The fundamental unit of life cell

1. What is a cell? The bodies of living organisms are made up of microscopic units called cells. They are the basic structural and functional units of the living organisms. 2. What are prokaryotic cells? Prokaryotic cells are primitive cells with an undefined nuclear region in the cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The nucleoid lacks nuclear memebrane. The genetic material is equal to one molecule of DNA. The other membrane bound cell organelles are also absent. Eg. Archaebacteria, cyanobacteria, and bacteria. The cell functions are performed by the cytoplasm itself. 3. What are eukaryotic cells ? They are developed, complete cells, with a well defined, membrane bound nucleus and other cell organelles such as ribosomes, mitochondria, lysosomes, golgi apparatus etc. The genetic material is made up of two or more DNA molecules. 4. Who formulated the cell theory? What does it tell us? The Cell theory was formulated by Schwann and Schleiden, the two German biologists in 1838-39. The theory states that: All living organisms are composed of cells. The cell is the structural and functional unit of all living things. All cells arise from pre existing cells.

5. What are cell organelles? Each cell performs certain basic functions. All these functions are carried out by certain specific components within the cell known as cell organelles. Cell organelles perform specific functions such as synthesis of proteins is done by ribosomes, removal of wastes is done by lysosomes, supply of energy is done by mitochondria, division of cell is initiated by centrosome, etc 6. What is plasma membrane, what are its functions? The outermost covering of the cell which separates the contents of a cell from its external environment is the plasma membrane. It is a very flexible membrane made up of lipids and proteins. Its functions are:

It is a selectively permeable membrane, permitting entry and exit of only certain molecules into the cell. It prevents the entry of molecules which could be harmful to the cell. It acts as a mechanical barrier to the contents of the cell. It protects the cell from injury and provides a boundary to the cell. It allows the flow of molecules as well as information between different organelles within the cell as well as between cells.

7. What is cell wall and what are its functions? The cell wall is an outer, protective, rigid layer of the plant cell, made of cellulose. The cell wall lies outside the plasma membrane. Cellulose is a complex substance which provides mechanical and structural strength to plants. The functions of cell wall are: It provides definite shape to the cell It protects plasma membrane and internal structures from the attack of pathogens and any mechanical injury.

It counters the osmotic pressure and prevents bursting of cells due to osmotic pressure. It provides rigidity to the cells.

8. What is plasmolysis? A living plant cell can lose water through osmosis and as a result there is shrinkage of the cell contents away from the cell wall. This phenomenon is called plasmolysis. 9. What is cytoplasm? What are its functions? The space between the plasma membrane and the nucleus is filled by an amorphous, translucent, homogeneous, colloidal liquid called the cytoplasm. It consists of various inorganic molecules, such as water and salts, organic molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes etc. It also contains several membrane bound cell organelles. The inner granular mass of the cytoplasm which is denser is called endoplasm while the outer clearer cytoplasm is called ectoplasm.

The functions of cytoplasm are: It acts as a storehouse for vital chemicals such as amino acids, glucose, vitamins, ions etc. Biosynthesis of nucleotides, proteins and fatty acids takes place in the cytoplasm. It helps in the intracellular distribution of molecules, enzymes and nutrients.

10. What is the structure and function of the nucleus? The nucleus is a dense spherical structure present n the centre of the cell. The nucleus is bound by a double layered nuclear membrane, which has a number of pores called nuclear pores. Inside the nuclear envelope is the nucleoplasm or the nuclear sap which is transparent and semi-fluid in nature. In the nucleoplasm is the small dense round structure called the nucleolus. The nucleoplasm has a tangled mass of thread/ fiber like structure called the chromatin network, which condenses and organizes itself to form chromosomes which are visible as dense rod like structures when the cell is about to divide. Chromosomes contain DNA molecules and proteins. The functional segments of the DNA are called genes which are the hereditary units passed on from the parents to the offspring during reproduction. The nucleus controls cell metabolism and other activities of the cell. Nucleus plays a vital r