Previous Year Questions Answers - The Fundamental Unit

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of Life
Short Answer Type Question

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Q.1. The grass looks green, papaya appears yellow. Which cell organelle is
responsible for this? [2026]
Ans. The cell organelles responsible for the colours seen in plants, such as green grass
and yellow papaya, are plastids. Specifically:
1. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which gives grass its green colour by absorbing

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light primarily in the blue and red wavelengths and reflecting green.
2. Chromoplasts contain pigments like carotenoids, which are responsible for the
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yellow, orange, and red colours in fruits and vegetables, such as the yellow colour
in papaya.
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These plastids store pigments that give plants their characteristic colours.
Q.2. Draw the diagram of a plant cell and label any three parts that make it
different from an animal cell. [2026]
Ans.
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Cell Wall: A rigid, protective layer that surrounds the cell membrane, giving the
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plant cell its shape and structural support.

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Chloroplasts: Organelles containing chlorophyll, which enable the process of

photosynthesis by absorbing sunlight.
Large Central Vacuole: A large, water-filled space that maintains cell pressure,
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stores nutrients, and aids in waste removal.

Q.3. Name the cell organelle which is termed as a powerhouse of the cell. [2025]

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Ans. Mitochondria.

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Q.4. 'Every multicellular organism has arisen from a single cell'. Justify this

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statement. [2024]
Ans. All cells arise from pre-existing cells. Thus, all cells come from preexisting cells,
and hence, every multicellular organism has arisen from a single cell.

Q.5. Name the process by which unicellular freshwater organisms and most plant

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cells fend to gain water. [2024]
Ans. Osmosis.

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Q.6. Give two examples of organisms in which a single cell performs all the
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functions.
OR
Name two unicellular organisms. [2023]
Ans. Amoeba and Paramecium.

Q.7. What is cell theory? Who formulated it? [2022]

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Ans: Cell theory states that all living organisms are composed of cells, the cell is the
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basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells. It was formulated by
Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann in 1838-1839, with contributions from
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Rudolf Virchow.
Q.8. Write the full form of DNA and ATP. [2022]
Ans: DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid, ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate

Q.9. What is the importance of the nucleus? [2021]

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Ans: The nucleus is the control centre of the cell, containing genetic material (DNA)
that regulates cell functions, growth, and reproduction. It directs protein synthesis by
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controlling RNA production.

Q.10. Why is the plasma membrane selectively permeable? [2020]
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Ans: The plasma membrane is selectively permeable because it allows certain

substances to pass while restricting others. This is due to its lipid bilayer structure,
which has hydrophobic (water-repelling) interior layers and embedded proteins that

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facilitate the transport of specific molecules.

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Long Answer Type Questions

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Q.1. Describe the structure of the nucleus. [2026]
OR
Explain in detail what you know about the structure of the nucleus.
Ans. Robert Brown in 1831 discovered the nucleus in the cell. The nucleus is one of
the larger organelles. It is spherical or oval in shape and is a prominent structure. It is
usually located in the centre of the cell. Nucleus has the following important parts:

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(i) Nuclear membrane: It is a double-layered membrane which separates the nucleus

from the cytoplasm.
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(ii) Nucleoplasm: It is a homogeneous and granular dense fluid present inside the
nucleus, in which chromatin and nucleolus are suspended.
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(iii) Chromatin material: It consists of a long, coiled network of thread-like

structures. The chromatin material is made up of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which
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is responsible for storing and transmitting hereditary information from one

generation to the other. It condenses into compact rod-like bodies called
chromosomes at the time of cell division.
(iv) Nucleolus: It is a more or less round structure found inside the nucleus. The
nucleolus contains RNA (ribonucleic acid) and proteins.
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Ques 2: Explain the following terms: (a) Plasma membrane (b) Cytoplasm (c)
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Nucleus. [2025]
Ans: (a) Plasma membrane: It is a thin membrane that controls the passage of
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materials in and out of the cell. It is also called a selectively permeable membrane. It
makes the outer boundary of the cell and is made up of lipoprotein,
(b) Cytoplasm: It is a transparent jelly-like thick substance present in the cell. It
makes the ground of the cell in which all the cell organelles are suspended.

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(c) Nucleus: It is a double-layered membrane structure that contains chromosomes

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required for the inheritance of characteristics from one generation to the other.
Ques 3: Give five points of differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic

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cells. [2024]
Ans:

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Ques 4: Label the figure and answer the questions: [2023]

(i) A - It is the packaging organelle
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(ii) B - Provides energy

(iii) C - helps in the transport of material
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(iv) D - Carries the information.

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Ans: (i) A - Golgi body
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(ii) B - Mitochondria
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(iii) C - Endoplasmic reticulum
(iv) D - Nucleus
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