Cell – Structure and Functions – Very Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 8 Science — Chapter 8: Cell — Structure and Functions
50 Very Short Answer Questions — Topic-wise • NCERT-aligned • Board-exam standard
Class: 8
Subject: Science
Chapter: Cell — Structure & Functions
CBSE Board Examinations (Study order):
- Study NCERT text and memorise organelle names and functions.
- Practice labelled diagrams of plant and animal cells.
- Learn differences between plant and animal cells and basic cell processes.
- Revise specialised cells and microscopy skills for short-answer questions.
Topic 1 — Basics & Cell Theory (Q1–Q8)
- Q1. What is a cell?The smallest structural and functional unit of life.
- Q2. Name one unicellular organism.Amoeba (or Paramecium).
- Q3. What invention led to discovery of cells?The microscope.
- Q4. State one point of cell theory.All living organisms are made of cells.
- Q5. What is a eukaryotic cell?A cell with a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Q6. What is a prokaryotic cell (brief)?A cell without a true nucleus, e.g., bacteria.
- Q7. Give one example of a multicellular organism.Human (or any animal/plant).
- Q8. What is the cytoplasm?Jelly-like fluid inside the cell where organelles are suspended.
Topic 2 — Cell Membrane & Cell Wall (Q9–Q14)
- Q9. What is the cell membrane?A thin layer surrounding the cell that controls movement of substances.
- Q10. Describe 'selective permeability' in one line.Ability of membrane to allow some substances to pass and block others.
- Q11. Which cells have a cell wall?Plant cells (and some bacteria and fungi) have cell walls.
- Q12. What is the main component of plant cell wall?Cellulose.
- Q13. Give one function of the cell wall.Provides shape and rigidity to plant cells.
- Q14. Name one substance that moves by diffusion across cell membrane.Oxygen (or carbon dioxide).
Topic 3 — Nucleus & Genetic Material (Q15–19)
- Q15. What does the nucleus contain?Genetic material (DNA) and control information for the cell.
- Q16. Name the material that carries genes.DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
- Q17. What is the function of the nucleus in one line?It controls cell activities and stores genetic information.
- Q18. Where is the nucleolus found?Inside the nucleus.
- Q19. State one role of chromosomes (brief).Carry genes that determine hereditary traits.
Topic 4 — Mitochondria, Respiration & Energy (Q20–24)
- Q20. What is the function of mitochondria?Site of cellular respiration; releases energy (ATP) from food.
- Q21. Mitochondria are often called?The powerhouse of the cell.
- Q22. Where does respiration occur in the cell?In mitochondria.
- Q23. Name one product of cellular respiration.Energy (ATP) and carbon dioxide.
- Q24. Do plant cells have mitochondria?Yes, plant cells have mitochondria too.
Topic 5 — Chloroplasts & Photosynthesis (Q25–29)
- Q25. Which organelle performs photosynthesis?Chloroplasts.
- Q26. What pigment gives plants green colour?Chlorophyll.
- Q27. Write the basic idea of photosynthesis in one line.Plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) and release oxygen.
- Q28. Where are chloroplasts located?In plant cell cytoplasm, mainly in leaf cells.
- Q29. Name one gas released during photosynthesis.Oxygen.
Topic 6 — Vacuole, Ribosomes, ER & Golgi (Q30–36)
- Q30. What is a vacuole?A storage sac for water, nutrients and waste (large in plant cells).
- Q31. Function of ribosomes in one line?Sites of protein synthesis.
- Q32. What does ER stand for?Endoplasmic reticulum.
- Q33. Distinguish rough ER from smooth ER (brief).Rough ER has ribosomes for protein synthesis; smooth ER lacks ribosomes and makes lipids.
- Q34. What is the Golgi apparatus for?Processing and packaging proteins and lipids for transport.
- Q35. Are ribosomes found in both plant and animal cells?Yes, ribosomes occur in both cell types.
- Q36. Give one role of vacuole in plant cells.Maintains turgor pressure and stores substances.
Topic 7 — Lysosomes, Cell Division & Repair (Q37–40)
- Q37. What are lysosomes?Vesicles containing digestive enzymes to break down waste and worn-out parts.
- Q38. Why is cell division important?For growth, repair and replacement of cells.
- Q39. Name one simple form of cell division in unicellular organisms.Binary fission (e.g., in bacteria).
- Q40. What is regeneration (brief)?Ability of some organisms to regrow lost parts (e.g., starfish limbs) via cell division and differentiation.
Topic 8 — Specialised Cells & Adaptations (Q41–45)
- Q41. What is a root hair cell adapted for?Absorbing water and minerals due to increased surface area.
- Q42. How are muscle cells adapted for movement?They are long and contain many mitochondria for energy.
- Q43. What special feature helps nerve cells transmit signals?Long axons and dendrites for rapid signal transmission.
- Q44. What do guard cells do?They open and close stomata to regulate gas exchange and transpiration.
- Q45. Name one cell specialised for photosynthesis.Leaf mesophyll cell.
Topic 9 — Microscopy, Observation & Practical (Q46–50)
- Q46. Which microscope is commonly used in schools to see cells?Light microscope.
- Q47. Name one staining agent used to view plant cells (school level).Iodine solution.
- Q48. What should you do before placing a cover slip?Remove air bubbles and ensure a thin specimen mounting in water.
- Q49. What must a good labelled diagram include?Clear labels, scale/magnification and neat drawing.
- Q50. Give one tip for writing cell-related answers in exams.Relate structure to function and include a neat labelled diagram where possible.
These very short questions and answers follow the NCERT syllabus closely and are ideal for quick revision before tests and CBSE Class 8 board exams.