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Cell: The Unit of Life — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 11 · Biology

What Cell: The Unit of Life covers in ICSE Class 11 Biology: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the ICSE Class 11 Biology syllabus.

104 questions48 flashcards2 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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A detailed, labeled diagram of a typical prokaryotic cell, such as a bacterium, showing its major components like cell envelope (glycocalyx, cell wall, plasma membrane), nucleoid, plasmid, flagellum,
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4 Topics · ICSE Class 11 Biology · 2026-27

Topics in Cell: The Unit of Life

1

1. Cell as the Basic Unit of Life

  • All living beings are made of cells.
  • In unicellular organisms, one cell performs all life functions.
  • In multicellular organisms, cells are specialised and work together.
2

2. Historical Development and Cell Theory

  • Robert Hooke published Micrographia in 1665 and coined the term cells after observing cork under a primitive microscope.
  • Hooke saw dead cell walls and vacant spaces, not living cells.
  • Malpighi observed cells earlier and called them saccules and utricles.
3

3. Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

  • Prokaryotic cells are characteristic of bacteria, cyanobacteria, mycoplasma, and PPLO.
  • Eukaryotic cells are found in all organisms other than bacteria and cyanobacteria.
  • Prokaryotic cells are simple in morphology and lack membrane-bound organelles.
4

4. Plant Cell and Animal Cell

  • Plant cells usually have a cell wall made of cellulose.
  • Animal cells generally do not have a cell wall.
  • Plastids are present in most plant cells but absent in animal cells.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Cell as the basic structural, functional, and self-contained unit of life

Historical discovery of the cellCell theoryCell typesCell envelope and membraneTransport across membraneCytoplasmNucleus and chromosomesMembrane bound organelles

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Cell: The Unit of Life for ICSE Class 11 Biology?
Key topics in Cell: The Unit of Life include Cell as the Basic Unit of Life, Historical Development and Cell Theory, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells, Plant Cell and Animal Cell. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 11 exams.
How should I revise Cell: The Unit of Life for Class 11 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 104 practice questions on Cell: The Unit of Life. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

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

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