FLASHCARDS OF BIOLOGY CHAPTER -1 THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

Q1: What is the basic unit of life?

The cell

Q2: Who discovered the cell and when?

Robert hooke 1665

Q3: What did Hooke observe?

Cork cells, which looked like tiny empty rooms

Q4: What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus.

Q5: Name the main parts of a cell.

Cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus

Q6: What is the function of the cell membrane?

Controls entry and exit of substances.

Q7: What is cytoplasm?

Jelly-like fluid where organelles are suspended and chemical reactions occur.

Q8: What is the role of the nucleus?

Controls cell activities and contains DNA.

Q9: What structures are unique to plant cells?

Cell wall, chloroplasts, large central vacuole.

Q10: What is the function of chloroplasts?

Perform photosynthesis.

Q11: What is the cell wall?

Rigid layer providing support to plant cells.

Q12: What is the vacuole?

Stores water and nutrients; large in plant cells.

Q13: Define photosynthesis.

Process by which plants make food using sunlight.

Q14: State the cell theory.

All living things are made of cells, cells are basic units, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Q15: Why is the cell called the fundamental unit of life?

Because it performs all functions necessary for life.