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Class 8 Science Questions and Answers: The Invisible Living World Beyond Our Naked Eye
Class 8 Science The Invisible Living World Beyond Our Naked Eye Questions and Answers | CBSE Important Questions
Meta Description: Get CBSE Class 8 Science important questions and answers for The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye. Includes very short answers, short answers, long answers, MCQs, assertion-reason, competency-based questions, diagram questions, HOTS and quick revision points.
This premium question-answer set is designed for CBSE Class 8 Science students preparing for school exams, unit tests and quick revision. The questions are based on the chapter The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye and cover cells, microscopes, microorganisms, microbes in food, decomposition, microalgae, fermentation and the basic unit of life.
Class 8 Science Questions and Answers
CBSE Class 8 Science Important Questions
NCERT Science Chapter Questions
Competency Based Science Questions
Chapter Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Class | Class 8 |
| Board | CBSE |
| Subject | Science |
| Chapter | The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye |
| Main Concepts | Microscope, cell, plant cell, animal cell, microorganisms, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, algae, viruses, decomposition, fermentation, curd formation, biogas, Rhizobium, microalgae |
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
What is the basic unit of life?
Answer:The cell is the basic unit of life.
Question 2.
What are microorganisms?
Answer:Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Question 3.
Name the scientist who first used the word cell in science.
Answer:Robert Hooke first used the word cell in science.
Question 4.
Who is known as the Father of Microbiology?
Answer:Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is known as the Father of Microbiology.
Question 5.
Name the outer layer of a typical cell.
Answer:The outer layer of a typical cell is the cell membrane.
Question 6.
Which part of the cell regulates cell activities and growth?
Answer:The nucleus regulates cell activities and growth.
Question 7.
Which cell part provides rigidity and strength to plant cells?
Answer:The cell wall provides rigidity and strength to plant cells.
Question 8.
Name the green pigment present in chloroplasts.
Answer:The green pigment is chlorophyll.
Question 9.
Name one unicellular fungus mentioned in the chapter.
Answer:Yeast is a unicellular fungus.
Question 10.
Name the bacterium that helps in curd formation.
Answer:Lactobacillus helps in curd formation.
Question 11.
What is decomposition?
Answer:Decomposition is the breakdown of complex substances of dead plants and animals into simpler nutrient-rich substances by microorganisms.
Question 12.
Name the bacteria found in root nodules of legumes.
Answer:Rhizobium bacteria are found in root nodules of legumes.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Why was the invention of the microscope important?
Answer:The invention of the microscope was important because it helped humans see tiny living organisms and cell structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It opened a hidden world of microorganisms and cells.
Question 2.
Why did the letters appear larger when seen through a round-bottom flask filled with water?
Answer:The flask filled with water acted like a magnifying glass. A curved transparent surface can make small objects appear larger, just like a lens.
Question 3.
Write the three basic parts of a typical cell.
Answer:The three basic parts of a typical cell are cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus.
Question 4.
How is an onion peel cell different from a human cheek cell?
Answer:Onion peel cells are nearly rectangular and closely arranged. They have a cell wall in addition to the cell membrane. Human cheek cells are polygon-shaped, thin and flat, and they do not have a cell wall.
Question 5.
What is the function of the cell membrane?
Answer:The cell membrane encloses the cytoplasm and nucleus, separates one cell from another, and allows the entry of useful materials and exit of waste materials.
Question 6.
Why do nerve cells have a long and branched structure?
Answer:Nerve cells, also called neurons, carry messages in the body. Their elongated and branched structure helps them reach different parts of the body and pass messages quickly.
Question 7.
Write the correct sequence of levels of organisation in a living organism.
Answer:The correct sequence is: Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism.
Question 8.
Why are plants and animals called multicellular organisms?
Answer:Plants and animals are called multicellular organisms because their bodies are made up of many cells. These cells perform specialised functions and cooperate with each other.
Question 9.
Why do pickles and murabbas not get infected easily by microorganisms?
Answer:Pickles and murabbas contain high concentrations of salt or sugar. These act as preservatives and do not allow microorganisms to grow easily.
Question 10.
How does yeast make dough soft and fluffy?
Answer:Yeast respires and breaks down food to release energy. During this process, carbon dioxide is released. The carbon dioxide forms bubbles in the dough, making it soft and fluffy.
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Describe the structure and functions of the main parts of a cell.
Answer:
A typical cell has three main parts: cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus.
- Cell membrane: It encloses the cytoplasm and nucleus. It separates one cell from another and allows useful materials to enter and wastes to leave.
- Cytoplasm: It is the space between the cell membrane and nucleus. It contains cell components and substances such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and mineral salts. Most life processes occur in the cytoplasm.
- Nucleus: It regulates all activities inside the cell and also controls growth.
- Cell wall: Plant cells have an extra outer layer called the cell wall. It provides rigidity and strength to the cell.
Question 2.
Explain how microorganisms help in cleaning the environment.
Answer:
Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi act on plant and animal waste and break it down into simpler substances. This process is called decomposition.
- They decompose fallen leaves, fruit peels, vegetable peels and dead organisms.
- The waste changes into dark, nutrient-rich manure.
- The nutrients return to the soil and help plants grow better.
- Thus, microorganisms recycle waste and clean the environment naturally.
Question 3.
Explain the role of microorganisms in food preparation.
Answer:
Microorganisms are very useful in food preparation.
- Yeast is used to make breads, cakes and similar food items soft and fluffy.
- Yeast releases carbon dioxide during respiration, which forms bubbles in dough.
- Some bacteria help in the fermentation of batter for idli and dosa and dough for bhatura.
- Lactobacillus converts milk into curd by fermenting lactose and producing lactic acid.
- These processes improve texture, taste and usefulness of food.
Question 4.
Why is the cell considered the basic unit of life?
Answer:
The cell is considered the basic unit of life because the body of every living organism is made up of cells. A cell contains different components that help an organism perform life functions and survive. Unicellular organisms carry out all life processes within a single cell. In multicellular organisms, different cells perform specialised functions and work together. Therefore, the cell is the smallest living unit that can perform essential life processes.
Question 5.
Describe the importance of microalgae.
Answer:
Microalgae are microscopic plant-like organisms found in water, soil, air and even on trees. They are important because:
- They make their own food using sunlight.
- They release oxygen and produce more than half of the Earth’s oxygen supply.
- They are rich in nutrients and serve as food for aquatic animals.
- Some microalgae such as Spirulina, Chlorella and Diatoms are used as health supplements and medicines.
- They help in cleaning water and can be used to make biofuel.
MCQs
Question 1.
Which device is used to observe microorganisms?
- A. Telescope
- B. Microscope
- C. Periscope
- D. Stethoscope
Correct Answer: B. Microscope
Explanation: A microscope magnifies tiny organisms and makes them visible.
Question 2.
Robert Hooke observed a thin slice of which material?
- A. Cork
- B. Leaf
- C. Cheek cell
- D. Soil
Correct Answer: A. Cork
Explanation: Robert Hooke observed a thin slice of cork and called the small spaces cells.
Question 3.
Which of the following is present in plant cells but not in human cheek cells?
- A. Cytoplasm
- B. Cell membrane
- C. Nucleus
- D. Cell wall
Correct Answer: D. Cell wall
Explanation: Onion peel cells have a cell wall, while human cheek cells do not.
Question 4.
Which microorganism helps in making curd?
- A. Rhizobium
- B. Lactobacillus
- C. Amoeba
- D. Paramecium
Correct Answer: B. Lactobacillus
Explanation: Lactobacillus ferments lactose in milk and forms curd.
Question 5.
Yeast belongs to which group of microorganisms?
- A. Fungi
- B. Protozoa
- C. Algae
- D. Virus
Correct Answer: A. Fungi
Explanation: Yeast is a microorganism that belongs to fungi.
Question 6.
Which gas makes dough soft and fluffy?
- A. Oxygen
- B. Nitrogen
- C. Carbon dioxide
- D. Hydrogen
Correct Answer: C. Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Yeast releases carbon dioxide, which forms bubbles in the dough.
Question 7.
Which bacteria live in root nodules of legumes?
- A. Lactobacillus
- B. Rhizobium
- C. Amoeba
- D. Yeast
Correct Answer: B. Rhizobium
Explanation: Rhizobium traps nitrogen from air and helps plants grow better.
Question 8.
Which structure is found in bacteria instead of a well-defined nucleus?
- A. Chloroplast
- B. Nucleoid
- C. Vacuole
- D. Cell wall only
Correct Answer: B. Nucleoid
Explanation: Bacteria do not have a well-defined nucleus. They have a nucleoid region.
Question 9.
Which of the following can reproduce only inside a host organism?
- A. Virus
- B. Yeast
- C. Algae
- D. Amoeba
Correct Answer: A. Virus
Explanation: Viruses multiply only after entering a living cell.
Question 10.
Which of the following is a microalga called a superfood?
- A. Spirulina
- B. Bread mould
- C. Rhizobium
- D. Paramecium
Correct Answer: A. Spirulina
Explanation: Spirulina is rich in protein and vitamin B12 and is known for health benefits.
Assertion and Reason Questions
Question 1.
Assertion: A microscope helps us observe microorganisms.
Reason: Microorganisms are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Correct Option: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Explanation: Microorganisms need magnification for observation because they are invisible to the unaided eye.
Question 2.
Assertion: Plant cells have a cell wall.
Reason: The cell wall provides rigidity and strength to plant cells.
Correct Option: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Explanation: The cell wall helps plant cells remain firm and compactly arranged.
Question 3.
Assertion: Yeast is used in making bread and cakes.
Reason: Yeast releases carbon dioxide during respiration.
Correct Option: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Explanation: Carbon dioxide bubbles make dough soft and fluffy.
Question 4.
Assertion: Bacteria have a well-defined nucleus.
Reason: Bacteria have a nucleoid region instead of a well-defined nucleus.
Correct Option: Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Explanation: Bacteria lack a well-defined nucleus and nuclear membrane.
Question 5.
Assertion: Microorganisms are always harmful.
Reason: Some microorganisms help in decomposition, curd formation and fermentation.
Correct Option: Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Explanation: Microorganisms can be beneficial or harmful. Many are useful in food preparation and environmental cleaning.
Case Study / Competency-Based Questions
Case Study 1: Yeast and Dough
A student took two bowls, A and B. In both bowls, she added flour, sugar and warm water. In bowl A, she added yeast. In bowl B, she did not add yeast. After keeping both bowls in a warm place for a few hours, the dough in bowl A became fluffy and had a different smell.
Question 1. Which microorganism was added to bowl A?
Answer:Yeast was added to bowl A.
Question 2. Why did the dough in bowl A rise?
Answer:Yeast released carbon dioxide during respiration. The gas formed bubbles and made the dough rise.
Question 3. Why was warm water used?
Answer:Yeast grows well in warm conditions, so warm water helps yeast activity.
Question 4. Why did bowl B not show the same change?
Answer:Bowl B did not contain yeast, so carbon dioxide was not produced in the same way.
Question 5. Name two food items made using this property of yeast.
Answer:Bread and cakes are made using this property of yeast.
Case Study 2: Manure Formation
A student added fruit and vegetable peels into a container half-filled with garden soil. She covered the waste with another layer of soil and left it for 2-3 weeks. After this period, the waste turned into a dark-coloured material rich in nutrients.
Question 1. What is the dark-coloured material called?
Answer:It is called manure.
Question 2. Which microorganisms help in this process?
Answer:Bacteria and fungi help in this process.
Question 3. What is the process of breaking down waste called?
Answer:It is called decomposition.
Question 4. How does manure help plants?
Answer:Manure adds nutrients to the soil and increases soil fertility.
Question 5. What conditions help manure formation?
Answer:Optimal temperature and appropriate moisture level help manure formation.
Diagram-Based Questions
Question 1.
In a diagram of onion peel cells, which parts should be labelled?
Answer:The important labels are cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus.
Question 2.
In a human cheek cell diagram, name the three main parts visible.
Answer:The visible parts are cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus.
Question 3.
What is the main difference between the labelled diagrams of plant cell and animal cell?
Answer:A plant cell has a cell wall, chloroplasts and a large vacuole. An animal cell does not have a cell wall or chloroplasts, and vacuoles are usually absent or small.
Question 4.
In a bacterial cell diagram, what is the nucleoid?
Answer:The nucleoid is the region in a bacterial cell that contains genetic material. Bacteria do not have a well-defined nucleus.
Question 5.
In the experimental set-up of yeast with sugar solution and lime water, what change is expected in lime water?
Answer:Lime water turns milky because yeast produces carbon dioxide, which reacts with lime water.
HOTS / Application-Based Questions
Question 1.
What would happen if microorganisms did not exist on Earth?
Answer:Dead plants, animals and waste materials would not decompose properly. Nutrients would not return to the soil, natural manure formation would stop, and the environment would become filled with waste.
Question 2.
Why do farmers grow legumes such as beans, peas and lentils in rotation with other crops?
Answer:Legumes have root nodules containing Rhizobium bacteria. These bacteria trap nitrogen from air and make it useful for plants, naturally increasing soil fertility for the next crop.
Question 3.
Why does curd form faster in warm milk than in cold milk?
Answer:Lactobacillus bacteria grow well in warm conditions. In warm milk, they multiply and ferment lactose faster, producing lactic acid and forming curd.
Question 4.
Why is the shape of a cell related to its function? Explain with two examples.
Answer:Cell shape helps a cell perform its function efficiently. Nerve cells are long and branched, so they can carry messages quickly to different body parts. Muscle cells are spindle-shaped, thin and flexible, so they can contract and relax to produce movement.
Question 5.
Why should microalgae be conserved?
Answer:Microalgae produce a large amount of Earth’s oxygen, serve as food for aquatic animals, help clean water, and are useful as health supplements, medicines and biofuel sources. Their conservation helps maintain environmental balance.
Quick Revision Points
1. The cell is the basic unit of life.
2. Robert Hooke used the word cell after observing cork.
3. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is called the Father of Microbiology.
4. Cell organisation: Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism.
5. A typical cell has cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus.
6. Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts and a large vacuole.
7. Microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, protozoa and algae.
8. Viruses multiply only inside a living host cell.
9. Yeast makes dough fluffy by releasing carbon dioxide.
10. Lactobacillus helps in curd formation.
11. Rhizobium lives in root nodules of legumes.
12. Microalgae produce oxygen and help maintain oxygen balance on Earth.
Final Exam Tips
- Revise the difference between plant cell, animal cell and bacterial cell.
- Learn the functions of cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, cell wall, vacuole and chloroplast.
- Practise diagrams of onion peel cell, human cheek cell, plant cell, animal cell and bacterial cell.
- Prepare examples of useful microorganisms: yeast, Lactobacillus, Rhizobium and microalgae.
- For competency-based questions, focus on experiments related to yeast fermentation, curd formation and manure formation.
Conclusion
The chapter The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye helps students understand that many living organisms and cell structures are too small to be seen without a microscope. It explains cells as the basic units of life, the difference between plant, animal and bacterial cells, and the useful role of microorganisms in food, agriculture, decomposition, biogas and oxygen production. These CBSE Class 8 Science Important Questions are useful for quick revision, school exams and concept-based preparation.