IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
CELL – STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS
(GNM 1st Year – Anatomy & Physiology)
🔴 LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (10 MARKS)
Q1. Define a cell and explain the structure of a cell with functions.
Answer:
A cell is defined as the basic structural and functional unit of life.
All living organisms are made up of cells, and all vital activities of the body occur within cells.
STRUCTURE OF A CELL
A typical human cell consists of three main parts:
- Cell membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
Each part has a specific structure and function.
1. CELL MEMBRANE
The cell membrane is a thin outer covering of the cell.
Functions of cell membrane:
- Gives shape to the cell
- Protects the cell
- Controls entry and exit of substances
- Maintains internal environment of the cell
👉 Acts as a gatekeeper of the cell
2. CYTOPLASM
The cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance present inside the cell membrane.
Functions of cytoplasm:
- Contains cell organelles
- Site of many chemical reactions
- Helps in transport of substances within the cell
3. NUCLEUS
The nucleus is the control center of the cell.
Functions of nucleus:
- Controls all cell activities
- Stores genetic material (DNA)
- Helps in cell division
👉 Cells without nucleus (e.g. RBCs) have limited life span
CELL ORGANELLES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
MITOCHONDRIA
- Known as the powerhouse of the cell
- Produces energy (ATP)
RIBOSOMES
- Small granular structures
- Responsible for protein synthesis
ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM (ER)
- Rough ER → Protein synthesis
- Smooth ER → Lipid synthesis & detoxification
GOLGI APPARATUS
- Modifies and packages proteins
- Helps in secretion
LYSOSOMES
- Known as suicide bags of the cell
- Destroy waste materials and damaged organelles
CONCLUSION (VERY IMPORTANT FOR 10 MARKS)
Thus, the structure of the cell is well organized, and each part performs a specific function, which helps in the proper functioning of the human body.
🟠 SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 MARKS)
Q1. Define a cell.
A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.
Q2. Write the functions of mitochondria.
Functions:
- Produces energy (ATP)
- Known as powerhouse of the cell
- Supplies energy for cell activities
Q3. Write a short note on nucleus.
The nucleus is the control center of the cell.
It contains genetic material (DNA) and controls growth, metabolism, and cell division.
Q4. Write the functions of cell membrane.
Functions:
- Protects the cell
- Gives shape to the cell
- Controls entry and exit of substances
- Maintains internal balance
Q5. Write a short note on lysosomes.
Lysosomes are called the suicide bags of the cell.
They destroy waste materials, damaged organelles, and help in cell defense.
Q6. Differentiate between mitosis and meiosis.
| Mitosis | Meiosis |
|---|---|
| Occurs in body cells | Occurs in reproductive cells |
| Helps in growth & repair | Helps in reproduction |
| Two identical cells formed | Four non-identical cells formed |
📘 Read Theory: Cell – Structure and Functions | GNM 1st Year Anatomy Notes
👉 Practice MCQs: MCQs on Cell – Structure and Functions (GNM)
👉 Previous Chapter: Important Questions on Anatomical Terms – GNM