THE 2023 – 24

FUNDAMENTAL
UNIT OF LIFE

9th

Chapter Five
Concepts Covered
1.Discovery of cell and its parts
2.Cell theory
3.Three main features of the cell
4.Plasma membrane and its role
5.Diffusion
6.Osmosis and its effect on cells under different environmental
conditions
FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE : C E L L

DISCOVERY
OF CELL
FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE : C E L L

In 1665, Robert Hooke observed the thin

slices of cork under a microscope.

He noticed several small compartment-like

structures that resembled the structure of a
honeycomb.

He called these structures as ‘Cellula’ [Latin

word meaning – little rooms].
FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE : C E L L

Cork is the outermost dead part of the

plant.

For commercial production of bottle cork

caps, cork is obtained from Quercus suber
plant.
FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE : C E L L

DISCOVERY
OF FIRST
LIVING CELL
FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE : C E L L

First living cell was discovered by Anton Von Leeuwenhoek in 1674.

He observed some living moving creatures in pond water which he called as

‘Animalcules’

Leeuwenhoek contributed to science by discovering many other things like – male

sperm, female ovum, first human parasite.

For his contribution to microscopy, he was regarded as the “Father of

Microbiology”
WHAT IS CELL ?

• It is the structural and functional unit of life.

• Cell is termed as the structural unit of life as it provides structure to our body.

• Cell is considered as the functional unit of life as all the functions of the body
take place at cell level.
WHAT IS MICROSCOPE ?
Microscopes are laboratory instruments used to examine objects that
are too small to be seen by the naked eye.

Microscopy is the science of investigating small objects and

structures using a microscope.
Why was it important for Robert Hooke's cork slice to be very thin? What
would happen if the slice was not thin?
Discuss with your friends !