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Class 8 Science Cell Structure and Functions

Cells are the fundamental units of life, discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665, and can be classified as unicellular or multicellular organisms. They vary in shape and size, with major components including the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, while plant cells possess a cell wall and chloroplasts that animal cells lack. Understanding the differences between plant and animal cells is essential for studying their functions and roles in living organisms.

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59 views4 pages

Class 8 Science Cell Structure and Functions

Cells are the fundamental units of life, discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665, and can be classified as unicellular or multicellular organisms. They vary in shape and size, with major components including the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, while plant cells possess a cell wall and chloroplasts that animal cells lack. Understanding the differences between plant and animal cells is essential for studying their functions and roles in living organisms.

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zain hashmi
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Class 8 Science - Chapter 8: Cell - Structure and Functions

Chapter: Cell Structure and Functions

Introduction

- The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.

- All living organisms are made up of cells.

- Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665 when he observed a slice of cork under a microscope.

Types of Organisms

1. Unicellular Organisms: Made of only one cell.

- E.g., Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena, Bacteria

- One cell performs all life processes.

2. Multicellular Organisms: Made up of many cells.

- E.g., Humans, Plants, Animals

- Different cells perform different functions (division of labor).

Shape and Size of Cells

- Cells vary in shape: round, oval, elongated, spindle-shaped, or branched.

- Nerve cells: Long and branched

- Muscle cells: Spindle-shaped

- Cells also vary in size:

- Smallest cell: Mycoplasma (0.10.5 m)

- Largest cell: Ostrich egg (170 mm)

- In humans: Nerve cell is the longest

Number of Cells

- Depends on the type of organism:

- Unicellular One cell

- Multicellular Millions of cells

Parts of a Cell

1. Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane)


- Present in all cells

- Thin, flexible covering

- Controls movement of substances in and out of the cell

- Selectively permeable

2. Cytoplasm

- Jelly-like substance between nucleus and cell membrane

- Contains organelles:

- Mitochondria Powerhouse of the cell

- Ribosomes Protein synthesis

- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Transport system

- Golgi apparatus Packaging center

- Lysosomes Digestive enzymes

- Vacuoles Storage (large in plant cells)

3. Nucleus

- Control center of the cell

- Surrounded by nuclear membrane

- Contains:

- Nucleoplasm

- Nucleolus

- Chromosomes Carry genetic material (DNA) and control heredity

Cell Wall

- Only in plant cells

- Thick, rigid layer outside the cell membrane

- Made of cellulose

- Provides shape and protection

Chloroplasts

- Found only in plant cells

- Contain chlorophyll (green pigment)

- Helps in photosynthesis

Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells


| Feature | Plant Cell | Animal Cell |

| ----------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------ |

| Cell Wall | Present | Absent |

| Chloroplast | Present (photosynthesis) | Absent |

| Vacuole | Large central vacuole | Small vacuoles |

| Shape | Generally regular (rectangular) | Irregular or round |

Functions of a Cell

- Basic unit of life

- Carries out all vital activities: nutrition, respiration, growth, reproduction

- Specialized cells perform specialized functions (e.g., nerve cells transmit signals)

Summary

- All living organisms are made up of cells.

- Cell Basic unit of life

- Robert Hooke discovered cells.

- Cells can be unicellular or multicellular.

- Plant and animal cells differ in structure.

- Major parts: Cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus

- Plant cells have cell wall and chloroplasts, animal cells do not.

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