BIOLOGY [3 marks Question Answer]

The most important feature of a living cell is that it can divide or reproduce of its own kind and this function is regulated by the nucleus of the cell. The nucleus in its nucleoplasm contain a network of dark stained thread like structures called chromatin fibres. These fibres during cell division become thick and ribbon like which are then called chromosomes. The chromosomes are the actual hereditary factors. These are unique for each species both in number and in character.
The human body has 46 chromosomes which occur in pairs. They are further categorised as:

1. Chromosomes specific for determining the sex of the species called the sex chromosomes.
2. Other chromosomes are called autosomes.

Cell theory was given by Schleiden and Schwann in the year 1838-1839. It was refined further by Rudolf Virchow.
The main postulates of cell theory are:

1. All living beings are made up of one or more cells.
2. Cells are the basic structural and functional unit of all living beings.
3. All cells are basically alike in chemical composition and metabolic processes.
4. New cells arise by the division of pre-existing cells. (Rudolf Virchow)