Biology Notes
Chapter 8:CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Q1.Name the scientist who discovered cell?
Robert Hooke is the scientist who discovered the cell.
Q2.Define cell theory
The cell theory was given by three scientists - Schleiden , Schwann and Virchow.
The three postulates of cell theory are-
a. All living organisms are made of cells.
b. A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
c. All cells arise from pre- existing cells by cell division.
Q3.List the parts of a cell.In a tabular column list the functions of the parts of the cell.
Every plant and animal cell has a
Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleus .
Parts of a cell Functions
CELL MEMBRANE / PLASMA MEMBRANE 1.It protects the cell
2.It gives shape to the cell
outermost layer in an animal cell 3.It separates the cell from another cell and its
second layer in the plant cell surrounding medium
4.It is porous in nature and allows the selective
movement of substances in and out of the cells
CYTOPLASM 1. It is the site for many chemical reactions
jelly like fluid present inside the cell (breakdown of glucose)
membrane 2.It contains all the cell organelles and is an important
part of protoplasm (cytoplasm + nucleoplasm).
NUCLEUS
largest spherical organelle found in 1. It controls all the cell activities like cell growth and
every cell. cell division.
2. It plays an important role in the inheritance of
characteristics from the parent to the offspring. This
takes place through the units of inheritance called
genes.
Page 1 of 6
Q4.Draw a neat labelled diagram of nucleus. Explain the parts of the nucleus.
STRUCTURE OF A NUCLEUS
Parts of a nucleus Structure / Functions
Nuclear membrane Double membraned layer
Nuclear pore / nucleopore Pores/gaps present in the nuclear membrane . It allows the
movement of materials between the cytoplasm and the nucleus
Nucleolus Spherical body in the nucleus
Nucleoplasm Jelly like substance present in the nucleus
Chromatin material Thread-like structures .
They form chromosomes during cell division.
It contains the units of inheritance called genes. It controls the
transfer of a hereditary characteristic from parents to offspring
Q5.In a tabular column , list the functions of various organelles found in the plant and animal cell.
PARTS OF A CELL FUNCTION
PLASTIDS(CHLOROPLAST) 1.They are the pigment containing organelles found in the cytoplasm
of the plant cell.
2.chlorophyll containing plastids are called chloroplasts they play an
important role in photosynthesis.
LYSOSOMES They are called the suicide bags of the cell. They help in the digestion
of waste materials and even their own damaged cells.
ENDOPLASMIC It helps in the synthesis of the proteins and lipids.
RETICULUM
Page 2 of 6
GOLGI BODY/ It helps in the packaging, storage and transportation of substances in
DICTYOSOMES the cell.
MITOCHONDRIA Called the powerhouse of the cell. Energy during respiration is
produced here.
VACUOLE It stores food, waste products or cell sap
Q6.List the function of cell wall found in plant cell
It gives shape, support and protection to the plant cell
Q7.List the difference between plant cell and animal cell
Parameters Plant cell Animal cell
Cell wall Present Absent
Plastids Present Absent
Vacuoles One large vacuole Many small vacuoles seen or vacuoles maybe
absent.
Location of Pushed to the periphery of the cell In the centre of the cell.
nucleus
Animal Cell
Page 3 of 6
PLANT CELL
Page 4 of 6
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANT CELL AND ANIMAL CELL
STRUCTURE OF A PROKARYOTE : BACTERIA
Nucleoid
Cell membrane
Cell Wall
Cytoplasm
Flagella
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PROKARYOTES AND EUKARYOTES
Parameters Prokaryotic cell Eukaryotic cell
Nucleus There is no well defined nucleus There is a well defined nucleus.
Nuclear membrane Absent Present
Nuclear material It is in direct contact with It is not in direct contact with cytoplasm
cytoplasm
Examples Bacteria, blue-green algae Human beings , cat
Page 5 of 6
Structural organisation in multicellular organisms
Cells -Tissues OransOrgan system Organism
Nerve cell – nervous tissue – organs (brain) – nervous system – organism
Draw a neat labelled diagram of a neuron
Structure of a nerve cell or neuron
Page 6 of 6