NCERT Solutions class 9 Science 5. The Fundamental Unit of Life Text-book Questions

In Text Questions

Page No: 59

1. Who discovered cells and how?

Solution:

An English Botanist, Robert Hooke discovered cells. In 1665, he used self-designed microscope to observe cells in a cork slice.

2. Why is the cell called the structural and functional unit of life?

Solution:

Cells are called the structural and functional unit of life because all the living organisms are made up of cells and also all the functions taking place inside the body of organisms are performed by cells.

Page No: 61

1. How do substances like CO₂ and water move in and out of the cell? Discuss.

Solution:

The substances like CO₂and water move in and out of a cell by diffusion from the region of high concentration to low concentration.

When the concentration of CO₂and water is higher in external environment than that inside the cell, CO₂and water moves inside the cell. When the concentration outside the cell becomes low and it is high inside the cell, they moves out.

2. Why is the plasma membrane called a selectively permeable membrane?

Solution:

Plasma membrane called a selectively permeable membrane because it regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell. This means that the plasma membrane allows the entry of only some substances and prevents the movement of some other materials.

Page No: 63

1. Fill in the gaps in the following table illustrating differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Solution:

Page No: 65

1. Can you name the two organelles we have studied that contain their own genetic material?

Solution:

Mitochondria and plastids

2. If the organisation of a cell is destroyed due to some physical or chemical influence, what will happen?

Solution:
If the organisation of a cell is destroyed due to some physical or chemical influence then cell will not be able to perform the basic functions like respiration, nutrition, excretion etc. This may stop all the life activities and may result in its death.

3. Why are lysosomes known as suicide bags?

Solution:
Lysosomes are called suicide bags because in case of disturbance of their cellular metabolism they digest their own cell by releasing own enzymes.

4. Where are proteins synthesized inside the cell?

Solution:
The proteins are synthesized in the Ribosome inside the cell.

Page No: 66

           

             Exercise

1. Make a comparison and write down ways in which plant cells are different from animal cells.

Solution:

2. How is a prokaryotic cell different from a eukaryotic cell?

Solution:

3. What would happen if the plasma membrane ruptures or breaks down?

Solution:
If the plasma membrane ruptures or breakdown then the cell will not be able to exchange material from its surrounding by diffusion or osmosis. Thereafter the protoplasmic material will be disappeared and the cell will die.

Page No: 67

4. What would happen to the life of a cell if there was no Golgi apparatus?

Solution:
Golgi apparatus has the function of storage modification and packaging of the products. If there is no Golgi apparatus then the packaging and transporting of materials synthesized by cell will not happen.

5. Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell? Why?

Solution:

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of cells because energy required for various chemical activities needed for life is released by mitochondria in the form of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) molecules.

6. Where do the lipids and proteins constituting the cell membrane get synthesized?

Solution:
Lipids are synthesized in Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and the proteins are synthesized in rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).

7. How does an Amoeba obtain its food?

Solution:

Amoeba takes in food using temporary finger-like extensions of the cell surface which fuse over the food particle forming a food-vacuole as shown in figure. Inside the food vacuole, complex substances are broken down into simpler ones which then diffuse into the cytoplasm. The remaining undigested material is moved to the surface of the cell and thrown out. 

8. What is osmosis?

Solution:

Osmosis is the process in which water molecules moves from the region of high concentration to a region of low concentration through a semi permeable membrane.