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Cell - The Unit of Life — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 9 · Biology

What Cell - The Unit of Life covers in ICSE Class 9 Biology: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the ICSE Class 9 Biology syllabus.

42 questions38 flashcards2 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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A comparison chart highlighting key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, size, ribosomes, and DNA structure.
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4 Topics · ICSE Class 9 Biology · 2026-27

Topics in Cell - The Unit of Life

1

1. Cell as the Basic Unit of Life

  • A cell is the smallest part of the body of an organism capable of independent existence and performing essential functions of life.
  • The cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of all living beings.
  • All organisms including humans start life as a single cell called the egg.
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2. Invention of the Microscope and Discovery of Cells

  • The first microscope was constructed by Antony van Leeuwenhoek.
  • His microscope was a simple microscope with a single biconvex lens.
  • It had magnifying power up to 200 times.
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3. Cell Theory

  • Matthias Schleiden said every plant is made up of a large number of cells.
  • Theodor Schwann made similar discoveries in animals.
  • Cell theory was proposed by Schwann and Schleiden in 1839.
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4. Number, Size, and Shape of Cells

  • Larger an organism, greater the number of cells in its body.
  • Single-celled examples include bacteria, yeast, and amoeba.
  • Few-celled examples include Spirogyra and Volvox.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Cell as the basic structural and functional unit of life

What is a cellInvention of the microscopeCell theoryCells in organismsCell size and shapeGeneralised cell structureCell membrane and cell wallCytoplasm

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Cell - The Unit of Life for ICSE Class 9 Biology?
Key topics in Cell - The Unit of Life include Cell as the Basic Unit of Life, Invention of the Microscope and Discovery of Cells, Cell Theory, Number, Size, and Shape of Cells. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 9 exams.
How should I revise Cell - The Unit of Life for Class 9 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 42 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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