IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
BIOLOGY
Q1 What are Mitochondria? Why are they called the Powerhouse of the Cell?
Ans-Structure:
1-Mitochondria are double membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells.
2-The outer membrane is smooth and permeable to small molecules.
3-The inner membrane is folded into cristae, which increase the surface area for
energy-releasing reactions.
4-The matrix contains enzymes, ribosomes, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
5-Mitochondria have their own DNA and ribosomes, making them semi-
autonomous organelles capable of producing some of their own proteins.
Functions:
1-Mitochondria are the site of cellular respiration.
2-They break down glucose and oxygen to release energy.
3-The energy is stored in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
4-ATP acts as the energy currency of the cell, used for all essential life processes such
as muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and biosynthesis.
5-Because mitochondria produce most of the cell’s energy, they are known as the
powerhouse of the cell.
Q2 What are lysosomes? Why are they called the suicidal bags of the cell?
Ans-Lysosomes are small, membrane-bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of
animal cells and some plant cells. They are spherical in shape and contain powerful
digestive enzymes that can break down worn-out cell parts, waste materials, and
harmful microbes. These enzymes are produced by the Golgi apparatus and help in
keeping the cell clean by digesting unwanted materials. Lysosomes play an important
role in cell digestion and recycling of old organelles.
They are known as the “suicidal bags of the cell” because when the cell gets
damaged or old, the lysosomal membrane may burst, releasing enzymes that digest
the entire cell. This process of self-destruction is called autolysis. Hence, lysosomes
help both in protecting the cell and in removing damaged parts when necessary.
Q3 What are Plastids?
Ans- Plastids are large, double membrane-bound organelles found only in plant cells
and some algae. They are responsible for making and storing food, and also for
imparting color to different parts of the plant. Plastids contain their own DNA and
ribosomes, which means they can produce some of their own proteins — hence,
they are called semi-autonomous organelles. The internal fluid of plastids is called
stroma. Plastids develop from immature, colorless bodies known as proplastids and
perform essential functions such as photosynthesis, storage, and pigment formation
in plants.
Types of Plastids:
Chloroplasts:
1-Contain the green pigment chlorophyll.
2-Help in photosynthesis, converting sunlight into food.
3-Found mainly in green leaves and soft green stems.
4-Contain grana (thylakoid stacks) and stroma for light and dark reactions.
Chromoplasts:
1-Contain colored pigments other than green, such as red, orange, and yellow.
2-Give colour to fruits, flowers, and ageing leaves, helping attract insects for
pollination.
3-Sometimes formed from chloroplasts during fruit ripening.
Leucoplasts:
1-Colourless plastids found in roots, seeds, and tubers
2-Mainly used for the storage of food materials:
3-Amyloplasts – store starch.
4-Elaioplasts – store fats and oils.
5-Proteinoplasts – store proteins.
Q4What are vacuoles? State their function.
Ans-Vacuoles are membrane-bound, fluid-filled sacs found in the cytoplasm of both
plant and animal cells, but they are much larger in plant cells. They store water,
nutrients, waste products, and other essential materials needed by the cell. In plant
cells, the central vacuole occupies a large space and helps maintain the cell’s shape
and internal pressure (turgor pressure), which keeps the plant upright.
Functions:
1-Store water, food, and waste materials.
2-Maintain turgor pressure to support the cell structure.
3-Help in the removal of waste and toxic substances.
4-Aid in storage and digestion processes within the cell.
Q5What is cytoplasm?
Ans-Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance that fills the space between the cell
membrane and the nucleus. It is made up of water, salts, and various organic
molecules. All the cell organelles, such as mitochondria, ribosomes, and endoplasmic
reticulum, are suspended in the cytoplasm. It acts as the site for many vital chemical
reactions necessary for the cell’s survival.
Q6Explain the functions of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Ans-Functions of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
1-Transport of materials: The ER serves as a channel for the transport of materials
(like proteins and lipids) between different parts of the cell.
2-Protein synthesis: The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) has ribosomes on its
surface that help in the synthesis of proteins.
3-Lipid synthesis: The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) is involved in the
synthesis of fats and lipids, which are essential for cell membrane formation.
4-Detoxification: The SER helps in detoxifying harmful substances and drugs inside
the cell, especially in liver cells.
Q7 what is the Golgi Apparatus
Ans-The Golgi apparatus, also known as the Golgi body or Golgi complex, is a
membrane-bound organelle found in all eukaryotic cells. It is made up of a series of
flattened, stacked sacs called cisternae and is usually located near the nucleus. The
main function of the Golgi apparatus is to modify, sort, and package proteins and
lipids that are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. It also helps in the formation
of lysosomes and is involved in the secretion of important substances like enzymes
and hormones. In addition, it plays a key role in storing and transporting materials
within the cell. Because it processes and dispatches cellular products, the Golgi
apparatus is often called the “post office of the cell.”
Q8what is ribosomes
Ans-Ribosomes are tiny structures present in all cells. They are either floating freely
in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. Their main job is to
make proteins, which are very important for the cell’s growth and repair. Because
they make proteins, ribosomes are often called the “protein factories” of the cell.
Q9what is a nucleus? What are its function?
Ans-The nucleus is a large, round organelle present in most eukaryotic cells. It is
surrounded by a nuclear membrane that protects it from the cytoplasm. Inside, it
contains chromatin (DNA) and a nucleolus. The nucleus controls all the activities of
the cell, such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism. It also stores the cell’s
genetic information and helps in cell division. Hence, it is known as the control
centre or brain of the cell.
Functions of Nucleus:
1-Controls cell activities: Regulates growth, metabolism, and other functions of the
cell.
2-Stores genetic material: Contains DNA that carries hereditary information.
3-Cell division: Helps in the formation of new cells by transferring genetic material.
4-Ribosome formation: The nucleolus inside the nucleus produces ribosomes.
5. Regulates protein synthesis: Directs the synthesis of proteins necessary for the
cell.