What structural and functional attribute | Class 11 Biology Chapter Cell: The Unit of Life, Cell: The Unit of Life NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 8 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology - Chapter Cell: The Unit of Life. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 0, Question 1:

What structural and functional attributes must a cell have to be called a living cell?
 

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 1:

What structural and functional attributes must a cell have to be called a living cell?
 

Answer:

Following attributes must cell have to be called a living cell:-

  1. All cells must have an outer membrane called cell membrane.
  2. A dense membrane bound structure is present called Nucleus that contains DNA, the nuclear matrix or the nucleoplasm containing nucleolus and chromatin. As all the activities are controlled by nucleus thus it is also known as the brain of the Cell. This nucleus also contains chromosomes and genetic material cells that have membrane bound nuclei called Eukaryotic cell whereas cells without membrane bound nucleus are called prokaryotic cells.
  3. Cytoplasm is the main part of the cell. It is the liquid that controls the concentration of organic and inorganic compounds in a cell.
  4. Besides the Nucleus, eukaryotic cells have other membrane bound structures called organelles like Endoplasmic Reticulum, The Golgi complex, lysosomes, Mitochondria and vacuoles. Ribosomes are non- membrane bound organelle.
  5. Structure and working of a cell is controlled by DNA.
  6. Function of an organism as a whole are the sums of the activities and interaction of its constituent cell units.
  7. Each cell is capable of regulating its vital processes.
  8. Living objects are composed of cells and cell products, or are multinucleate mass of protoplasm, or are like a single free cell.
  9. Cell is also a unit of function, reproduction, hereditary and disease, besides being a unit of structure. 

 


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Cell: The Unit of Life.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

How to Return to Work After a Career Break: Skills, Jobs and Preparation in 2026

It’s not about starting over if you took a break to care for children, take care of yourself, be healthy or for any other reason. This is a realistic strategy for the recovery of skills, selection of the right job, and overcoming the resume problem. One year, three years or 10 years of a career … Read more

Read More

Best Career Options After Class 12 for Average Students in 2026

There’s no need to score 95% or achieve a JEE/NEET rank. You don’t need to score 95% or rank in JEE/NEET to build a solid career. A candid and pragmatic guide to the routes that actually work for students who have an average mark and what to do when faced with the options. ​ If … Read more

Read More

Coaching vs Self-Study: Which is Best in 2026 for Competitive Exams?

AI tools, online platforms that are much cheaper than coaching centres and the changing idea of what “structure” even means have upended this argument more in the past two years than in the decade preceding it. Here’s what is really the case for 2026 – and what has actually stayed the same. If you look … Read more

Read More

Career Change After 30: How to Transition from Non-Tech to IT or Data Science

Starting to make a new career after 30 isn’t a start from scratch. Marketing, teaching, financial, retail, healthcare, sales and other professionals can pursue careers in technology by applying the existing knowledge and skills they have acquired to new technology skills. There are various ways to enter the technology industry, such as in IT support, … Read more

Read More

Related Student Tools

Add Comment

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 0 , Question 1: What structural and functional attributes must a cell have to be called a living cell?  ....

Ask a Question
Keep learning

Discover More on SaralStudy

Explore all articles