NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 - Cell The Unit of Life

Cells are the fundamental building blocks of life and constitute all living organisms. This chapter discusses the cell structure and function and gives key concepts that help students understand how cells function in living organisms. Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life provides students with an easier way of learning and helps in forming a strong foundation in biology. With step-by-step, clear explanations, students can comfortably learn about the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and the nucleus. The solutions help students learn the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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1. Download PDF of NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Biology Chapter 8
2. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 (Exercise Questions)
3. Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Chapter 8
4. Important Question from Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life
5. What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?
6. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology: Chapter-wise

Cell: The Unit of Life chapter discusses the structure of plant cells and animal cells, their organelles, and their functions in a detailed manner. Various organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi body, lysosomes, and mitochondria are also explained in easy language by our subject expert, along with well-labeled diagrams. These NCERT Solutions help students to gain proper clarity of the topic. In both Board exams and competitive exams, questions from this chapter are frequently asked, and it carries a good weightage.

Also Read,

• NCERT Notes for class 11 biology cell the unit of life
• NCERT Exemplar for class 11 biology cell the unit of life

Download PDF of NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Biology Chapter 8

Students can easily download the PDF and study offline without any internet connection whenever needed. These Class 11 NCERT Solutions are designed in simple language to help students understand each concept clearly. They are useful for regular practice, homework, and quick revision during exams.

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NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 (Exercise Questions)

Questions and Answers have detailed explanations for each question in easy language for better understanding and to score well.

Q1. Which of the following is not correct?

(a) Robert Brown discovered the cell.

(b) Schleiden and Schwann formulated the cell theory

(c) Virchow explained that the cells are formed from pre-existing cells.

(d) A unicellular organism carries out its activities within a single cell.

Answer:

Robert Brown found the nucleus, not the cell. Robert Hooke initially saw cells. Schleiden and Schwann did develop the cell theory, that all living organisms consist of cells. Virchow contributed to the theory, that new cells arise from existing cells. Unicellular organisms perform all their life processes within one cell. So, the only wrong statement is that Robert Brown found the cell.

Hence, Option (a) is incorrect. Options b,c, and d are correct.

Q2. New cells generate from

(a) bacterial fermentation

(b) Regeneration of old cells

(c) pre-existing cells

(d) abiotic material

Answer:

The right answer is (c) pre-existing cells.

According to Rudolf Virchow, all new cells are derived from pre-existing cells by cell division. This is a basic biological principle. Bacterial fermentation, regeneration of ageing cells, and abiotic substances are not the origins of new cells. The notion that cells emerge from pre-existing cells is one of the main components of the contemporary cell theory, describing how life is originated and organisms develop.

Q3. Match the following
Column I Column II
(a) Cristae (i) Flat membranous sacs in stroma
(b) Cisternae (ii) Infoldings in mitochondria
(c) Thylakoids (iii) Disc-shaped sacs in Golgi apparatus

Answer:

The correct matching is (a)- (ii), (b)- (iii), (c)- (i)

Q4. Which of the following is correct:

(a) Cells of all living organisms have a nucleus.

(b) Both animal and plant cells have a well-defined cell wall.

(c) In prokaryotes, there are no membrane-bound organelles.

(d) Cells are formed de novo from abiotic materials.

Answer:

The right answer is (c): Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, don't possess a nucleus and other complex internal structures wrapped in membranes. The other answers are wrong because not every cell contains a nucleus (e.g., red blood cells), animal cells don't contain cell walls, and cells don't form by themselves from non-living things.

Q5. What is a mesosome in a prokaryotic cell? Mention the functions that it performs.

Answer:

A mesosome is an invaginated structure created by the plasma membrane in prokaryotic cells. It enhances the surface area for various cellular activities. Functions include:

1. Helping the formation of cell walls.

2. It is involved in DNA replication and dissemination during cell division.

3. It helps in cellular respiration by giving a greater surface area to enzymes that are part of the process.

4. Helps in the secretion of proteins and other molecules.

The mesosome plays a significant role in prokaryotic cell functions.

Q6. How do neutral solutes move across the plasma membrane? Can the polar molecules also move across it in the same way? If not, then how are these transported across the membrane?

Answer:

Lipid-soluble neutral solutes can pass directly through the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. This relies on the concentration gradient. Polar molecules cannot cross the hydrophobic lipid bilayer readily. Polar molecules must be assisted through by transport proteins. They are either carriers or channels, facilitating the polar molecules to cross the membrane. This can be through facilitated diffusion (passive) or active transport (energy).

Q7. Name two cell organelles that are double membrane-bound. What are the characteristics of these two organelles? State their functions and draw labelled diagrams of both.

Answer:

Two double-membrane-bound organelles are mitochondria and chloroplasts.

1. Mitochondria: The Cell's powerhouse.

• Features: the inner membrane is folded into cristae, which have their own DNA.
• Function: cellular respiration (energy production).

2. Chloroplasts: Present in plant cells.

Features: contain chlorophyll, have thylakoids in grana, and have their own DNA.

Function: photosynthesis (light energy to chemical energy).

Q8. What are the characteristics of prokaryotic cells?

Answer:

Prokaryotic cells are basic cells without a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Some of the major features are:

1. No nucleus: Their DNA is found in the cytoplasm.

2. No membrane-bound organelles: Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are not present.

3. Cell wall: Most possess a hard cell wall for protection.

4. Small size: They are usually smaller than eukaryotic cells.

5. 70S ribosomes: Ribosomes are smaller than those of eukaryotes.

Prokaryotic cells occur in bacteria and archaea.

Q9. Multicellular organisms have division of labour. Explain.

Answer:

Multicellular organisms possess a division of labour, in which different cells specialize in performing some functions. Specialization results in greater efficiency and overall survival. For example, there are some cells utilized for digestion, others for respiration, and others for reproduction. This division results in greater complexity and the development of organ systems. Instead of every cell trying to do everything, specialized jobs are assigned to different groups of cells so that the organism is able to function efficiently and effectively.

Q10. Cell is the basic unit of life. Discuss in brief.

Answer:

The cell is the fundamental unit of life since it's the smallest unit that can carry out all the functions required for life. All living things consist of one or more cells. Cells give structure, perform metabolic activities, and have genetic material. They can exist independently, grow, and reproduce. Thus, the cell is not only a structural element but also the functional basis of all living organisms.

Q11. What are nuclear pores? State their function.

Answer:

Nuclear pores are openings in the nuclear envelope, the double membrane that encloses the nucleus. They are gateways for the transport of molecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Their primary role is to control the transport of materials, letting RNA and proteins enter and exit the nucleus.

Q12. Both lysosomes and vacuoles are endomembrane structures, yet they differ in terms of their functions. Comment.

Answer:

Both vacuoles and lysosomes are endomembrane structures, or membrane-bound organelles that exist in the cell. Their functions are quite distinct, though. lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste products as well as cell debris. Vacuoles, on the other hand, are storage sacs that can hold water, nutrients, or waste products.

Q13. Describe the structure of the following with the help of labelled diagrams. (i) Nucleus

Answer:

(i) Nucleus:

The nucleus consists of:

1. A double membrane is known as the nuclear envelope.

2. Transport pores are known as nuclear pores.

3. Chromatin (DNA and proteins).

4. The nucleolus is where ribosomes are built.

5. The nucleus regulates cell functions.

Q13. Describe the structure of the following with the help of labelled diagrams.

(ii) Centrosome

Answer:

Centrosome

The structure of the centrosome is made up of two cylindrical structures called centrioles. These centrioles show a cartwheel-like organisation and both lie perpendicular to each other. A centriole is made up of microtubule triplets that are evenly spaced in a ring The adjacent triplets are linked together. A proteinaceous hub is present in the central part of a centriole. The hub is attached to triplets by means of radial spokes. Centrioles help in the organisation of spindle fibres. It also forms the basal body of cilia and flagella.

Q14. What is a centromere? How does the position of the centromere form the basis of classification of chromosomes? Support your answer with a diagram showing the position of the centromere on different types of chromosomes.

Answer:

A centromere is an area on a chromosome where sister chromatids become attached. Centromere position is employed to group chromosomes into four categories:

1. Metacentric: Centromere in the middle.

2. Submetacentric: Centromere off-centre, but not much.

3. Acrocentric: Centromere close to one end.

4. Telocentric: Centromere at the very end.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11: Subject-wise

• NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Maths
• NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry
• NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics

Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Chapter 8

To solve Cell: The Unit of Life questions, students are advised to simply follow these easy steps:

1. Learn the structure and function of a cell, e.g., the cell membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm.
2. Learn about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell differences.
3. Remember key terms such as cell theory, organelles, and their purpose (e.g., mitochondria to produce energy).
4. Practice similar structures, e.g., plant and animal cell structure.
5. Mark definitions and examples of unicellular and multicellular organisms.
6. Do multiple-choice questions given in NCERT Solutions Class 11 Biology and exemplar solutions for more clarity.

Check the NCERT Books and NCERT Syllabus here:

• NCERT Books Class 11 Biology

• NCERT Syllabus Class 11 Biology

• NCERT Books Class 11

• NCERT Syllabus Class 11

Important Question from Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life

This chapter is very vast and interesting, focusing on key questions can help you understand the structure and function of cell and their organelles.

Question 1: In chloroplast, the site of coupled oxidation-reduction reactions is the

1- Outer membrane

2- Inner membrane

3- Thylakoid membrane

4- Stromal space

Answer:

In the chloroplast, the site of coupled oxidation-reduction reactions is the photosynthetic membrane system, which includes the thylakoid membrane. Within the chloroplasts of plant cells, photosynthesis takes place, and it involves a series of oxidation-reduction reactions. These reactions occur within the photosynthetic membrane system, which includes the thylakoid membrane. The thylakoid membrane is a highly organized membrane system composed of flattened sac-like structures called thylakoids.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3. Thylakoid membrane

What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?

Here is a table for all the important topics from the chapter which needs to be studied beyond NCERT to score better marks in NEET exam.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology: Chapter-wise

Below are the chapter-wise solutions for quick and easy access: