Science · Class 8
Cell Structure and Functions
Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cell; organelles and their functions.
4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples
Chapter Overview
Plant cells have cell wall and chloroplasts; animal cells do not.
The cell is the basic unit of life. This chapter covers cell structure — cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, organelles — and differences between plant and animal cells.
Cell Structure
- Cell membrane: selective boundary
- Cytoplasm: jelly-like; organelles suspended
- Nucleus: control centre; contains chromosomes (DNA)
- Vacuole: large in plant cells; stores sap
Organelles
- Mitochondria: powerhouse — respiration
- Chloroplast: photosynthesis (plant only)
- Cell wall: rigid outer layer (plant only)
- ER, Golgi, ribosomes: protein synthesis and transport
Plant vs Animal Cell
- Plant: cell wall, chloroplasts, large central vacuole
- Animal: centrioles; no cell wall or chloroplasts
- Both have nucleus, mitochondria, membrane
Solved Examples
Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.
Cell discovery
Who discovered cells and how?
- 1Robert Hooke saw cork cells in microscope (1665)
- 2Coined term 'cell' from small rooms
- 3Later Leeuwenhoek saw living cells
Answer
Robert Hooke — cork slice
Organelle function
Why are mitochondria called powerhouse?
- 1Site of cellular respiration
- 2ATP energy produced here
- 3Present in both plant and animal cells
Answer
Energy release from glucose
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Unicellular: Amoeba, bacteria; multicellular: humans
- ✓ Tissue: group of similar cells
- ✓ Organ: group of tissues
Exam Tips
- • Draw and label plant and animal cells
- • Compare plant and animal cell in table
- • State functions of nucleus and chloroplast
Practice MCQs — Cell Structure and Functions
Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.
Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0
Cell is the ___ unit of life.