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Q10:
Cell is the basic unit of life. Discuss in brief.
Solution :
1. Theoretical Foundation: The Cell Theory
The concept that the cell is the basic unit of life is established by the Cell Theory, originally proposed by Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann and later refined by Rudolf Virchow. The theory posits two fundamental axioms:
- All living organisms are composed of one or more cells [Structural Basis].
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells via division (Omnis cellula-e cellula) [Genetic/Continuity Basis].
2. Multi-Dimensional Justification
The cell serves as the basic unit of life due to its capacity to perform all functions essential for the maintenance and propagation of life:
| Functional Dimension | Biological Evidence |
|---|---|
| Metabolic Independence | Cells contain organelles (e.g., mitochondria for ATP production, ribosomes for protein synthesis) that execute chemical reactions required for survival. |
| Genetic Integrity | The presence of DNA/RNA ensures the storage and transmission of hereditary information to progeny, maintaining biological continuity. |
| Homeostatic Regulation | The plasma membrane acts as a selective barrier, regulating the internal environment against external fluctuations (Osmoregulation/Selective Permeability). |
3. Visual Representation of Cellular Hierarchy
4. Summary of Functional Autonomy
The cell acts as the smallest structural and functional unit because:
- Structural: It is the building block of tissues and organs [Hierarchy of Organization].
- Functional: It performs all life processes—respiration, excretion, and reproduction—within its boundaries.
- Energy Transduction: It converts chemical energy (glucose) into cellular energy (ATP) [Per the Chemiosmotic Coupling Hypothesis].
Final Solution: The cell is identified as the basic unit of life because it represents the minimum level of biological organization capable of autonomous existence, energy transformation, and self-replication, forming the structural and functional foundation for all living organisms.
More Questions from Class 11 Biology Cell – The Unit of Life EXERCISES
- Q1: Which of the following is not correct?
- Q2: New cells generate from
- 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
- Q4: Which of the following is correct:
- Q5: What is a mesosome in a prokaryotic cell? Mention the functions that it performs.
- 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?
- 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.
- Q8: What are the characteristics of prokaryotic cells?
- Q9: Multicellular organisms have division of labour. Explain.
- Q11: What are nuclear pores? State their function.
- Q12: Both lysosomes and vacuoles are endomembrane structures, yet they differ in terms of their functions. Comment.
- Q13(i): Describe the structure of the following with the help of labelled diagrams. (i) Nucleus
- Q13(ii): Describe the structure of the following with the help of labelled diagrams. (ii) Centrosome
- Q14: What is a centromere? How does the position of centromere form the basis of classification of chromosomes. Support your answer with a diagram showing the position of centromere on different types of chromosomes.
CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Biology Cell – The Unit of Life
Chapters in CBSE - Class 11 Biology
- The Living World
- Biological Classification
- Plant Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation in Animals
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle and Division
- Transport in Plants
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth and Development
- Digestion and Absorption
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Body Fluids and Circulation
- Excretory Products and Elimination
- Locomotion and Movement
- Neural Control and Coordination
- Chemical Coordination and Integration
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