1. What is a Cell?
The cell is the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms.
Discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665 (in cork cells).
All living organisms are made up of cells — hence, they are called the building blocks
of life.
2. Types of Organisms
Unicellular organisms: Made of one cell (e.g., Amoeba, Paramecium).
Multicellular organisms: Made of many cells (e.g., plants, animals, humans).
3. Cell Structure
Cells have three main parts:
(a) Plasma Membrane (Cell Membrane)
Outermost covering of the cell.
Semi-permeable (controls movement of substances in and out).
Made of lipids and proteins.
(b) Cytoplasm
Jelly-like fluid inside the cell.
Contains cell organelles.
(c) Nucleus
Control center of the cell.
Contains DNA (genetic material).
Surrounded by nuclear membrane.
🏭 4. Cell Organelles and Their Functions
Cell Organelle Function
Endoplasmic Reticulum Transport of materials. Rough ER has ribosomes (makes proteins),
(ER) Smooth ER (makes fats/lipids).
Golgi Apparatus Packaging and transportation of proteins.
Lysosomes Digestive system of the cell – breaks down waste (suicide bags).
Mitochondria Powerhouse of the cell – makes energy (ATP).
Plastids Found only in plant cells. Chloroplasts help in photosynthesis.
Vacuoles Storage sacs – large in plants, small in animals.
🧱 5. Difference Between Plant and Animal Cells
Feature Plant Cell Animal Cell
Cell Wall Present Absent
Vacuole Large central Small or absent
Plastids Present Absent
Shape Usually rectangular Usually round
🌱 6. Cell Wall
Found only in plant cells.
Made of cellulose.
Provides shape and protection.
✅ A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who discovered the cell?
a) Anton van Leeuwenhoek
b) Robert Hooke
c) Robert Brown
d) Schleiden
2. Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse of the cell"?
a) Ribosome
b) Endoplasmic reticulum
c) Mitochondria
d) Golgi apparatus
3. The cell wall is made up of:
a) Starch
b) Glucose
c) Cellulose
d) Protein
4. Which part of the cell controls all its activities?
a) Cytoplasm
b) Nucleus
c) Ribosome
d) Mitochondria
5. Which organelle is called the "suicide bag" of the cell?
a) Golgi body
b) Mitochondria
c) Lysosome
d) Ribosome
✍️B. Short Answer Questions
1. Define a cell.
2. What is the function of the plasma membrane?
3. Mention any two differences between plant and animal cells.
4. Name the cell organelle involved in photosynthesis.
5. Why are lysosomes called suicide bags of the cell?
📝 C. Long Answer Questions
1. Explain the structure and function of the nucleus.
2. Describe the functions of the following:
o Endoplasmic reticulum
o Golgi apparatus
o Mitochondria
o Vacuoles
3. Draw a labeled diagram of a plant cell and an animal cell.
4. Compare plant and animal cells in tabular form.
✅ A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. b) Robert Hooke
2. c) Mitochondria
3. c) Cellulose
4. b) Nucleus
5. c) Lysosome
✍️B. Short Answer Questions
1. Define a cell.
A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. All living organisms are made up
of cells.
2. What is the function of the plasma membrane?
The plasma membrane controls the entry and exit of substances into and out of the cell. It
is selectively permeable.
3. Mention any two differences between plant and animal cells.
Feature Plant Cell Animal Cell
Cell Wall Present Absent
Vacuole Large and central Small or absent
4. Name the cell organelle involved in photosynthesis.
Chloroplast
5. Why are lysosomes called suicide bags of the cell?
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that can break down the cell's own components.
When the cell is damaged, lysosomes may burst and digest the cell, hence called "suicide
bags."
📝 C. Long Answer Questions
1. Explain the structure and function of the nucleus.
o The nucleus is a large, membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells.
o It is surrounded by a nuclear membrane and contains chromatin (DNA +
protein), which forms chromosomes.
o The nucleolus inside it is involved in ribosome production.
o Function: It controls all cellular activities and contains genetic information
necessary for reproduction and inheritance.
2. Describe the functions of the following:
o Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
Rough ER has ribosomes and helps in protein synthesis.
Smooth ER helps in the synthesis of lipids and detoxification.
o Golgi Apparatus:
Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.
o Mitochondria:
Known as the "powerhouse of the cell"; it produces energy (ATP) through
respiration.
o Vacuoles:
Store food, water, and waste materials. Plant cells have large vacuoles that
also maintain turgidity.
3. Draw a labeled diagram of a plant cell and an animal cell..
4. Compare plant and animal cells in tabular form.
Feature Plant Cell Animal Cell
Cell Wall Present (made of cellulose) Absent
Shape Rectangular or fixed shape Round or irregular
Vacuole One large central vacuole Many small or no vacuoles
Plastids Present (e.g., chloroplasts) Absent
Centrioles Absent Present
