Tatva Cell
Tatva Cell
Tatva Cell
INDEX
1. Theory 03 - 53
2. Exercise - 1 54 - 63
3. Exercise - 2 64
4. Exercise - 3 65
5. Answers Key 66
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 3
THEORY
Chapter 01
1. Introduction to Cell
Both living and nonliving things are present around us.
Cells, the basic units of life, make an organism living. An inanimate thing does not have cells.
Cell is the basic and structural unit of life. All organisms are composed of cells like a wall is made of bricks!!!!
Anything less than a complete structure of a cell does not ensure independent living. Hence, the cell is the fundamental
structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
Humans also started their life with a single cell zygote and finally developed into complex organisms.
The term “Cell” was first used by Robert Hooke (an English Scientist) in 1665.
Robert Hooke observed thin slices of cork under his self designed simple microscope.
He noticed partitioned boxes or compartments separated by walls. The cells that he observed resembled a honeycomb.
The compartments reminded him of small rooms, and he gave them the name “cellulae” or cells. “cella” in Latin - ‘hollow
spaces or compartments’.
The cells which Hooke observed were actually dead cells from the bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber) tree. His observations
were published in his book ‘Micrographia’.
In 1674, Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch scientist, with an improved microscope, observed free living cells (bacteria,
protozoa, RBCs, etc.)
He observed bacteria, protozoa, spermatozoa and red blood cells etc. and could see tiny, very fast moving bodies.
He called them ‘Animalcules’ which means ‘Little animals’ in Latin.
Robert brown discovered the presence of nucleus in orchid root. The invention of the microscope and its improvement
leading to the electron microscope revealed all the structural details of the cell.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 5
Living semi-fluid substance of cells was discovered by Dujardin (1835), and named sarcode. Purkinje and Von Mohl renamed
sarcode or the jelly like substance of the cells as protoplasm.
Louis Pasteur (1862) further proved that life originated from life.
Soon Haeckel (1866) established that nucleus stores and transmits hereditary traits.
Bacteria and Cyanobacteria do not have nucleus and membrane bound organelles.
RBCs and sieve tube cells continue to live without nucleus.
In some organisms the body is not differentiated into cells though it may have many nuclei (e.g., Rhizopus).
Protoplasm is replaced by nonliving materials in the surface cells of skin and cork.
Protozoans and many thallophytes have an uninucleate differentiated body which can not be divided into the cells. They are
acellular.
Schleiden and Schwann did not know the mechanism of cell formation. Schwann believed cells to develop spontaneously like
a crystal. Schleiden thought new cells to develop from cytoblast or nucleus.
Multicellular organisms have many cells. Their cells are specialized to perform specific functions. Examples of multicellular
organisms are plants, animals, humans etc.
A typical plant cell has a distinct cell wall as its outer boundary and just within it is the cell membrane.
The cells of the human cheek (animal cell) have an outer membrane as the delimiting structure of the cell.
Inside each cell is a dense membrane bound structure called the nucleus.
The nucleus contains the chromosomes which in turn contain the genetic material, DNA.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 8
Cells that have membrane bound nuclei are called eukaryotic whereas cells that lack a membrane bound nucleus are
prokaryotic.
In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, a semi-fluid matrix called cytoplasm occupies the volume of the cell.
The cytoplasm is the main arena of cellular activities in both the plant and animal cells.
Various chemical reactions occur in it to keep the cell in the ‘living state’.
Besides the nucleus, the eukaryotic cells have other membrane bound distinct structures called organelles like the
endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the golgi complex, lysosomes, mitochondria, microbodies and vacuoles.
The prokaryotic cells lack such membrane bound organelles. Ribosomes are non-membrane bound organelles found in all
cells–both eukaryotic and prokaryotic.
Within the cell, ribosomes are found not only in the cytoplasm but also within the two organelles – chloroplasts (in plants)
and mitochondria and on rough ER.
Animal cells contain another non-membrane bound organelle called centrosome which helps in cell division.
Cells vary greatly in their shape. They may be disc-like, polygonal, columnar, cuboid, thread like, or even irregular.
The shape of the cell may vary with the function they perform.
Mycoplasma is only 0.3 μm in length. Bacteria could be 3 to 5 μm. The largest isolated single cell is the egg of an Ostrich.
Among multicellular organisms, human red blood cells are about 7.0 μm in diameter. Nerve cells are some of the
longest cells.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 9
Fig 8.10: Different types of cells: Mycoplasma, Egg of an Ostrich, Human RBCs and Nerve cell
Bacteria may vary greatly in shape and size. The four basic shapes of bacteria are bacillus (rod like), coccus (spherical),
vibrio (comma shaped) and spirillum (spiral).
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 10
Although each layer of the envelope performs a distinct function, they act together as a single protective unit.
Glycocalyx differs in composition and thickness among different bacteria. It could be a loose sheath called the slime layer in
some, while in others it may be thick and tough, called the capsule.
The cell wall determines the shape of the cell and provides a strong structural support to prevent the bacteria from bursting or
collapsing.
The plasma membrane is semi-permeable in nature and interacts with the outside world. This membrane is similar structurally
to that of the eukaryotes.
A special membranous structure is the mesosome which is formed by the extensions of plasma membrane into the cell. These
extensions are in the form of vesicles, tubules and lamellae.
Mesosomes help in cell wall formation, DNA replication and distribution to daughter cells. They also help in respiration,
secretion processes, to increase the surface area of the plasma membrane and enzymatic content.
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Bacterial flagellum is composed of three parts – filament, hook and basal body. The filament is the longest portion and
extends from the cell surface to the outside.
Besides flagella, pili and fimbriae are also surface structures of the bacteria but do not play a role in motility.
The pili are elongated tubular structures made of a special protein and help in cell adhesion.
The fimbriae are small bristle like fibres sprouting out of the cell. In some bacteria, they are known to help attach the bacteria
to rocks in streams and also to the host tissues.
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Gram-positive bacteria take up the crystal violet stain Gram-negative bacteria cannot retain the violet stain.
and appears purple-coloured
Thick peptidoglycan (80%) layer in the bacterial cell 10-20% peptidoglycan. Alcohol degrades the outer
wall retains the stain. membrane of gram-negative cells, making the cell wall
more porous and incapable of retaining the crystal violet
stain.
Fig 8.18: Cell walls in Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria
2.1 Ribosomes
In prokaryotes, ribosomes are associated with the plasma membrane of the cell. They are about 15 nm-20 nm in size and are
made of two subunits - 50S and 30S units which when present together form 70S prokaryotic ribosomes.
Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis. Several ribosomes may attach to a single mRNA and form a chain called
polyribosomes or polysome. The ribosomes of a polysome translate the mRNA into proteins.
3. Eukaryotic Cell
The eukaryotes include all the protists, plants, animals and fungi.
In eukaryotic cells there is an extensive compartmentalization of cytoplasm through the presence of membrane
bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells possess an organized nucleus with a nuclear envelope.
In addition, eukaryotic cells have a variety of complex locomotory and cytoskeletal structures.
Their genetic material is organized into chromosomes.
All eukaryotic cells are not identical.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 14
Plant and animal cells are different as the former possess cell walls, plastids and a large central vacuole which are absent in
animal cells.
On the other hand, animal cells have centrioles which are absent in almost all plant cells.
Prokaryotes Eukaryotes
The nucleus is poorly defined due to the absence of a nuclear The nucleus is well-defined and is surrounded by a nuclear
membrane. membrane.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 15
Cell organelles such as plastids, mitochondria, Golgi bodies, Cell organelles such as plastids, mitochondria, Golgi bodies,
etc., are absent. etc., are present.
Bacteria and blue-green algae are prokaryotic cells. Fungi, plant, and animal cells are eukaryotic cells.
Animal cells are generally small Plant cells are larger than animal cells.
Except the protozoan Euglena. No animal cells possesses Plastids are present.
plastids.
Vacuoles in animal cells are small and scattered all over. Plant cells have a permanent and large central sap vacuole.
Animal cells have a single highly complex and prominent Plant cells have many simpler units of Golgi apparatus, called
Golgi apparatus. dictyosomes.
Animal cells have centrosome and centrioles. Plant cells lack centrosome and centrioles.
Cell wall has three parts- Middle lamellae, Primary and Secondary wall.
Middle lamella is made up of calcium and magnesium pectates.
The softening of ripe fruits is due to solubilization of pectates.
Middle lamellae help in attachment of two adjacent cells. It is just like a common wall between adjacent rooms.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 16
Polar molecules cannot pass through the lipid bilayer, they require a carrier protein.
A few ions or molecules are transported across the membrane against their concentration gradient, i.e., from lower to higher
concentration.
Such transport is an energy dependent process, in which ATP is utilized and is called active transport, e.g., Na+/K+ Pump.
Many molecules can move briefly across the membrane without any requirement of energy and this is called the passive
transport.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 19
3.3 Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm is a semi-fluid matrix present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
It is made up of water and remaining constituents are proteins, lipids, polysaccharides and nucleic acids.
All the organelles are suspended in the cytoplasm. Any molecule entering the cell, has to pass through cytoplasm.
Cytoplasm is the main arena of cellular activities in both the plant and animal cells.
The cell organelles exchange materials through cytoplasmic matrix.
4. Endomembrane System
While each of the membranous organelles is distinct in terms of its structure and function, many of these are considered
together as an endomembrane system because their functions are coordinated.
The endomembrane system include endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi complex, lysosomes and vacuoles.
Since the functions of the mitochondria, chloroplast and peroxisomes are not coordinated with the above components, these
are not considered as part of the endomembrane system.
In the absence of ribosomes they appear smooth and are called smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER).
Endoplasmic reticulum exist in three forms. Cisternae, vesicles and tubules
These are flat interconnected sac-like These are oval or rounded sacs, These are tube like extensions which
parts found in bundles where they lie appear as vacuoles and remain may be connected with cisternae or
parallel to one another isolated in the cytoplasm vesicles to form a reticular system.
Occur in the cells actively involved Also known as microsomes. These can be irregular or regular,
in synthetic activity branched or unbranched.
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Smooth ER is mostly made up of vesicles and tubules. Rough ER is mostly made of cisternae.
Smooth ER is the major site for synthesis of lipid.
This ER is found in cells engaged in the synthesis and storage of glycogen, fat and sterols (liver cells, adipose cells, muscle
cells, retinal cells etc.)
Rough ER is frequently observed in the cells actively involved in protein synthesis and secretion.
They are extensive and continuous with the outer membrane of the nucleus.
4.3 Lysosomes
Lysosomes were discovered by Christian De Duve in 1955.
Lysosomes (lysis- digestive, soma- body).
These are small vesicles bounded by a single membrane and contain hydrolytic enzymes also known as acid hydrolases.
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The isolated lysosomal vesicles have been found to be very rich in almost all types of hydrolytic enzymes (hydrolases –
lipases, proteases, carbohydrases) optimally active at the acidic pH.
The precursors of hydrolytic enzyme are mostly synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. From the endoplasmic
reticulum it is transferred to the forming face of Golgi complex.
The precursors are changed into enzymes in the Golgi complex. The enzymes are packed into vesicles and are pinched off
from the maturing face of Golgi complex.
Lysosomes passes through the various stage in same cell. Due to the presence of many hydrolytic enzymes, they are capable
of digesting cells and are known as suicide bags.
Primary lysosomes- Newly pinched off vesicles from Golgi apparatus.
Secondary lysosomes- Also known as heterophagosome or digestive vacuoles. They are formed by fusion of food containing
phagosome with lysosome (having digestive/ hydrolytic enzyme).
Tertiary lysosomes or residual bodies- These contain only undigested food materials.
They throw out the cell debris into the external environment by exocytosis.
Autophagic lysosomes are a special type of lysosomes, which are formed when the cells feed on their own intracellular
organelles, and they digest them ultimately. This happens only during starvation of organisms.
ALWAYS REMEMBER
4.4 Vacuoles
The vacuole is the membrane-bound space found in the cytoplasm.
In plant cells, the vacuoles are present in the center can occupy up to 90 % of the volume of the cell.
Vacuole contains water, sap, excretory product and other materials not useful for the cell. The vacuole is bounded by a single
membrane called tonoplast.
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5.1 Mitochondria
Cell requires energy for respiration, reproduction, transmission of impulse etc. This energy is provided by mitochondria,
“Powerhouse of the cell”
Mitos: thread, Chondrion: grain (granules like cells). They were first observed by Kolliker in 1880. Benda named them
Mitochondria.
Mitochondria are typically sausage-shaped or cylindrical. They have a length of 1.0 to 4.1μm and diameter of 0.2 to 1.0μm.
Each mitochondrion is a double membrane-bound structure with the outer membrane and the inner membrane dividing its
lumen distinctly into two aqueous compartments, i.e., the outer compartment and the inner compartment.
The space between two membranes of mitochondria is known as intermembrane space.
The outer membrane forms the continuous limiting boundary of the organelle.
It is smooth and permeable to numerous metabolites due to the presence of protein channels called porins or minute pores.
The inner compartment is called the matrix.
The matrix possesses a single circular DNA molecule, a few RNA molecules, ribosomes (70S) and the components required
for the synthesis of proteins.
The matrix also has enzymes of Krebs cycle (except succinate dehydrogenase which is inner membrane based), amino acid
synthesis and fatty acid metabolism.
The inner membrane forms a number of infoldings called the cristae towards the matrix. The cristae increase the surface area.
The two membranes have their own specific enzymes associated with the mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the sites
of aerobic respiration.
Inner membrane as well as cristae has elementary particles ( F0-F1 particles) or oxysomes.
The elementary particle has head, stalk and base. Head and stalk is F1 and base is F0.
Elementary particles are centers of ATP synthesis during oxidative phosphorylation.
Mitochondrial ribosomes are 70S and resembles ribosomes of prokaryotes.
They synthesize some of their own structural proteins.
DNA can replicate independently and can produce their own mRNA, tRNA and rRNA. DNA is naked, it is circular or linear.
New mitochondria can develop by binary fission of pre-existing mitochondria.
5.2 Plastids
The term plastids was introduced by E. Haeckel. These are easily observed under the microscope as they are large.
They are restricted to plant cells and euglenoides only.
Depending on the color, plastids are of three types:
Chloroplast
Chromoplast
Leucoplast
5.2.1 Chloroplast
They are green. These are lens-shaped, oval, spherical, discoid or even ribbon-like organelles having variable length (5-10
µm) and width (2-4 µm).
Their number varies from 1 per cell of the Chlamydomonas, a green alga to 20-40 per cell in the mesophyll.
The majority of the chloroplasts of the green plants are found in the mesophyll cells of the leaves.
The space limited by the inner membrane of the chloroplast is called the stroma. A number of organized flattened
membranous sacs called the thylakoids, are present in the stroma.
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Thylakoids are arranged in stacks like the piles of coins called grana. In addition, there are flat membranous tubules called the
stroma lamellae connecting the thylakoids of the different grana.
The membrane of the thylakoids enclose a space called a lumen. The stroma of the chloroplast contains enzymes required for
the synthesis of carbohydrates and proteins.
Stroma also contains small, double-stranded circular DNA molecules and ribosomes. Chlorophyll pigments are present in the
thylakoids. The ribosomes of the chloroplasts are of 70S type.
5.2.2 Chromoplast
In the chromoplasts, fat soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene, xanthophylls and others are present.
This gives the part of the plant a yellow, orange or red color.
Change of color from green to red during ripening is due to transformation of chloroplast to chromoplast.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 26
5.2.3 Leucoplast
They are colorless plastids of varied shapes and sizes with stored nutrients.
Amyloplast- Starch storing plastids (e.g., potato).
Elaioplast- Oil and fat storing plastids.(e.g., embryonic leaves of oilseeds, citrus fruits, as well as the anthers of many
flowering plants)
Aleuroplast- Protein storing plastids.(e.g., seeds, such as brazil nuts, peanuts and pulses.)
5.3 Ribosomes
George Palade in 1953, observed dense particles under the electron microscope. These particles are known as ribosomes.
Ribosomes can be seen scattered in cytoplasm. These are also attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
They are spherical in outline and covering membrane is absent.
It is made up of two subunits known as small and large subunits.
In prokaryotes ribosomes are 70S while in eukaryotes ribosomes are 80S. ‘S’ (Svedberg Unit) stands for the sedimentation
coefficient.
Ribosomes are produced in the nucleolus. They are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
Many ribosomes may associate with a single mRNA to form multiple copies of a polypeptide simultaneously.
Such strings of ribosomes are termed as “Polysome”.
5.4 Cytoskeleton
An elaborate network of filamentous proteinaceous structures consisting of microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate
filaments present in the cytoplasm is collectively referred to as the cytoskeleton.
The cytoskeleton in a cell is involved in many functions such as mechanical support, motility, maintenance of the shape of the
cell.
They are of three types: microfilaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules
Narrow cylindrical rods or protein Solid, unbranched filaments Unbranched, hollow tubules of protein
filaments made up of actin formed of a variety of proteins tubulin
Cilia occur through the surface of the cell, while flagella are commonly found at the end of the cell.
The number of cilia per cell is usually very large. While flagella per cell is usually 1 to 4.
Flagella are comparatively longer and responsible for cell movement. Cilia help in locomotion, feeding and circulation.
5.7 Nucleus
Robert brown discovered the presence of nucleus in year 1831 in the cells of the orchid root.
Electron microscopy has revealed that the nuclear envelope, consists of two parallel membranes inner and outer.
Nuclear membrane forms a barrier between the materials present inside the nucleus and that of the cytoplasm.
The two parallel membranes are separated by a space (10 to 50 nm) called the perinuclear space.
The outer membrane usually remains continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum and also bears ribosomes on it.
At a number of places the nuclear envelope is interrupted by minute pores, which are formed by the fusion of its two
membranes.
These nuclear pores are the passages through which movement of RNA and protein molecules takes place in both directions
between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
Nucleoplasm is a transparent semi-fluid and colloidal substance which fills the nucleus.
The nuclear matrix or the nucleoplasm contains nucleolus and chromatin.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 30
5.8 Chromosomes
Chromatin thread present in the nucleus condenses to form chromosomes.
Chromosomes contains DNA and some basic proteins called histones, some non-histone proteins and also RNA.
A single human cell has approximately two meter long thread of DNA distributed among its 46 (23 pairs) chromosomes.
Based on the packaging of chromatin inside the chromosome, they are differentiated into heterochromatin and euchromatin.
Heterochromatin is tightly packed form of DNA in chromosome. Euchromatin is loosely packed form of DNA in
chromosome.
Every chromosome essentially has a primary constriction or the centromere. The disc-shaped protein structures assembled at
each centromere are called kinetochores.
Few chromosomes have non-staining secondary constrictions at a constant location. This gives the appearance of a small
fragment called the satellite.
Based on the position of the centromere, the chromosomes can be classified into following four types:
The metacentric chromosome has middle centromere forming two equal arms of the chromosome.
The sub-metacentric chromosome has centromere nearer to one end of the chromosome resulting into one shorter arm
and one longer arm.
In case of acrocentric chromosome the centromere is situated close to its end forming one extremely short and one very
long arm.
Telocentric chromosome has a terminal centromere.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 31
Chromosomes contain genes. All the hereditary information is located in the genes.
DNA present in chromosomes control the synthesis of structural proteins and thus help in cell division and cell growth.
Some chromosomes called sex chromosomes (e.g., X and Y) determine the sex of the individual.
Mutations are produced due to change in gene sequence in chromosomes.
Through the process of crossing over, chromosomes introduce variations.
5.9 Microbodies
Microbodies are small cell organelles bounded by a single membrane. They are present in both plant and animal cells.
They absorb molecular oxygen and take part in oxidation.
Microbodies are of two types:
Peroxisomes: These are covered by single lipid bilayer membrane (present in both plant and animal cell). They contain
oxidative enzymes like urate oxidase. The reactions produce hydrogen peroxide, which is metabolized by the other
enzyme, catalase.
Glyoxysomes: These are microbodies which contain enzymes for beta oxidation of fatty acids. Found in germinating oil
seeds and cells of some fungi.
Growth and reproduction are characteristics of cells, indeed of all living organisms.
Important terms used in the chapter Cell Cycle and Cell Division
Parent and daughter During cell division, a single cell is to divide into two new identical cells. The original cell is
cell called a parent cell, and the newly formed cells are referred to as daughter cells.
Diploid A cell or organism that has paired chromosomes, one from each parent.
Chromosomes A genetic structure in a cell composed of condensed DNA, which contains the genetic code for
an organism.
Chromatid A chromatid is one of two identical halves of a replicated chromosome.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 33
Centromere The region of the chromosome to which the spindle fiber is attached during cell division.
Chromatin fibres Chromatin is composed of DNA and histones that are packaged into thin, stringy fibers.
Kinetochore It is a protein complex assembled on the centromeric region of DNA. It serves the attachment
point for the spindle.
Spindle apparatus The spindle apparatus is a network of microtubules that forms within a dividing eukaryotic cell.
Bivalent Bivalent is the homologous chromosome pair, which consists of two chromosomes.
Tetrad Bivalent consists of four sister chromatids together. These four sister chromatids are collectively
known as a tetrad.
Sister chromatids Sister chromatids are pairs of identical copies of DNA joined at the centromere.
Homologous Homologous chromosomes are chromosome pairs inherited from each parent. They are similar
chromosomes in gene position but may contain different alleles.
All cells reproduce by dividing into two. Each parental cell gives rise to two daughter cells each time they divide.
The newly formed daughter cells can themselves grow and divide, giving rise to a new cell population.
Such cycles of growth and division allow a single cell to form a structure consisting of millions of cells.
The sequence of events by which a cell duplicates its genome, synthesizes the other constituents of the cell and eventually
divides into two daughter cells is termed cell cycle.
The duration of cell cycle can vary from organism to organism, and from cell type to cell type.
Yeast for example, can progress through the cell cycle in only about 90 minutes.
A typical eukaryotic cell cycle is illustrated by human cells in culture. These cells divide once in approximately every 24
hours. The time interval between two cell cycles is called Generation time.
1.1.1. Interphase
The interphase, though called the resting phase, is the time during which the cell is preparing for division by undergoing both
cell growth and DNA replication in an orderly manner.
It is also known as intermitosis.
The interphase lasts more than 95% of the duration of the cell cycle.
The interphase is divided into three further phases:
G1 phase
S phase or Synthetic phase
G2 phase
1.1.1.1 G1 Phase
It is also known as the first growth phase or post mitotic gap phase.
It is the longest phase of interphase.
G1 phase corresponds to the interval between mitosis and initiation of DNA replication.
During the G1 phase the cell is metabolically active and continuously grows but does not replicate its DNA.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 35
However, there is no increase in the chromosome number; if the cell had diploid or 2n number of chromosomes at G 1, even
after S phase the number of chromosomes remains the same, i.e., 2n.
In animal cells, during the S phase, DNA replication begins in the nucleus, and the centriole duplicates in the cytoplasm.
1.1.1.3 G2 Phase
It is also known as the second growth phase or pre- mitotic gap.
During the G2 phase, RNA and proteins are synthesized in preparation for mitosis while cell growth continues.
Cells in this stage remain metabolically active but no longer proliferate unless called on to do so depending on the
requirement of the organism.
G1-Phase G2-Phase
1. It is the first substage of interphase. 1. It is the last substage of interphase.
2. Available factors determine its fate, entry in G0, 2. There is very little choice for the cell except to
differentiation or continuity of cell cycle. proceed further in cell cycle.
3. The cell organelles do not increase in number. 3. Cell organelles increase in number.
4. The cell grows in size, but growth of nucleus is little. 4. Both cell and nucleus grow in size.
5. It synthesizes RNAs, proteins and other biochemical 5. It synthesizes RNAs, proteins and other biochemical
for cell growth and subsequent replication of DNA. for spindle formation and M-phase division.
1.1.2 M Phase
The M Phase represents the phase when the actual cell division or mitosis occurs, and the interphase represents the phase
between two successive M phases.
The M Phase starts with the nuclear division, corresponding to the separation of daughter chromosomes (karyokinesis) and
usually ends with division of cytoplasm (cytokinesis).
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 37
Karyokinesis Cytokinesis
1. It is the division of nucleus into two daughter 1. It is the division of cytoplasm to form two
nuclei. daughter cells.
2. There is disorganization of nuclear envelope, 2. There is no such elaborate mechanism of equitable
appearance of already replicated chromosomes, distribution of cell organelles.
their splitting and equitable distribution.
3. It is the first step of M-phase. 3. It is the last step of M-phase.
LET’S SOLVE !
You have studied mitosis in onion root tip cells. It has 16 chromosomes in each cell. Can you
tell how many chromosomes will the cell have G1 phase, after S phase, and after M phase?
Also, what will be the DNA content of the cells at G1, after S and G2, if the content after M
phase is 2C?
The chromosome number will remain the same. It will remain 16 in all three phases (G1 S
and G2) because in S phase DNA is replicated, but chromosome number remains the same.
DNA content of the cells at G1, after S and At G2, will be 2C; 4C and 4C respectively if the
content after M phase 2C because DNA is replicated at S phase, and it remains the same at G 2
phase.
3. Amitosis
Amitosis is a simple method of cell division which is also called direct cell division.
There is no differentiation of chromosomes and spindle, and the nuclear envelope does not degenerate.
The nucleus elongates and constricts in the middle to form two daughter nuclei which is followed by a centripetal constriction
of the cytoplasm to form two daughter cells.
Amitosis is not a regular method of division because it does not divide the nuclear matter equitably.
Cell division of Monerans is considered amitosis due to absence of spindle formation. It is also found in some protozoans
(such as Paramecium). It also occurs in diseased cells.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 39
4. Mitosis
Mitosis is the division in which chromosomes replicate and become equally distributed both quantitatively and qualitatively
into two daughter nuclei so that the daughter cells come to have the same number and type of chromosomes as are present in
the parent cell.
Since the number of chromosomes in the parent and progeny cells is the same, it is also called as equational division.
Mitosis occurs in formation of somatic body cells and is hence often named as somatic cell division.
Mitosis was first observed by Strasburger in plant cells. Boveri and Flemming observed it in animal cells.
The term mitosis was coined by Flemming.
Sites of mitosis in plants: Tips of root, stem and intercalary meristem.
Sites of mitosis in Animals: During the formation of new body cells and formation of gametes.
Sites of mitosis in Animals: During the formation of new body cells and formation of gametes.
Mitosis is the most common method of division which brings about growth in multicellular organisms and increase in
population of unicellular organisms.
Mitosis consists of two steps:
Karyokinesis
Cytokinesis
Karyokinesis is also called indirect nuclear division because the nucleus passes through a complicated sequence of events
before forming two daughter nuclei.
Cytokinesis is the division of protoplast of a cell into two daughter cells after the nuclear division or karyokinesis.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 40
Prophase is the longest phase of mitosis while Anaphase is the shortest phase of Mitosis.
4.1 Prophase
Prophase is marked by the initiation of condensation of chromosomal material. The chromosomal material becomes
untangled during the process of chromatin condensation.
The centrosomes, which had undergone duplication during S phase now begins to move towards opposite poles of the cell.
Centriole pairs radiate out fine microtubular fibrils called astral rays.
Each group of astral rays along with its centriole pair is called aster.
Plant cells lack centrioles but still, they are capable to form a mitotic spindle from the centrosome area of the cell located just
exterior to the nuclear envelope.
Since there are two asters, the spindle of animal cells is called amphiaster (centric spindle). In contrast, the spindle of plant
cells is called anastral (acentric).
Prophase is divided in three substages-
Early prophase
Middle prophase
Late prophase
4.2 Metaphase
The complete disintegration of the nuclear envelope marks the start of the second phase of mitosis, hence the chromosomes
are spread through the cytoplasm of the cell.
Condensation of chromosomes is completed by this stage, and they can be observed clearly under the microscope.
These structures serve as the sites of attachment of spindle fibres (formed by the spindle fibres) to the chromosomes that are
moved into position at the center of the cell.
Each chromosome is attached to both the spindle poles by distinct chromosomal fibres, one for each chromatid.
Metaphase is characterized by all the chromosomes coming to lie at the equator with one chromatid of each chromosome
connected by its kinetochore to spindle fibres from one pole and its sister chromatid connected by its kinetochore to spindle
fibres from the opposite pole.
The plane of alignment of the chromosomes at metaphase is referred to as the metaphase plate.
4.3 Anaphase
The splitting of the sister chromatids marks the onset of anaphase.
At the onset of anaphase, each chromosome arranged at the metaphase plate is split simultaneously.
The two daughter chromatids, now referred to as chromosomes of the future daughter nuclei, begin their migration towards
the two opposite poles along the path of their chromosomal fibres.
They remain connected to each other by interzonal fibres.
As each chromosome moves away from the equatorial plate, the centromere of each chromosome is towards the pole and
hence at the leading edge, with the arms of the chromosome trailing behind.
The movement of the chromosomes is facilitated by a combination of kinetochore movement along the spindle microtubules.
During anaphase, the chromatids moving towards opposite poles appear to be of various shapes like V-shaped (metacentric
chromosomes), J-shaped (submetacentric chromosomes), L-shaped (acrocentric chromosomes) or I-shaped (telocentric
chromosomes), depending on the position of the centromere.
4.4 Telophase
Telophase is the final stage of mitosis.
At the beginning of the telophase, the chromosomes that have reached their respective poles decondense and lose their
individuality.
The individual chromosomes can no longer be seen, and chromatin material tends to collect in a mass in the two poles.
Chromosomes cluster at opposite spindle poles and their identity is lost as discrete elements.
FUN FACT
Colchicine (mitotic poison) is an alkaloid widely used in plant breeding for doubling of chromosome number. It
does not allow the formation of spindle by preventing the assembly of microtubules while it does not inhibit
chromosome replication and promote polyploidy.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 44
5. Cytokinesis
Mitosis accomplishes not only the segregation of duplicated chromosomes into daughter nuclei (karyokinesis), but the cell
itself is divided into two daughter cells by a separate process called cytokinesis at the end of which cell division gets
completed. In some organisms karyokinesis is not followed by cytokinesis as a result of which a multinucleate condition
arises leading to the formation of syncytium
In animals, mitotic cell division is only seen in the diploid somatic cells. However, there are few exceptions where
haploid cells divide by mitosis, for example male honeybees. Against this, the plants can show mitotic divisions in
both haploid and diploid cells.
Spindle fibres degenerates soon after anaphase Spindle fibres usually persist during cytokinesis
New cell membrane is usually derived from ER New cell membrane is usually derived from
vesicles of Golgi apparatus
Cytokinesis occurs by furrowing of cytoplasm Cytokinesis occurs mostly by cell plate formation
Cell often becomes spherical. Cell does not change shape prior to division.
Cytokinesis occurs by furrowing of cytoplasm. Cytokinesis occurs mostly by cell plate formation.
Centrioles are present, and the spindle is astral (with Centrioles are absent, and the spindle is anastral
one aster at each pole). (No asters are formed).
6. Meiosis
The production of offspring by sexual reproduction includes the fusion of two gametes, each with a complete haploid set of
chromosomes.
Meiosis was first discovered by the German biologist Oscar Hertwig in sea urchin eggs in 1876.
The term meiosis was coined by Farmer and Moore in 1905.
The key features of meiosis are as follows:
Meiosis involves two sequential cycles of nuclear and cell division called meiosis I and meiosis II but only a single cycle
of DNA replication.
Meiosis I is initiated after the parental chromosomes have replicated to produce identical sister chromatids at the S phase.
Meiosis involves pairing of homologous chromosomes and recombination between them.
Four haploid cells are formed at the end of meiosis II.
Events of Meiosis
Meiosis I Meiosis I
Meiosis II Meiosis II
Prophase I Prophase I
Prophase II Prophase II
Metaphase I Metaphase I
6.1 Meiosis I
6.1.1 Prophase I
Prophase of the first meiotic division is typically longer and more complex when compared to prophase of mitosis.
Prophase of the first meiotic division is typically longer and more complex when compared to prophase of mitosis.
It has been further subdivided into the following five phases based on chromosomal behavior:
Leptotene
Zygotene
Pachytene
Diplotene
Diakinesis.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 48
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a protein structure that forms between homologous chromosomes (two pairs of sister
chromatids) during meiosis and is thought to mediate synapsis and recombination during meiosis I in eukaryotes.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 49
Crossing over is also an enzyme-mediated process and the enzyme involved is called recombinase.
Crossing over leads to recombination of genetic material on the two chromosomes.
Recombination between homologous chromosomes is completed by the end of pachytene, leaving the chromosomes linked at
the sites of crossing over.
The X-shaped structures (at the site of crossing over) are called chiasmata.
In oocytes of some vertebrates, diplotene can last for months or years.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 50
6.1.2 Metaphase I
In metaphase I, bivalent chromosomes align on the equatorial plate.
The microtubules from the opposite poles of the spindle attach to the pair of homologous chromosomes.
There are two centromeres in each bivalent.
6.1.3 Anaphase I
In anaphase I, the homologous chromosomes separate, while sister chromatids remain associated at their centromeres.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 51
3. Only one chromatid of every chromosome moves to the 3. Each homologous pair of chromosomes moves to the pole
pole. with both the chromatids.
4. The chromatids moving to one pole are genetically 4. The chromosomes moving to one pole are not genetically
identical to those moving to the opposite pole. identical to those moving to the opposite pole.
6.1.4 Telophase I
In telophase I, the nuclear membrane and nucleolus reappear, cytokinesis follows, and this is called as dyad of cells.
6.2 Meiosis II
Meiosis II is initiated immediately after cytokinesis, usually before the chromosomes have fully elongated. In contrast to
meiosis I, meiosis II resembles a normal mitosis.
6.2.1 Prophase II
The nuclear membrane disappears by the end of prophase II. The chromosomes again become compact.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 52
6.2.2 Metaphase II
At this stage the chromosomes align at the equator and the microtubules from opposite poles of the spindle get attached to the
kinetochores of sister chromatids.
6.2.3 Anaphase II
It begins with the simultaneous splitting of the centromere of each chromosome (which was holding the sister chromatids
together), allowing them to move toward opposite poles of the cell.
6.2.4 Telophase II
Meiosis ends with telophase II, in which the two groups of chromosomes once again get enclosed by a nuclear envelope;
cytokinesis follows resulting in the formation of a tetrad of cells i.e., four haploid daughter cells.
Significance of Meiosis
Meiosis is the mechanism by which conservation of specific chromosome number of each species is achieved across
generations in sexually reproducing organisms, even though the process, paradoxically, results in reduction of chromosome
number by half.
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 53
It also increases the genetic variability in the population of organisms from one generation to the next.
Variations are very important for the process of evolution.
Mitosis Meiosis
3. Two daughter cells are formed. 3. Four daughter cells are formed.
7. There is only one prophase, one metaphase one anaphase and one 7. There are two of each phase and five sub-phases in
telophase. prophase-1.
8. Number of chromosomes are not changed in the daughter cells. 8. Number of chromosomes are reduced to half.
III. Cytoplasm is the main arena of cellular (c) II and III are correct
IV. various chemical reactions occurs in 6. Which of the following is(are) exceptions
(d) Head of Lipid (Fatty acid) is (d) Prokaryotic cells have various types
hydrophilic of cell organelles.
14. The molecules in a membrane that limit (a) One (b) Three
its permeability are the (c) Four (d) Two
(a) Carbohydrates (b) Phospholipids 18. Which of the following cell organelles
(c) Proteins (d) Water were discovered after the introduction of
15. An improved model of cell membrane, a electron microscope?
widely accepted model is the (a) Mitochondria
(a) Unit membrane model (b) Endoplasmic Reticulum
(b) Fluid mosaic model (c) Ribosomes
(c) Danielli and Davson’s model (d) Both b and c
(d) Robertson’s model 19. The proteins that will function outside the
16. According to the modern concept, cell cytosol are made by-
membrane is (a) GB
(a) Solid (b) Ribosomes in mitochondria
(b) Quasifluid (c) Ribosomes on RER
(c) Fluid (d) Ribosomes in the nucleus
(d) Solidified sheath 20. “The cytoplasm of animal and plant cells
Cell organelles is transversed by a network of tiny tubular
17. Read the following statements (A-D) and membranous system that divison the
answer as asked next to them. intracellular space into 2 compartments
(a) A Mitochondria and chloroplast are (Luminal inside the membranous system)
energy transducers and extra luminal (Cytoplasm
(b) The functions of mitochondria, compartment.”
chloroplast and peroxisome are not The above statement is attributed to
coordinated with ER, GB, lysosome ad (a) ER
vacuoles, so they are a part of the (b) GB
endomembranous system (c) Plasma membrane
(c) Internal compartmentalization causes (d) Nuclear membrane
the division of labor within eukaryotic 21. Which of the following is the correct
cells that greatlyincreases overall cellular sequence /route of the secretory product?
function
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 57
(a) Chloroplast (b) Golgi Body 32. In chloroplast, chlorophyll is present in-
(c) Mitochondrion (d) ER (a) thylakoid
29. I. Sausage shaped /cylindrical (b) Stroma
II. Diameter 0.2 -1.0 μm (average 0.5 μm); (c) Outer membrane
Length 1.0 - 4.1 μm (d) Inner membrane of envelope
III. Has 2 aqueous compartments 33. Which of the following is membraneless?
IV. Outer membrane as continuous (a) Ribosomes (b) Nucleolus
limiting boundary of the organelle (c) Centriole (d) All
V. Inner membrane forms many cristae 34. Of the following organelles, which group
which increase surface area is involved in manufacturing substances
VI. Both membranes have their own needed by cell?
specific enzymes (a) Lysosome, vacuole, ribosome
All the above features are attributed to- (b) Vacuole, RER, SER
(a) Chloroplast (c) Ribosome, RER, SER
(b) Nucleus (d) RER, Lysosome, vacuole
(c) ER 35. An organelle with an internal cross section
(d) Mitochondria showing characteristic “9 +2” morphology
30. Chloroplasts contain- is the-
(a) All types of pigments (a) Microtubule
(b) Chl + Carotene + anthocyanine (b) Microfilament
(c) Chl + Carotenoids (c) Cilium or flagellum
(d) Only chl (d) Cytoskeleton
31. I. Amyloplasts –Store starch e.g. potato 36. Cilium /Flagellum contains an outer ring
II. Elaioplasts –Store oil and fat of nine doublet microtubules surrounding
III. Aleuroplasts –Store protein two signal microtubules
The above types of plastids are included II. Cilia are smaller which works like oars,
under- causing the movement of either the cells
(a) Leucoplasts (Colourless plastid) or surrounding fluid
(b) Chromoplasts (Non green colour III. Flagella are comparatively longer and
plastid) responsible for cell movement.
(c) Chloroplast (green plastid) IV. Cilium and flagellum are covered with
(d) None plasma membrane
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 59
Which of the above statement is correct? 39. An organelle in all eukaryotic cells during
(a) I, II (b) I, II, III, IV some portion of their lives is the
(c) I, IV (d) II, III (a) Chloroplast (b) Nucleus
37. Go through the section of cilia/flagella (c) Flagellum (d) Centriole
showing the different parts- 40. For the study of structure of nucleus the
best cell is -
(a) Cell in the interphase
(b) Cell in the late prophase
(c) Cell in the divisional phase
(d) Cell in the meiotic phase
41. The nuclear pores are the passage for the
In which of the following options correct
movement of certain materials between the
words for all the four blanks A, B. C, and
nucleus and cytoplasm in both the
D are indicated?
direction. Which one is correct about
(a) A – Plasma membrane, B- interdoublet
materials in their respective direction?
bridge, C-Central microtubule, D- Radial
(a) Proteins, enzymes into the nucleus
spoke
(b) Ribosomal components out of the
(b) A – Plasma membrane, B- Arm, C-
nucleus
Central microtubule D- Radial spoke
(c) mRNA out of the nucleus
(c) A – Plasma membrane, B- Inerdoublet
(d) All
bridge, C- Hub, D- Radial spoke
42. Cells actively carrying out protein
(d) A – Plasma membrane, B- Interdoublet
synthesis have
bridge, C- Hub, D – Arm
(a) Smaller and single nucleolus
Nucleus, Chromosomes (b) Smaller and more numerous nucleoli
38. Nuclear DNA exists as a complex of (c) Large and more numerous
proteins called ________that condenses nucleoli
into ______ during _____ (d) Larger and single nucleolus
(a) Chromatids, chromosomes, cell 43. Part of chromosome after secondary
division constriction is called-
(b) Chromosomes, Chromatin, interphase (a) Chromomere (b) Telomere
(c) Chromatin, Chromosomes, Interphase (c) Satellite (d) Chromomere
(d) Chromatin, Chromosome, Cell 44. Structure which provides the shape to
Division chromosomes is called-
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 60
68. Second meiotic division leads to 69. The gap between meiosis I and meiosis II
(a) Separation of homologous is called
chromosomes (a) Intermeiosis (b) Interkinesis
(b) Separation of chromatids and (c) Cytokinesis (d) Karyokinesis
centromere 70. In plant cells, division of cytoplasm
(c) Fresh DNA synthesis occurs by
(d) Separation of sex chromosomes (a) cell plate (b) cleavage
(c) furrowing (d) invagination
CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE 64
ANSWERS KEY