Cells as Basic Units of Life is one of 9 topics in the Grade 9 Natural Sciences CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. What is the cell described as, in relation to all living organisms?
The basic structural and functional unit
The largest visible structure
A type of tissue only
A structure found only in plants
Answer: The basic structural and functional unit — The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms -- every living thing is built from cells.
Easy
2. Which cell structure controls what substances move into and out of the cell?
The cell membrane
The nucleus
The mitochondria
The cytoplasm
Answer: The cell membrane — The cell membrane encloses the contents of the cell and allows specific substances to pass into and out of it.
Medium
3. Name the cell structure that contains DNA and acts as the cell's control centre.
Answer: the nucleus — The nucleus contains DNA and is enclosed by its own nuclear membrane; it carries inherited characteristics.
