Unit 1: Basic Biology

1 CellThe Structural and Functional Unit

of Life [For Revision Only]

All organisms, including the bacteria and Amoeba, while large plants and
of microscopic cells. Theseourselves,
are made animals are composed of billions of cells.
cells perfornm Unicellular organisms : Living organisms made
activities which contribute to the overall tasks of
an individual. It is also to note that upof only a single cell are called unicell ular organisms.
organisms start their life as a single majority
of Examples : Amoeba, Paramecium, bacteria.
cell. The
same cell undergoes repeated divisions to give Chlamydomonas.
rise to a large mass of Multicellular organisms : Majority of living
cells. Further, the cells organisms are made up of millions or billions of cells
get specialised for and are called multicellular organisms.
various tasks such as Examples : Volvox, rose, mosquito, mango.
those of giving humans.
support, producing 1.3 CELLS HOW SMALL?
secretions and
Cells are very small and can be seen onlv with
carrying out numerous the help of a micrOSCcope.
life activities.
Smallest cells are certain bacteria, red blood
cells in the human body, etc.
1.1 CELLS - A BASIC STUDY IN BIOLOGY
Longest cells are the nerve cells.
You have already read about cells in some detail " Largest cells are the birds eggs (actually the central
in Class IX. However, it is necessary to refresh your yellow sphere). Ostrich egg, before development
knowledge for a proper understanding of several begins in it, is the largest single cell of the living
aspects of biology which specially constitute the Class world today. The white (albumen) of the egg and
X syllabus. Some of the main points about cells are the egg-shell are extra parts added on the actual
as follows : egg as it passes down the reproductive tract.
" All living beings are made up of cells. An average-sized adult human is composed of
" The cell is the structural and functional unit approximately:
of the body. " 200 different types of cells.
" All cells are basically alike in chemical " 37-2 trillion cells in the whole body.
composition and metabolic processes. " 100 billion nerve cells in the brain cortex.
" All living beings arise from a pre-existing cell. " 25 trillion red blood cells.

1.2 CELLS - HOW MANY ? 1.4 CELL SHAPES

Different shapes of cells are often related to the
Larger an organism, greater the different functions they perform.
number of cells in its body.
" Human red blood cells are circular and
Allliving things are made up of microscopiccells. biconcave, for easy passage through blood
Some living things are formed of just one cel, like capillaries and to transport oxygen.
1
 Coll wal
Golgi ody
Cell
Mitochondria menbane
Contriote%
CYTOPLASM
Rough
ndoplasme
NUCLEUs eticulum
Nuclear pore Sooth
Nucleolus tt endoplasmi:
roticulum Vacuole
Nuclear
membrane Rough Milochodtion
endoplasmic
reticulum
CELL CYTOPASM
MEMBRANE Lysosome
A ANIMAL CELL
Fig. 1.1 : Ageneralised animal cell
and a generalised plant cell. (Note the
BPLANT CELL
parts which are found exclusively in an animal cell or inparts common to
a plant cell). both colls andtho
. White blood cells are amoeboid
movement, with pseudopodia) that(amoeba-like
can squeeze
the cell membrane and outside the
out through capillary walls.
Nerve cells are long to conduct
" It is a semi-liquid
substance. nudeus.
distant parts of the body to the "impulse from Many chemical reactions catalyzed by
OCCur in it.
Guard cells of stomatal poresbrain and vice-versa.
in the leaves are " It contains Cnzymes
several organelles, each
bean-shaped to open and close it.
1.5 GROSS with a specific function. Concerned
STRUCTUREPARTS
THREE ESSENTIAL OF CELL - THE " The part of
the cytoplas1m
1. Cell organelles other than the
membrane (or
the cell. plasma membrane) encircles (mitochondria,
cytosol, which
medium. constitutes nmainly the
etc.) is called
" It is a liquid
living
made upmembrane
" It is having fine pores. 3. Nucleus is a
of the centre of large
the spherical body lying nearly in
It provides
"It is
lipoprotto theeins.cells.
flexibility " It is cytoplasm.
semi
permeabl e -
orpermeable (also called selectively
surrounded by a double
membrane with nuclear pores layered nuclear
that it allows dionly
fferentcertain
ial y permeable) meaning (Fig. 1.2).
through while preventing substances to pass
In aplant cell (Fig. 1.1 others.
B), an
Nucleoplasm
outermost
surrounds non-l iving layer called theadditional
the cell
Nuclear
cell wall, membrane
The cell wall is a membrane. Nucleolus
- It is
- It givesmostly made up of non-living membrane.
a
definite cellulose. .Chromatin
- It is
freelyto shape and rigidity to the cell.
permeablande (alleavelowing substances in
network

solution enter Nuclear pore

hindrance). the cell
Cytoplasm is the part of the cell iswithout " The ground
Fig. 1.2:
Structure of nucleus
which inside solid substancesubstance of the nucleus is a semi-
or more (nucdeopl
round-shaped asn) (sing,
nucleoli
Containing one
 " The nucleoplasm contains a network of dark
ORGAN and ORGANELLE
coloured fibres called chromatin fibres. These
chromatin fibres condense into short thick Just as there are organs in the body, so are the
chromosomes (Fig. 1.3) during cell division. organelles inside a cell.
Just as each body organ performs one or more
Nucleus special functions, each organelle has aspecifi
Cytoplasm function in a cell.

Centrioles The living parts of a cell which consist of

moving apart
cytoplasm, nucleus and other living bodies are
Aster Chromosomes collectively called protoplasm or protoplast. The
Fig. 1.3: An early stage of cell division in an latter term protoplast is more appropriately used
two pairs of animal cellshowing for a plant cell after the removal of cell wall.
chromosomes that have condensed from the
chromatin network, inside the nucleus (diagrammatic). The living bodies called organelles are the same
Chromosome number varies from one organism to another. in both plant and animal cells except for the cell
1.6 FINER STRUCTURE OF CELL - THE wall and chloroplasts present in plant cells only and
ORGANELLES centrosome with centrioles present in animal cells

Organelles are the specialised and membrane only. The various organelles are : Nucleus,
bound, living structures in a cell concerned with nucleolus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum,
definite functions. ribosomes, Golgi bodies, lysosomes, cell membrane.
The non-living parts of a cell, i.e. vacuoles and
granules, are called as cell incdusions.
Table 1.1 Parts of cell and their main characteristics and chief
functions
Part of cell Main characteristics Chief function(s)
1. Cell membrane (also called 1. Outermost in animal cells.
1. Separates the contents of cell from its
plasma membrane) 2. Lies next to cell wal in plant cells.
surroundings.
3. Very thin, flexible, living membrane, 2. Regulates the entrv of certain solutes and ions.
4. Possesses fine pores. 3. Maintains shape of the cell (in animal cells
5. Semi-permeable. only).
6. Made up of lipoproteins.

2. Cell wall (Plant cells only) 1. Outermost in plant cells. 1. Gives rigidity and shape to the plant cell.
2. Non-living rigid layer surroun ding the 2. Allows substances in solution to enter and leave
plasma membrane. the cell without any hindrance.
3. Freely permeable. 3. Provides protection.
4. Mainly composed of cellulose.

3. Cytoplasm 1. All the parts together inside the plas1ma 1. Different organelles contained in it perform
membrane excluding nucleus. different functions.
2. Contains a mixture of water and soluble 2. All metabolic activities occur in it.
inorganic and organic compounds, and 3. Medium for initial steps of respiration
various organelles. (production of pyruvic acid) (anaerobic
respiration).

(Contd..)
 double membrancd J. Supportive
4. indoplasmie I. Irregular network of Iramework for the cell
2. Synthesis and transport of
reticulum
(ER)
tubules. membrane
with the plasmamembrane
Z. It iscontinuousand
0n the outside the nuclear
proteins and fats
on the inside.
cndoplasmic reticulum
3. May be sooth ribosomes or rough
(SER) LC. without
endoplasmic retiulum (RER) Le. with
ribosomes attached.
1. Release of eneroy
5. Mitochondria 1. Of various shapes but USually sausage-like. from pyruvic acid
walled: inner wall thrown into in cytoplasm in the form of
2. Double
folds (ristac).
3. Have their own DNA(Containing several
aerobic respiration and storesATP.energy
2. Synthesis of
respiralory enzymes.
prodcelucehar
Scat of
genes).
4. Also contain their own ribosomes.

6. Golgi apparatus 1. Stacks of flatlened membrane sacs. L Synthesis and secretion of enzymes
(in animal cclls) 2. Consists of tubules (cisternac) vesicles hormones, ctc.
(called and vacuoles. Formation of acrosome of
dictyosomes in animal cells). sperm (only in
plant cells)

7. Ribosomes
1. Small granules either scattered in the 1. Protein synthesis,
cytoplasm or attached to the outside of
endoplasmic reticulum.
2. Single walled, dense, spherical bodies
composed mainly of RNA.

8. Lvsosomes
1. Membranous sacs budded off from 1. Intracellular digestion.
Golgi body. 2. Destroy foreign
2. Contain 40 different types of enzymes. substances,
3. When cell is old or
injured, these rapidly
destroy organelles (hence called "suicide
bags").
4. Digest cartilages during formation of bones.
9. Centrosome
1. A region surrounding the
(Animal cells
located near nucleus. centrioles, 1.Initiates and regulates cell
only) 2. Contains one or two centrioles, 2. Forms spindle fibres, with thedivision.
help of asters.
3. Centrioles are surrounded by microtubules.

10. Plastids
1. Several kinds, most
(Plant cells only)
are chloroplasts common ones 1. Chloroplasts green in colour, trap solar energy r
containing the
green pigment chlorophyll. photosynthesis, contain the pigment chlorophyl
2. Double membraned,
matrix, contain DNA, proteinaceous
2. Leucoplasts colourless, store starch, have
no pigment.
3.
Disc-like structures called 3. Chromoplasts - variously coloured, impartcolour
thylakoids contain clorophyl. to flowers and fruits, contain the pigments
11. Nucleus Xanthophyll (yellow coloured pigment); Caroti
1. Largest (orange-red pigment).
2. Mostly cell organelle.
3. Nuclear spherical and dense. 1. Regulates cell functions.
membrane
with pores to 2. If
removed, the cell dies.(bearersSof genes that
4. substances enter and leave. allow
to 3. Contains chromosomes
Contains network of control hereditary characters).
called chromatin fibresthread-like structures
which contain DNA.
4
 double membraned 1. Supportive framework for the call
4. Endoplasmic I. Irregular network of 2. Synthesis and
reticulum tubules.
with the plasma
membrane transport of proteins
(ER) <. It is continuous the nuclear menbrane
on the outside and
and tats
on the inside.
reticulum
3. May be smooth endoplasmicor rough
(SER) i.c without ribosomes
endoplasmic reticulum (RER) i.e. with
ribosomes attached.
1. Release of energy trom
5. Mitochondria 1. Of various shapecs but usually sausage-like.
2. Double walled: inner wall thrown into in cytoplasmin the form pyruvic
of acid
folds (cristae).
3. Have their own DNA (Containing several )
aerobic respiration and
of o
ATP. Seat
Synthesis respiratory energy. of
st res prodceluceuta:
genes).
enzymes.
4. Also contain their own ribosomes.

6. Golgi apparatus 1. Stacks of flattened membrane sacs, 1. Synthesis and secretion of

(in animal cells)
(called
2. Consists of tubules (cisternae) vesicles
and vacuoles.
hormones, etc.
2. Formation of acroOSome of
enzymes,
dictvosomes in
plant calls)
animal cells). sperm (only in

7. Ribosomes
1. Small granules either scattered in the 1, Protein synthesis,
cytoplasm or attached the outside of
endoplasmic reticulum.
2. Single walled, dense, spherical bodies
composed mainly of RNA.

S Lvsosomes
1.
Membranous sacs budded off from 1. Intracellular digestion.
Golgi body:. 2. Destroy foreign substances.
2. Contain 40 different types of
enzymes. 3. When cell is old or
injured, these rapidv
destroy organelles (hence called 'suicide
bags").
4. Digest cartilages during
formation of bones.
Centrosome 1. A region
(Animal cells surrounding
located near nucleus.
the
centrioles, 1. Initiates and regulates cell division.
oniv)
2. Contains one or two centrioles, 2. Forms spindle fibres, with the help of sters.
3. Centrioles are surrounded by microtubules.

10. Plastids
1. Several kinds, most
(Plant ceils oniv)
are common ones
chloroplasts containing
pigment chlorophyll. the
1. Chloroplasts green in colour, trap
solar energy
2. green
Double photosynthesis, contain the pigment chlorpihyL
3.
membraned, proteinaceous
matrix, contain DNA.
2. Leucoplasts - colourless, store starch, have
no pigment.
Disc-like structures called 3. Chromoplasts - variously coloured, inpart coou
thylakoids contain chlorophyl. to flowers and fruits, contain the pigments
11. Nucleus Xanthophyl (yellow coloured pigment); Caroterne
1. Largest cell
2. Mostly organelle. (orange-red pigment).
3. Nuclear spherical and dense. 1. Regulates cell
membrane with pores to allow 2. If renmoved, the functions.
cell dies.
4. substances enter and leave.
to 3.
Contains network of Contains chronmosomes (bearers of
control hereditary characters). genes ti
called chromatin fbresthread-like structures
which contain
4
DNA.
 substructures 1 Produces ribosomes.
12. Nucdeolus 1. One or more ound-shand
present inside the nucleus. Partiipates in protein svnthesis
by tornning and storing RVA.
3. Dictates ribosomes to synthesise proteins.

resting 1. Chromosonmes carry genes which are carriers

13. Chromatin 1. A tìne thead like network in the
nucleus which condenses into of hereditary information trom
fibres stage of the parents to
chomusOmes during cell division. oftspring
2. Made up of DN threads.

The next teo parts ie vcoles end granules, are non-living These are imuportant in their own way.

14. Vacuoles 1. Clear spaces with water or other 1. Storage of water and other substances, food.
substances in solution. pigments, and waste products.
2 Plant cells have few but larger vacuoles, 2. Give turgidity to the plant cells by pressing
while the animal cells have smaller ones. against cell wall.
3. Covered by a covering called tonoplast. 3. Contain pigments like anthocvanins (violet-blue
colour), etc.

15. Granules 1. Small particles, crystals or droplets. 1. Store starch (in plant cells), glycogen (in animal
cells) and fat-containing granules which serve
as food for the cell.

Table 1.2 Differences between Plant and Animal Cells

PLANT CELLS
1. Size Usually larger. Usually smaller.
2. Cell wall A definite cell wall, made up of cellulose. No cell wall.
3. Cytoplasm Cytoplasm not so dense. Cytoplasnm denser and more granular.
4. Arrangment of Only a thin lining of cytoplasm, mostly Cytoplasm fills almost the entire cell.
cytoplasm pushed to the periphery.
5. Plastids Usually present. No plastids.
6. Centrosome Absent. Present.
7. Vacuoles Large and prominent. Vacuoles, if any, are small and temporary;
concerned with excretion or secretion.

1.7 MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF ONION Cut the onion bulb into four pieces (quarters)
PEEL lengthwise (Fig. 1.4A). From one of these quarters.
Epidermal cells of onion remove one thick scale leaf. Take the fleshy scale of
Theepidermal peel from onion is easy to prepare. onion in your hand and tear it from the inner
You can proceed as folows (concave) side so as to get athin transparent strip
B

Fig. 1.4 : Preparation of an onion peel

5
 (Fig. 1.4B). Using a pair of forceps, remove this strip high power, especially the thick cell
the cells are : wall.
(peel) (Fig. 14 C) and put it in awatch glass containing
water. Cut a square piece of this peel (about 5 x 5 . firmly bound together and
mm) and mount it on aslide in a drop of water as . the nucleus is placed towards
shown in Fig. 1.5. Cover the peel with a coverslip is usually the case in almost one side,
carefully so that the tissue does not get wrinkled. NUCLEUS
all plant cells,.
CELLS
Examine the preparation under a low power
microscope. You may as well stain the material with
iodine or eosin solution,which willmake the ucleus
more distinct. More details of the cell structure can
be seen under a high power
microscope.

Fig. 1.6 : Cells from a peeling of onion

seen under the low power of scale
microscopeleaf
as
1.8 THE NUCLEUS KEY TO THE
Fig. 1.5 : Preparation of a slide of onion peel A CELL LIFE OF
The cells of onion peel have a Although every part of a contributes to the
rectangular shape (Fig. 1.6). Each cell has asomewhat life of the cell as a whole, yet cell
prominent the key performer or
cell wall, a nucleus and the the master of each cell is the
or two large vacuoles. The cytoplasm encircling one easily understood by an nucleus. This Can he
details are better seen in
Amoeba (Fig. 1.7). experiment performed on

(DIES)

Amoeba is a single-celled
amoebae which re-grow and organism. It grows, divides into two
divide, thus the race If the
continues. nucleus is removed, the amoeba dies.

RECIPIENT
DONOR
Ifthe
nucleus from another (DIES)
amoeba is transplanted in an
enucleated
while the donor
Fig. 1.7: An
(enucleated) amoebaamoeba,
experiment amoeba to show that
on
the
dies. recipient survives and divides
Every activity of the of nucleus is essential for
body an normal ire
organism is
for a carried out by cells.
6
specialized particular function. But each kind of
cell i
 Shown below are some of the cell
Can you identify
these ?
organelles. RESUME OF THE CHAPTER
Size : Cells are small (microscopic) in size with large
surface-volume ratio to facilitate greater diffusion ot
substances inward and outward.
Shape : Cells have scores of different shapes to suit
their functions, e.4. quard cells of stomata are
bean
shaped for closing and opening, WBCs are amoeboid
to squeeze out of capillary walls, etc.
Cell membrane (also called plasma
the surface of all living cells. It is membrane) bounds
allowing some substances to pass semi-permeable,
through and
preventing others.
Cell wall is an extra cOveringoutside the cell
in plant cells. It provides shape membrane
and rigidity. It is freely
permeable. Made up of cellulose.
Nucleus is the specialised central part of a cell that
controls the activities of cells, and contains the
chromosomes having genes. A cell with its nucleus
removed dies SOon.
"Cytoplasm is the living part of a cell inside the cell
membrane but excludes the nucleus. Cytoplasm and
nucleus together constitute the protoplasm.

Review Questions
A. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE
1. Identify the cellular structures with the help of the (c) The orange -red pigment found in the chromoplast.
following clues : (d) Scattered Golgi complex, found in plant cells.
(a) It synthesizes the respiratory enzymes. (e) Amoeboid blood cells of human body.
(b) It is made up of lipo protein. (f) The smallest cell of human body.
(c) A non-living rigid layer surrounding the plasma (g) Bean-shaped cells of stomata.
membrane. (h) The part of cytoplasm which is devoid of the
(d) Supportive framework for the cell. organelles.
(e) It consists of cisternae, vesicles and vacuoles. (i) The folds/finger-like projections from the inner wal
of the mitochondria.
(f) It destroys foreign substances.
(g) It gives turgidity to the plant cells. () The tubules of Golgi complex.
(h) It is made up of DNA threads. B. DESCRIPTIVE TYPE
(i) It contains chromatin fibres. 1. Define the following terms :
(i) It initiates and regulates cell division. (a) Cell (b) Organelles
Give two examples of each : (c) Cytoplasm (d) Protoplasm
(a) Unicellular animals (b) Unicelular plants (e) Nucleus
(c) Cell organelles (d) Cell inclusions 2. Distinguish between the following pairs :
(e) Stains which make the nucleus distinct. (a) Plant cell and animal cell
(b) Cellwall and cell membrane
Name the following :
(c) Centrosome and chromosome
(a) A plastid without pigment.
(b) A pigment which is not found in plastids. (d) Chloroplast and chromoplast