Question

Justify the statement: Cell is the basic unit of life.

Answer 1

The cell is the basic structural, functional and biological unit of life. Cells typically are made up of cytoplasm which contains different proteins and the nucleus and is enclosed by a membrane. Cells were discovered in the year of 1665 by scientist Robert Hooke. The number of cells contained by plants and animals varies considerably.

Complete Answer:
- Cells are either prokaryotic or eukaryotic in origin. The plasma membrane of cells is selectively permeable and also helps in maintaining the electric potential of the cell.
- A typical cell consists of the nucleus that stores the genetic information of the cell. The genetic material can either be DNA or RNA.
- The cell is made up of different components. The first one is the nucleus; it is the place where important processes like replication and transcription occurs. The second one is Mitochondria( in animals) or Chloroplast (in plants); these organelles carry their own genetic material.
- The mitochondria mainly deal with the production of ATP whereas the Chloroplast plays an important role in photosynthesis. Nest is an endoplasmic reticulum; it consists of two forms – the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum and is involved in protein synthesis and transport.
- The cell also contains other varied organelles like Golgi Apparatus which is involved in protein packaging, Lysosomes which is involved in degradation of engulfed foreign particles or worn out organelles, centrosomes that produces microtubules that is an important part of cell cytoskeleton. Plant cells contain an added organelle called vacuoles that stores water and waste products.

Note: Thus we get an idea of all the different components of the cell and the basic functions that are carried out by them which justifies the statement that the cell is the basic unit of life.