Exercise Solutions Available
Step-by-step answers for all textbook questions in this chapter
Cell Biology — Exercise Solutions Guide
Solve every exercise on your own first, then cross-check your answers here. Understanding why an answer is correct matters more than memorising it.
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Basic unit of life.
(a) Tissue (b) Organ (c) Cell (d) Organism
Q2. The outermost layer of an animal cell. Who am I?
(a) Cell wall (b) Nuclear membrane (c) Cell membrane (d) Cytoplasm
Q3. Which part of the cell is called the brain of the cell?
(a) Cytoplasm (b) Mitochondria (c) Ribosome (d) Nucleus
Q4. _______ helps in cell division.
(a) Nucleus (b) Chromosomes (c) Centriole (d) Ribosome
Q5. Suitable term for the various components of a cell is _______
(a) Cell wall (b) Cytoplasm (c) Protoplasm (d) Cell organelle
Additional MCQs
Q6. _______ is the largest organelle.
(a) Mitochondria (b) Chloroplast (c) Nucleus (d) Golgi body
Q7. The ______ cells are spindle shaped.
(a) Muscle (b) Nerve (c) Blood (d) Skin
Q8. The ______ plays a role in change of colour and taste of fruits.
(a) Ribosome (b) Golgi bodies (c) Lysosome (d) Vacuole
Q9. ______ lacks a nucleus.
(a) WBC (b) Neuron (c) RBC (d) Cheek cell
Q10. Starch is stored in ______
(a) Chromoplast (b) Leucoplast (c) Chloroplast (d) Vacuole
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. The jelly-like substance present in the cell is called ______
The cytoplasm is a semi-fluid, jelly-like substance that fills the cell between the cell membrane and the nucleus. It contains organelles and is the site of many chemical reactions.
2. "I convert the Sun's energy into food for the plant. Who am I?" — ______
Chloroplasts contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which captures sunlight and uses it to synthesise glucose through photosynthesis.
3. Mature Red blood cells do not contain a ______
Mature RBCs eject their nucleus during development. This adaptation allows them to carry more haemoglobin and hence more oxygen.
4. Unicellular organisms can only be seen under a ______
Unicellular organisms like Amoeba and bacteria are microscopic — too small to be seen with the naked eye. A microscope magnifies them for observation.
5. Cytoplasm plus nucleoplasm is equal to ______
Protoplasm is the total living content of a cell — cytoplasm (outside the nucleus) plus nucleoplasm (inside the nucleus). It includes all organic and inorganic substances.
Additional Fill in the Blanks
6. Plastids with coloured pigments are called ______
Chromoplasts contain pigments such as carotene (orange) and xanthophyll (yellow). They give flowers and fruits their bright colours, attracting pollinators.
7. Cells that multiply into different types are called ______
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of dividing and developing into various specialised cell types. They are found in both plants and animals.
8. Seen only in animal cells — ______
Centrioles are cylindrical structures unique to animal cells. They help organise spindle fibres during cell division.
9. Organelle found in both bacteria and higher organisms — ______
Ribosomes are the only organelles found in both prokaryotic cells (bacteria) and eukaryotic cells (plants, animals). They synthesise proteins and lack a membrane.
10. Cell wall is made of ______
The plant cell wall is composed mainly of cellulose, a tough carbohydrate polymer. It provides rigidity, protection, and shape to plant cells.
III. True or False (with Corrections)
Q1. Animal cells have a cell wall.
Q2. Salmonella is a unicellular bacteria.
Q3. Cell membrane is fully permeable.
Q4. Only plant cells have chloroplasts.
Q5. Human stomach is an organ.
Q6. Ribosomes are small organelles with a membrane.
Additional True or False
Q7. Leucoplasts store steroids.
Q8. Bacteria is an animal cell.
Q9. Amoeba contains chloroplasts.
Q10. Mitochondria can help to photosynthesise.
Q11. The cytoplasm consists of 90% water.
Q12. The body of a nerve cell is branched.
IV. Match the Following
| # | Column A | Column B | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transporting channel | Endoplasmic reticulum | Endoplasmic reticulum |
| 2 | Suicidal bag | Lysosome | Lysosome |
| 3 | Control room | Nucleus | Nucleus |
| 4 | Power house | Mitochondria | Mitochondria |
| 5 | Food producer | Chloroplast | Chloroplast |
V. Analogy
Q1. Bacteria : microorganism :: mango tree : ______
Just as bacteria are tiny (microscopic) organisms, a mango tree is a large, visible organism — a macroorganism.
Q2. Adipose : tissue :: eye : ______
Adipose is a tissue (fat-storing tissue). The eye is an organ — a group of tissues working together for a specific function (vision).
Q3. Cell wall : plant cell :: centriole : ______
The cell wall is a structure unique to plant cells. Centrioles are structures unique to animal cells.
Q4. Chloroplast : photosynthesis :: mitochondria : ______
Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis (making food using sunlight). Mitochondria perform aerobic respiration (producing energy from food).
Additional Analogy
Q5. Golgi : secretion :: Endoplasmic reticulum : ______
The Golgi complex secretes and packages substances. The endoplasmic reticulum transports materials within the cell.
Q6. Plant tissue : Xylem :: Animal tissue : ______
Xylem is a plant tissue. Epithelium is an animal tissue.
Q7. Plant organ : stem :: Animal organ : ______
The stem is a plant organ. The stomach is an animal organ.
VI. Assertion and Reason
Q1. A: "Tissue is a group of dissimilar cells." R: "Muscle is made up of muscle cells."
Q2. A: "Majority of cells cannot be seen directly with naked eye because." R: "Cells are microscopic."
Additional Assertion and Reason
Q3. A: "Stem cells can form different types of cells." R: "They are found in plants and animals."
Q4. A: "The cell wall has pores." R: "Each cell is connected to its neighbouring cell."
VII. Very Short Answers
Q1. What are the functions of the cell wall in plant cells?
Q2. Which organelle uses sunlight to make starch?
Q3. What are the main things in a nucleus?
Q4. What does the cell membrane do?
Q5. Why are lysosomes called scavengers of the cell?
Q6. "A virus is not an organism" — do you agree?
Additional Very Short Answers
Q7. Define a tissue.
Q8. What is Plasmodesmata?
Q9. What is ATP?
Q10. What is unique about embryonic stem cells?
Q11. What are the types of plastids?
Q12. Name a cell that lacks a nucleus.
VIII. Short Answers
Q1. Why is the cell important?
Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism
Q2. Distinguish the following:
(a) Smooth ER vs. Rough ER
| Feature | Rough ER | Smooth ER |
|---|---|---|
| Ribosomes | Present on surface | Absent |
| Appearance | Rough, granular | Smooth, tubular |
| Function | Protein synthesis | Lipid synthesis, detoxification |
(b) Cell wall vs. Cell membrane
| Feature | Cell Wall | Cell Membrane |
|---|---|---|
| Found in | Plant cells, bacteria | All cells |
| Permeability | Fully permeable | Selectively permeable |
| Composition | Cellulose (plants) | Lipids and proteins |
| Function | Protection, rigidity | Protection, transport control |
(c) Chloroplast vs. Mitochondria
| Feature | Chloroplast | Mitochondria |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Photosynthesis (makes food) | Respiration (produces energy) |
| Pigment | Contains chlorophyll | No pigment |
| Found in | Plant cells only | All living cells |
| Energy | Converts light → chemical | Converts chemical → ATP |
Q3. Arrange from cell to organism.
Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism
Example: Muscle cell → Muscle tissue → Stomach → Digestive system → Human
Q4. Write a short note on the nucleus.
Q5. Classify the following into Cell, Tissue, or Organ:
| Structure | Level |
|---|---|
| Neuron | Cell |
| RBC | Cell |
| WBC | Cell |
| Ovum | Cell |
| Xylem | Tissue |
| Adipose | Tissue |
| Muscle | Tissue |
| Squamous | Tissue |
| Phloem | Tissue |
| Cartilage | Tissue |
| Lungs | Organ |
| Brain | Organ |
| Leaf | Organ |
| Hand | Organ |
| Heart | Organ |
Q6. Summary of key concepts in cell biology.
- The cell is the basic unit of life.
- Cells have organelles, each with a specific function.
- Plant cells differ from animal cells (cell wall, plastids, large vacuole).
- Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ systems → Organism.
- The nucleus controls the cell; mitochondria produce energy; chloroplasts make food.
- Lysosomes digest waste; ER transports; Golgi packages.
Additional Short Answers
Q7. Why are lysosomes called "suicidal bags"?
Q8. What is the endoplasmic reticulum?
Q9. What are the functions of the nucleus?
Q10. Why is mitochondria called the powerhouse?
Q11. What is a vacuole?
IX. Detailed Answers
Q1. Write about three organelles in detail.
(a) Chloroplasts
Chloroplasts are green, double-membraned organelles found only in plant cells. They contain the pigment chlorophyll, which traps sunlight. The inner membrane folds into disc-shaped structures called thylakoids arranged in stacks (grana). Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis — converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. The glucose may be stored as starch.
(b) Golgi Complex (Golgi Apparatus)
The Golgi complex consists of flat, disc-shaped sacs called cisternae stacked together. It receives proteins and lipids from the ER, modifies them, packages them into vesicles, and secretes them outside the cell or to other organelles. It plays a role in forming cell plate during plant cell division, changing fruit colour and taste, and producing lysosomes.
(c) Mitochondria
Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles — the outer membrane is smooth, and the inner membrane folds into cristae to increase surface area. The fluid inside is called the matrix. Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration where glucose is broken down to release ATP (energy). They have their own DNA and ribosomes, and can replicate independently — earning them the name "semi-autonomous organelles."
Q2. Explain the animal cell with a labelled diagram.
1. Cell membrane — the outermost, selectively permeable covering. 2. Cytoplasm — jelly-like substance filling the cell. 3. Nucleus — the control centre with nuclear envelope, nucleolus, and chromatin. 4. Mitochondria — produces ATP (energy). 5. Endoplasmic reticulum — transport channel (rough and smooth). 6. Golgi complex — packages and secretes substances. 7. Lysosomes — digest waste and damaged organelles. 8. Ribosomes — synthesise proteins (no membrane). 9. Centrioles — help in cell division (unique to animal cells). 10. Vacuoles — small, temporary storage sacs.
Note: Animal cells lack a cell wall, chloroplasts, and large vacuoles — key differences from plant cells.
Q3. Compare plant cell and animal cell.
| Feature | Plant Cell | Animal Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Cell wall | Present (cellulose) | Absent |
| Cell shape | Fixed, rectangular | Irregular, round |
| Plastids | Present (chloroplasts, chromoplasts, leucoplasts) | Absent |
| Centrioles | Absent | Present |
| Vacuoles | One large, permanent | Small, temporary |
| Size | Larger (10–100 µm) | Smaller (1–10 µm) |
| Nucleus | On the side | Central |
| Starch grains | Present | Absent (glycogen instead) |
| Lysosomes | Rare | Present |
| Nutrition | Autotrophic (makes food) | Heterotrophic (takes in food) |
Additional Long Answers
Q4. Write the functions of the cell wall (5 points).
Q5. Draw a plant cell and label the parts.
1. Cell wall (outermost, rigid layer) 2. Cell membrane (inside cell wall) 3. Cytoplasm (jelly-like interior) 4. Nucleus (with nuclear envelope, nucleolus, chromatin) 5. Chloroplasts (green, with thylakoids) 6. Mitochondria (double-membraned, cristae) 7. Endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth) 8. Golgi complex (stacked cisternae) 9. Large central vacuole (with cell sap) 10. Ribosomes (tiny dots on rough ER) 11. Plasmodesmata (pores in cell wall)
Note: Unlike animal cells, plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. They lack centrioles.
Q6. Tabulate the differences between plant cell and animal cell.
| # | Feature | Plant Cell | Animal Cell |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cell wall | Present | Absent |
| 2 | Plastids | Present | Absent |
| 3 | Centrioles | Absent | Present |
| 4 | Vacuole | Single, large | Small, many |
| 5 | Size | Generally larger | Generally smaller |
X. Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Q1. Why is a virus called acellular?
Q2. Can bacterial cells prepare food?
Q3. Are stem cells used to treat diseases?
- Spinal cord injury — stem cells can regenerate nerve tissue.
- Blood disorders — bone marrow transplants use blood stem cells.
- Burn treatment — stem cells help regenerate skin tissue.
- Diabetes — research is exploring stem cells to produce insulin-making cells.
Their ability to become any cell type makes them invaluable in regenerative medicine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing cell wall with cell membrane — The cell wall is found only in plant cells and is fully permeable. The cell membrane is found in all cells and is selectively permeable. Do not use them interchangeably.
2. Saying "bacteria are animal cells" — Bacteria are prokaryotic cells with no well-defined nucleus. They are neither plant nor animal cells.
3. Confusing chloroplast and mitochondria — Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis (light → glucose). Mitochondria perform respiration (glucose → ATP). They are opposite processes.
4. Forgetting that RBCs lack a nucleus — Mature red blood cells eject their nucleus. This is a common exam question — remember it.
5. Mixing up chromoplast and leucoplast — Chromoplasts contain coloured pigments (flowers, fruits). Leucoplasts are colourless and store starch/proteins/lipids.
6. Saying ribosomes have a membrane — Ribosomes are non-membranous organelles. They lack any membrane covering.
7. Saying cell membrane is fully permeable — The cell membrane is selectively permeable. Only the cell wall is fully permeable.
Exam Checklist
- [ ] I can define a cell and name the basic unit of life
- [ ] I can list all cell organelles and state their functions
- [ ] I can draw and label a plant cell and an animal cell
- [ ] I can distinguish plant cell from animal cell (at least 5 differences)
- [ ] I know which organelles are unique to plant cells (cell wall, plastids) and animal cells (centrioles)
- [ ] I can explain why mitochondria is called the powerhouse of the cell
- [ ] I can explain why lysosomes are called suicidal bags / scavengers
- [ ] I can define protoplasm (cytoplasm + nucleoplasm)
- [ ] I know the sequence: Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism
- [ ] I can classify given structures as Cell, Tissue, or Organ
- [ ] I can solve analogy questions linking organelles to their functions
- [ ] I can handle Assertion-Reason questions correctly
- [ ] I know that RBCs lack a nucleus and bacteria are prokaryotic
- [ ] I can explain why a virus is acellular
- [ ] I can list the three types of plastids and their functions
- [ ] I can define ATP and state its role
- [ ] I can explain stem cells and their medical applications
