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Questions and Answers
What contributed to Antonie van Leeuwenhoek's discovery of motile free living cells in 1674?
What contributed to Antonie van Leeuwenhoek's discovery of motile free living cells in 1674?
Which of the following statements about the contribution of Hugo von Mohl is correct?
Which of the following statements about the contribution of Hugo von Mohl is correct?
What was Rudolf Virchow's main contribution to cell theory?
What was Rudolf Virchow's main contribution to cell theory?
Who first coined the term 'protoplasm' and in what year?
Who first coined the term 'protoplasm' and in what year?
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Which part of the cell contains hereditary information passed during cell division?
Which part of the cell contains hereditary information passed during cell division?
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Who proposed that cells are the basic building units of all plants?
Who proposed that cells are the basic building units of all plants?
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Which microscope uses a beam of electrons to illuminate the sample?
Which microscope uses a beam of electrons to illuminate the sample?
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What best describes the function of protoplasm in the cell?
What best describes the function of protoplasm in the cell?
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What is the smallest unit of structure and function in a living organism?
What is the smallest unit of structure and function in a living organism?
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Who constructed the first simple microscope?
Who constructed the first simple microscope?
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Which term describes an organism composed of only one cell?
Which term describes an organism composed of only one cell?
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What was the maximum magnifying power of the microscopes built by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek?
What was the maximum magnifying power of the microscopes built by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek?
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What is not a characteristic shared by all known living organisms?
What is not a characteristic shared by all known living organisms?
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Which of the following is true of multicellular organisms?
Which of the following is true of multicellular organisms?
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How did the invention of the microscope contribute to the discovery of cells?
How did the invention of the microscope contribute to the discovery of cells?
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What did scientists need in order to start studying cells?
What did scientists need in order to start studying cells?
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Which of the following descriptions best represents the function of the cytoskeleton?
Which of the following descriptions best represents the function of the cytoskeleton?
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Which cell organelle is responsible for separating the interior of the cell from the external environment?
Which cell organelle is responsible for separating the interior of the cell from the external environment?
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Which statement about deutoplasmic bodies is correct?
Which statement about deutoplasmic bodies is correct?
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What are the components that make up protoplasm?
What are the components that make up protoplasm?
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Which of the following substances can be classified as cytoplasmic inclusions?
Which of the following substances can be classified as cytoplasmic inclusions?
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What essential role does the cytoplasm play in cell metabolism?
What essential role does the cytoplasm play in cell metabolism?
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Which cell organelle is primarily involved in the storage of materials like starch and glycogen?
Which cell organelle is primarily involved in the storage of materials like starch and glycogen?
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Which organelles are described as 'little organs' performing specific functions within the cell?
Which organelles are described as 'little organs' performing specific functions within the cell?
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Which of the following organisms is considered the largest unicellular organism?
Which of the following organisms is considered the largest unicellular organism?
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How do unicellular organisms obtain nutrition?
How do unicellular organisms obtain nutrition?
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What serves as the protective outer boundary of a cell?
What serves as the protective outer boundary of a cell?
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In plant cells, where is the plasma membrane located?
In plant cells, where is the plasma membrane located?
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Which type of unicellular organism is known to possess pseudopodia for movement?
Which type of unicellular organism is known to possess pseudopodia for movement?
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Which of the following structures within a cell is responsible for housing genetic material?
Which of the following structures within a cell is responsible for housing genetic material?
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What is the primary way in which multicellular organisms typically develop from a single cell?
What is the primary way in which multicellular organisms typically develop from a single cell?
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Which cell type is specifically adapted to conduct impulses?
Which cell type is specifically adapted to conduct impulses?
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What structural characteristic do all cells share, regardless of type?
What structural characteristic do all cells share, regardless of type?
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Which of the following is a characteristic feature of cell membranes?
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of cell membranes?
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Who first added the concept that all cells arise from pre-existing cells to the cell theory?
Who first added the concept that all cells arise from pre-existing cells to the cell theory?
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Which of the following accurately describes the smallest known cell?
Which of the following accurately describes the smallest known cell?
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What distinguishes the cytoplasm from the nucleoplasm?
What distinguishes the cytoplasm from the nucleoplasm?
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Who described protoplasm as the 'Physical basis of life'?
Who described protoplasm as the 'Physical basis of life'?
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Which cell structure is primarily involved in the streaming movements known as cyclosis?
Which cell structure is primarily involved in the streaming movements known as cyclosis?
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Which of the following cells are typically the largest in humans?
Which of the following cells are typically the largest in humans?
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Based on the modern cell theory, which statement is correct?
Based on the modern cell theory, which statement is correct?
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Which scientist proposed the idea that all living cells are composed of protoplasm?
Which scientist proposed the idea that all living cells are composed of protoplasm?
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What is the function of protoplasm in a cell?
What is the function of protoplasm in a cell?
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Which cells in the human body are known to be up to a meter long?
Which cells in the human body are known to be up to a meter long?
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Which group of organisms includes organisms with freely permeable cell walls?
Which group of organisms includes organisms with freely permeable cell walls?
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What is the primary composition of the plasma membrane that helps in maintaining the flexibility of the cell?
What is the primary composition of the plasma membrane that helps in maintaining the flexibility of the cell?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of the plasma membrane?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the plasma membrane?
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What distinguishes multicellular organisms from unicellular organisms?
What distinguishes multicellular organisms from unicellular organisms?
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Which structure in a cell is responsible for containing genetic material?
Which structure in a cell is responsible for containing genetic material?
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What is the defining characteristic of an organelle?
What is the defining characteristic of an organelle?
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The cell wall allows for which type of permeability?
The cell wall allows for which type of permeability?
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Which of these is an example of a unicellular organism?
Which of these is an example of a unicellular organism?
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What is the main structural difference between plant and animal cells?
What is the main structural difference between plant and animal cells?
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Which of the following descriptions correctly defines the cell membrane?
Which of the following descriptions correctly defines the cell membrane?
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Which organelle is responsible for autophagy?
Which organelle is responsible for autophagy?
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In which cells are centrioles absent?
In which cells are centrioles absent?
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What is the main function of leucoplasts?
What is the main function of leucoplasts?
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Where is the centrosome usually located in an animal cell?
Where is the centrosome usually located in an animal cell?
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Which plastid is referred to as the kitchen of the cell?
Which plastid is referred to as the kitchen of the cell?
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Which statement correctly describes the nucleus?
Which statement correctly describes the nucleus?
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What pigment is found in chloroplasts that is essential for photosynthesis?
What pigment is found in chloroplasts that is essential for photosynthesis?
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What is referred to as the 'control center' of the cell?
What is referred to as the 'control center' of the cell?
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In which type of cells is the nucleus commonly located at the periphery?
In which type of cells is the nucleus commonly located at the periphery?
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What specialized structure within the nucleus produces ribosomes?
What specialized structure within the nucleus produces ribosomes?
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Which function is NOT associated with the endoplasmic reticulum?
Which function is NOT associated with the endoplasmic reticulum?
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Which organelle is described as the powerhouse of the cell?
Which organelle is described as the powerhouse of the cell?
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What is the main component of ribosomes?
What is the main component of ribosomes?
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Which function is associated with the Golgi apparatus?
Which function is associated with the Golgi apparatus?
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Which cell organelle is described as the protein factory?
Which cell organelle is described as the protein factory?
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Which of the following is NOT found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
Which of the following is NOT found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
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Which of these is a function of lysosomes?
Which of these is a function of lysosomes?
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Which structure in the mitochondria contains ATP producing particles?
Which structure in the mitochondria contains ATP producing particles?
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What is the main function of chromoplasts?
What is the main function of chromoplasts?
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Which structure contains enzymes that can digest all organic materials?
Which structure contains enzymes that can digest all organic materials?
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Which process is primarily associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?
Which process is primarily associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoplasm?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoplasm?
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What differentiates the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) from the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?
What differentiates the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) from the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?
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Which of the following substances are considered cytoplasmic inclusions?
Which of the following substances are considered cytoplasmic inclusions?
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What is the main purpose of the cell wall?
What is the main purpose of the cell wall?
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Cytoplasm contains several living and non-living structures. Which of the following are living structures?
Cytoplasm contains several living and non-living structures. Which of the following are living structures?
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Which cell organelle is directly involved in the synthesis of lipids?
Which cell organelle is directly involved in the synthesis of lipids?
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Which statement best describes the role of the cytoskeleton?
Which statement best describes the role of the cytoskeleton?
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Which of the following structures is continuous with the outer nuclear membrane?
Which of the following structures is continuous with the outer nuclear membrane?
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Which cell organelle is primarily involved in cellular transport by forming transport vesicles?
Which cell organelle is primarily involved in cellular transport by forming transport vesicles?
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What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?
What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of the nucleus in a cell?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the nucleus in a cell?
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During which phase are chromosomes organized into chromatin?
During which phase are chromosomes organized into chromatin?
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Which structure is prominent in plant cells but not typically found in prokaryotic cells?
Which structure is prominent in plant cells but not typically found in prokaryotic cells?
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Which type of cells contains large and prominent vacuoles?
Which type of cells contains large and prominent vacuoles?
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What organelles are absent in prokaryotic cells?
What organelles are absent in prokaryotic cells?
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What type of storage is NOT typically considered a cytoplasmic inclusion?
What type of storage is NOT typically considered a cytoplasmic inclusion?
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What component surrounds the vacuole in plant cells?
What component surrounds the vacuole in plant cells?
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What term describes the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms?
What term describes the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms?
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Who manufactured the first simple microscope using a single biconcave lens?
Who manufactured the first simple microscope using a single biconcave lens?
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Study Notes
The Cell - The Basic Unit of Life
- The cell is the smallest unit of structure and function of a living organism.
- Cells are made up of building blocks called cells, which are the basic units of life.
Discovery of Cells
- The discovery of cells became possible only after the invention of the microscope.
- Antonie van Leeuwenhoek constructed the first simple microscope in 1674.
- Robert Hooke discovered the cell in 1665 and coined the term "cell".
Cell Theory
- The cell theory states that:
- All living organisms are made up of one or more cells.
- The cell is the smallest unit of structure and function of all living beings.
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
- Cells contain hereditary information which is passed from cell to cell during cell division.
- The chemical composition and metabolic activities of all cells are fundamentally similar.
Protoplasm
- Protoplasm is the living substance of the cell.
- It is a translucent, granular, slimy, semi-fluid or viscous fluid.
- Protoplasm is divided into two parts: cytoplasm and nucleoplasm.
- Functions of protoplasm:
- Provides the site where all cell functions take place.
- Allows cells to respond to various stimuli.
Diversity in Cells
- Cells show great variations in shape and size.
- Size of cells can vary from 5 to 20 µm (1µm = 1/1000 mm = 10-6 m).
- The smallest cells are bacteria or prokaryotic cells (0.2-0.5 µm).
Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms
- Unicellular organisms:
- Are known as single-celled organisms.
- Examples include Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena, Yeast, and Bacteria.
- The process of life is carried out in the cell.
- Multicellular organisms:
- Consist of more than one cell.
- Examples include plants, animals, and some algae.
- Arise from a single cell and grow into a multicellular organism.
Structure of a Cell
- A cell is made up of various components, which can be divided into three main functional regions:
- Cell membrane or Plasma membrane, and Cell wall
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus, which contains the genetic material DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
Cell Membrane
- The cell membrane is the outer boundary of a cell.
- It acts as a barrier between the inner and outer surface of a cell.
- The cell membrane is selectively permeable, which helps in maintaining a constant internal environment inside the cell (Homeostasis).
Cell Wall
- The cell wall is a rigid, protective layer outside the cell membrane.
- It is non-living and is mainly made up of cellulose.
- Found in plants, fungi, and prokaryotic cells.
Cytoplasm
- The cytoplasm is a semi-fluid, gel-like substance enclosed within the cell membrane.
- It lies between the nucleus and plasma membrane of the cell.
- Functions of cytoplasm:
- Provides a medium for the organelles to remain suspended.
- Is a source of vital chemicals such as enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, glucose, ions, etc.
Cell Organelles
- An organelle is a unique part of a cell that has a specific function.
- Examples of cell organelles:
- Mitochondria
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
- Golgi apparatus
- Vacuoles
- Lysosomes
- Chloroplasts (in plant cells)
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
- The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a type of organelle in the cells.
- There are two types of ER:
- Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
- Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
- Functions of ER:
- Cellular transport
- Formation of the skeletal framework
- Formation of nuclear membrane during cell division### Cell Organelles
- Ribosomes: Dense granular organelles composed of RNA and proteins, responsible for protein synthesis, found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes except mammalian RBCs.
- Mitochondria: Membrane-bound organelles, found in most eukaryotic cells, responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP, characterized by a double membrane with inner membrane folds (cristae).
- Golgi Apparatus: Membrane-bound organelle, responsible for protein modification, sorting, packaging, and dispatch, found in most eukaryotes, exists as a network near the nucleus in animal cells and as dictyosomes in plant cells.
- Lysosomes: Membrane-bound vesicles containing digestive enzymes, responsible for breaking down cellular waste and foreign substances, found in most eukaryotic cells.
- Centrioles and Centrosomes: Found only in animal cells, responsible for cell division, composed of two centrioles that play a major role in spindle fiber formation.
- Plastids: Double-membranous organelles found in plants and algae, responsible for manufacturing and storing food and photosynthetic pigments, classified into leucoplasts and chromoplasts.
Plastids
- Leucoplasts: Colorless plastids, responsible for storing food materials.
- Chromoplasts: Colored plastids, responsible for storing photosynthetic pigments, include chloroplasts which contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis.
Cell Structure and Function
- Nucleus: Double membrane-bound organelle, responsible for storing genetic information, controlling cell growth and reproduction, found in eukaryotic cells.
- Cytoplasmic Inclusions: Diverse intracellular structures, including vacuoles, lipid droplets, and crystals, responsible for storing food, water, and waste products.
Cell Types
- Prokaryotic Cells: Cells without a nucleus, found in single-celled organisms such as bacteria, characterized by a nucleoid and lack of membrane-bound organelles.
- Eukaryotic Cells: Cells with a membrane-bound nucleus, found in unicellular and multicellular organisms, characterized by a larger size and presence of membrane-bound organelles.
Key Points
- Cell: The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms.
- Cell wall: Present in plant cells, pushes cytoplasm towards the periphery, and forms a thin lining against the cell wall.
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Description
Learn about the cell, the basic unit of life, its discovery, and the cell theory. Understand the structure and function of cells and their significance in living organisms.