called

chromosomes. There are 46 independent chromosomes within the human
genome. There may be more than one set in some genomes. Homologous
chromosome pairs are copies of the exact copy of a chromosome. This includes 22
homologous pairs (autosomes) and two sex chromosomes.

Q8. What would happen to a cell’s life if it didn’t have a Golgi apparatus?

Answer: All aspects of preservation, modification, packaging, and storage of

products in particles fall under the purview of the Golgi apparatus. Without the
Golgi apparatus, all storage, modification, packaging, and dispatching of materials
within and outside the cell would be impossible.

Q9. What organelle is the cell’s powerhouse? Why?

Answer: During respiration, the cell’s Mitochondria synthesise energy in the form of
ATP, which is vital for many living processes.

Q10. Where are the proteins and lipids that make up the cell membrane?
Answer. There are two types of the endoplasmic retina:

(i) The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is responsible for producing the lipids
that make the cell membrane.

(ii) The rough endoplasmic retina (RER) houses the ribosomes and is responsible for
producing the proteins that make up cell membranes.

Q11. How is a prokaryotic cell different from a eukaryotic cell?

Answer:

Prokaryotic Cells Eukaryotic Cells

 Prokaryotes are organisms that do not  Eukaryotes are organisms that

possess a nucleus and are membrane-
bound organelles.
 It belongs to the kingdom monera.
 Include bacteria and cyanobacteria.
 Cells usually are 0.2 to 2 um in
diameter.
 Unicellular organisms.
 Have no true nucleus, no nucleus
membranes, or nucleoli.
 Have a single, circular DNA molecule in
the nucleoid.
 Lack of membrane-bound organelle.
 Cell walls are mostly made up of
peptidoglycans.
 Carbohydrates and sterols are not
found in the plasma membrane.
 Contain a primitive cytoskeleton without
cytoplasmic streaming.
 Cell division occurs through binary
fission.
 Sexual reproduction occurs by
conjugation.
possess membrane-bound organelles,
including the nucleus.
 Belong to the kingdom Protista,
kingdom Plantae, kingdom fungi, and
kingdom Animalia.
 Include animals, plants, fungi,
protozoa, and algae.
 Cells usually are 10 to 100 um in
diameter.
 Multicellular organisms.
 It consists of an original nucleus with
double nuclear membranes and
nucleoli.
 Have multiple linear chromosomes in
the nucleus.
 Contain membrane-bound organelles
such as mitochondria, chloroplast, ER
and vesicles.
 Cell walls are made up of cellulose,
chitin, and pectin.
 Carbohydrates and sterols serve as
receptors on the plasma membrane.
 Contain a complex cytoskeleton with
cytoplasmic streaming.
 Cell division takes place through
 mitosis.
 Sexual reproduction occurs through
the production of gametes.

Q12. How is an animal cell different from a plant cell?

Answer:

Animal Cells Plant cells

 Animal cells are smaller than plant cells  Plant cells are giant.
 It comes in various sizes and tends to  The cells are more similar in size and
have round or irregular shapes. are typically rectangular or cube-
 Animal cells store energy in the form of shaped.
the complex carbohydrates’ glycogen.  Plant cells store energy as starch.
 20 amino acids need protein  Plants can synthesise all 20 amino
production, and animal cells produce acids.
only 10 amino acids.  Plant cell types are capable of
 Only stem cells can convert to other cell differentiation.
types.  Plant cells mainly increase cell size by
 Animal cells can increase in size by becoming larger.
increasing cell numbers.  They are composed of cellulose as
 Animals’ cells don’t have a cell wall but well as a cell membrane.
have a cell membrane.  Plant cells have a cell wall composed
 It contains cylindrical structures that of cellulose and cell membrane.
organise the assembly of microtubules  Plant cells do not typically contain
during cell division. centrioles.
 Cilia is only found in animal cells.  Cilia are not found in plant cells.
 Glyoxysomes are not found in animal  Glyoxysomes are present in the plant
cells. cells.
 Animals’ cells do not have plastids.  Plant cells rarely contain lysosomes as
 Animal cells do not have the plant vacuole handles molecules’
plasmodesmata. degradation.
 Animal cells may have many small  Plant cells have plastids such as
vacuoles. chloroplasts.
 Plants have plasmodesmata.
 The cells have a large central vacuole.

Q13. How is a bacterial cell different from an onion peel cell?

Answer:

Bacterial Cell Onion peel cell

 The cell size is generally tiny
and ranges between 1 to 10
mm.
 The nucleus is absent in
bacterial cells.
 Bacterial cells contain a
single chromosome.
 The nucleolus is absent.
 Membrane-bound cell
organelles are absent.
 Cell division takes place by
fusion or budding.
 The cell size is generally large, ranging between 5
to 100 mm.
 The nucleus is present in onion peel cells.
 An onion peel cell contains more than one
chromosome.
 The nucleolus is present.
 Membrane-bound cell organelles include
mitochondria plastids, endoplasmic reticulum,
Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, etc.
 Cell division takes place by mitosis of meiotic cell
division.

Multiple Choice Questions

Q14. Which one of these can be made into a crystal ?

(a) A Bacterium

(b) An Amoeba

(c) A Virus

(d) Sperm Soln

Answer: The correct option is (c). A Virus

Explanation: Viruses can be considered intermediates between non-living and living

because they cannot metabolise or reproduce themselves. For all of its processes,
the virus needs a host. Viruses can also be stored as crystal-like chemicals. Virus
crystals are a collection of millions of virus cells.

Q15. If you allow a cell to swell, it will become more prominent.

(a) The cell’s water molecules are more concentrated than those in the surrounding
medium.
(b) Water molecules are more concentrated in the surrounding medium than in the
cell.

(c) The cell’s water molecules are the same as those in the surrounding medium.

(d) Water molecules concentration does not matter

Answer: (b) Water molecules are more concentrated in the surrounding medium
than in the cell.

Explanation: Water molecules are more concentrated in the surrounding medium

than in the cell. This causes the cell to swell.

Q16. The components of chromosomes are

(a) DNA

(b) protein

(c) DNA, protein

(d) RNA Solution

Answer: (c) DNA, protein

Q17. Which of these options is not a function Ribosomes

(i) It aids in the production of protein molecules

(ii) It aids in the production of enzymes

(iii) It aids in the production of hormones

(iv) It aids in the production of starch molecules

(a) (i), and (ii).

(b) (iii), and (iii).

(c) (iii), and (iv).

(d) (iv), and (i).

Answer: The correct option is (c), (iii), and (iv).

Explanation: The ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis. Protein is the
basis of enzymes. Ribosomes are responsible for the production of enzymes and
protein. Therefore, options (iii) and (iv) are incorrect.

Q18. Which one of these is not connected to the endoplasmic-reticulum?

(a) It acts as a transport channel for proteins between the nucleus, cytoplasm and
the cell membrane.

(b) It moves materials between different regions of the cytoplasm

(c) It could be used for energy generation

(d) It could be the location for biochemical activities in the cell

Answer: (c) It could be the location of energy generation

Explanation: The function of mitochondria is energy generation. ER is a network

that links the nucleus to the cytoplasm and allows for the transport of proteins. It
facilitates material transport from one cell to the next.

Q19. Choose the correct one from below. Plasmolysis in the plant cell is
defined as the process of?

(a) Plasma membrane in hypotonic media is broken down (lysis).

(b) shrinkage in the cytoplasm within the hypertonic medium

(c) shrinkage in the nucleoplasm

(d) None of them

Answer (b) shrinkage in the cytoplasm within the hypertonic medium.

Explanation: A cell kept in hypertonic solutions loses most of its fluid. This causes
shrinkage in the protoplasm. This happens when the environment is arid.

Q20. Here are some definitions of osmosis. Please read carefully to ensure
you choose the correct definition.
(a) Water molecules move from one region with higher concentrations to another
through a semipermeable membrane

(b) Movement of solvent molecular from higher to lower concentration

(c) Movement of solvent molecules through permeable membranes from higher to

lower concentrations

(d) Movement of the solute molecules from lower to higher concentrations of

solution through a semipermeable membrane

Answer: (a) Water molecules move from one region with higher concentrations to
another through a semipermeable membrane.

Explanation: Osmosis refers to a special kind of diffusion where water molecules

move through semipermeable membranes from one region of higher
concentrations to another region of lower concentrations.

Q21. Cells will expand if the concentration of water molecules within the cell
is higher than the concentration of water molecules.

(a) In the surrounding medium

(b) The concentration of water molecules in the surrounding medium is higher

than the concentration in the cell.

(c) The cell’s water molecules are the same as those in the surrounding medium.

(d) The concentration of water molecules is irrelevant

Answer: The correct option is (b) The concentration of water molecules in the
surrounding medium is higher than the concentration in the cell.

Explanation:

Osmosis refers to a spontaneous process in which solvent molecules move into a

region with a higher solute content from a lower solute concentration via a partially
porous membrane. This causes the solute concentrations to be equal.

Endosmosis is the movement of solvent from the outside to the inside (inward
movement). It is caused by a hypotonic solution.
Q22. Which of these options is not a function of ribosomes?

1. It aids in the manufacture of protein molecules.

2. It is helpful in the manufacture of enzymes.
3. It aids in the manufacture of hormones
4. It aids in the manufacture of starch molecules.
(a) I and (II)

(b) II and III

(c) III and IV

(d) IV, I

Answer: the correct answer is (c)

Explanation:

Ribosomes can be dense, spherical, or granular particles that remain free in the
matrix. They also stay attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. They do not have a
membrane-bound and can be found in prokaryotic as well as eukaryotic cells. They
are essential in the synthesis of proteins. All enzymes and hormones are proteins,
but not all hormones.

Q23. Which one of these is not connected to the endoplasmic-reticulum?

(a) It acts as a transport channel for proteins between the nucleus and the
cytoplasm

(b) It moves materials between different regions of the cytoplasm

(c) It could be used for energy generation

(d) It could be the location for biochemical activities in the cell

Answer: The correct choice is (c)

Explanation:
Endoplasmic Reticulum is a membranous network that connects to the outer
membrane of the nucleus from one end and to the plasma membrane from the
other.

It comes in three forms.

(i) Cisternae-closed fluid-filled sac

(ii) Vesicles

(iii) Tubules

It comes in two types: smooth endoplasmic retina, i.e. it has no ribosomes and
rough endoplasmic reticulum, which has ribosomes.

Q24. Which of these are covered by one membrane?

(a) Mitochondria

(b) Vacuole

(c) Lysosome

(d) Plastid

Answer:

1. c) Lysosomes,
Explanation: These are small, spherical, sac-like structures distributed evenly in the
cytoplasm and contain powerful enzymes that can digest or break down any
organic material. These enzymes are made from the rough endoplasmic retina.

These functions are performed in the body.

1. They aid in the digestion of large molecules within cells.

2. They help protect against viruses and bacteria.
3. Lysosomes use their cell organelles to digest starved cells. Cell death is the
result. These lysosomes can also be called suicide bags or cell demolition
squads.
Q25. Find the correct sentence.
(a) Lysosomes contain enzymes. They are processed through RER (Rough
Endoplasmic Reticulum).

(b) Both rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum produce lipids and proteins

(c) Endoplasmic Reticulum is associated with the destruction of the plasma

membrane

(d) Nucleoids can be found in the nucleoplasm of the eukaryotic nuclear nucleus

Answer:

(a) Lysosomes contain enzymes. They are processed through RER (Rough
Endoplasmic Reticulum).

Explanation:

Prokaryotic cells are composed of one chromosome. This is the explicit content of
the cell’s cytoplasm.

The nucleoplasm is enclosed within the nuclear envelope, containing many pores
known as the nuclear pores. Two nuclear structures can be found within
nucleoplasm: the nucleolus or chromatin material.

One or more nucleolus can be present, and any membrane does not bind it. It is
rich in protein (Ribonucleic acid) and RNA molecules. The nucleolus acts as the site
of ribosome formation and hence, is known as the factory of ribosomes.

Q25. The proteins and lipids, essential for building the cell membrane, are
manufactured by? Choose one from the following:

(a) Endoplasmic Reticulum

(b) Golgi apparatus

(c) plasma membrane

(d) mitochondria

Answer:
(a) Endoplasmic Reticulum

Explanation:

(i) It increases the surface area of the cells for different metabolic activities.

(ii) It provides internal support for the colloidal matrix, cytoplasm.

(iii) It’s associated with storing, transporting and synthesising metabolic products.

(iv) It aids in forming the cell plate and the nuclear membrane during cell division.

(v) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) is involved in the synthesis and

maintenance of proteins.

(vi) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) secretes lipids that, together with proteins,
form cell membranes through a process known as membrane biogenesis.

Q26. Choose the odd one out.

(a) Water’s movement across semipermeable membranes is affected by the

concentration of substances within it.

(b) Membranes are organic molecules such as proteins and lipids.

(c) Molecules that dissolve in organic solvents can pass easily through the
membrane.

(d) The plasma membranes are rich in chitin sugar found in plants

Soln: The answer is (d). Plasma membranes contain chitin sugar found in plants.

Explanation: The statement that the plasma membrane contains sugar is false,
while the rest of the statements are proper. Plasma membrane from plants
contains cellulose.

Short Answer Questions

Q27. What happens to substances such as CO2 or water when they move in
and out of the cells freely? Discuss.
Answer: Diffusion is the mechanism by which CO2 moves – Cellular waste
accumulates at high cell levels, while the outside environment has a relatively lower
concentration. The difference in CO2 concentrations inside and outside the cell
causes CO2 to diffuse from an area of higher concentration (within the cell) to a
region with a lower concentration. The cell membrane allows H2O to diffuse by
osmosis. H2O moves through the cell membrane from a higher to a lower
concentration region until equilibrium is achieved.

Q29. Why are lysosomes, also known as suicide bags?

Answer: Lysosomes can burst if there is cell damage, and when it is impossible to
revive the cell, the enzymes will begin to digest the cell. Lysosomes are also known
as suicide bags.

Q30. What are the locations of proteins synthesised in cells?

Answer: The ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis within cells.
Ribosomes can also be called protein factories. Ribosomes can be found attached
to the rough endoplasmic retina.

Q31. What happens if the plasma membrane breaks down or ruptures?

Answer: The plasma membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out
of cells by diffusion or osmosis. If there is a rupture in the plasma membrane, the
cell could lead to exposure of the cell component to the external environment and
would ultimately result in the death of the cell.

Q32. What would happen if the Golgi apparatus was not there?

Answer: The Golgi apparatus packaging or structural protein arrangement would

not occur inside a cell. Without proteins being transported, cell metabolism will
cease and eventually die.

Q33. Which organelle can be described as the powerhouse of a cell? Why?

Answer: Mitochondria is the powerhouse of cells. ATP molecules are the energy
that mitochondria release to enable various chemical activities necessary for life.
ATP is used by the body to make new chemical compounds and perform
mechanical work. The powerhouse of cells, mitochondria, is because they are the
source of energy.