5. The Fundamental Unit of Life – Class 9 Science | NCERT Chapter-wise Important Questions and Answers (CBSE)

Chapter 5: The Fundamental Unit of Life – Class 9 Science NCERT | Chapterwise Important Questions and Answers (CBSE)

Chapter 5: The Fundamental Unit of Life

1. Who discovered cells, and how ?

Answer: Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665. He used a compound microscope to examine a thin slice of cork and observed tiny compartments that he called "cells," resembling the cells of a honeycomb.

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Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665. Using a microscope, Hooke examined thin slices of cork and observed a multitude of small, box-like structures, which he named "cells" due to their resemblance to small rooms or cells in a monastery.
2. Why is the cell called the structural and functional unit of life ?

Answer: The cell is called the structural and functional unit of life because it is the basic building block of all living organisms. Cells perform essential functions, such as metabolism, reproduction, and responding to stimuli, and collectively, they form the foundation of biological structure and function.

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