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Revision Notes

Cell Structure and Function

Kerala Board · Class 12 · Biology

Quick revision notes for Cell Structure and Function — Kerala Board Class 12 Biology. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

45 questions25 flashcards5 concepts

Key Topics to Revise

1

Introduction to Cells and Cell Theory

  • Cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms
  • Robert Hooke first discovered cells in 1665 in cork tissue and coined the term 'cell' from Latin 'cellula' meaning smallest component
  • Anton van Leeuwenhoek observed living cells under microscope and called them 'animalcules'
2

Types of Cells: Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic

  • All cells have three basic components: plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA
  • Prokaryotic cells: Nuclear material not bound by membrane, DNA free in cytoplasm
  • Examples of prokaryotes: Bacteria and blue-green algae
3

Plant Cell vs Animal Cell

  • Plant cells have rigid cell wall outside plasma membrane, animal cells only have flexible plasma membrane
  • Plant cells are generally larger than animal cells
  • Plant cells contain plastids (especially chloroplasts in green parts), animal cells lack plastids
4

Plasma Membrane Structure and Function

  • Plasma membrane is dynamic, fluid structure forming external boundary of all cells
  • Shows selective permeability - allows some substances to pass more easily than others
  • Fluid Mosaic Model proposed by Singer and Nicolson (1972) - widely accepted model

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

Proposed by Schleiden and Schwann (1839)Prokaryotic cells (bacteria) lack a membraneA selectively permeable barrier composedA rigidDouble

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Cell Structure and Function for Kerala Board Class 12 Biology?

Cell Structure and Function covers several key topics that are frequently asked in Kerala Board Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.

Start by understanding all key concepts. Practise previous year questions from this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly. Use flashcards for quick revision before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.