physicscatalyst.com logo





 The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye Class 8 Extra Questions



Multiple Choice Questions


1. Which structure is present in both plant and animal cells?

A. Cell wall
B. Chloroplast
C. Nucleus
D. Large central vacuole

Answer: C. Nucleus

2. Which feature helps distinguish a typical plant cell from an animal cell?

A. Presence of cytoplasm
B. Presence of a cell membrane
C. Presence of a nucleus
D. Presence of a cell wall

Answer: D. Presence of a cell wall

3. The long and branched shape of a nerve cell is mainly related to its ability to:

A. Store food
B. Carry signals over distances and connect with other cells
C. Produce chlorophyll
D. Absorb minerals from soil

Answer: B. Carry signals over distances and connect with other cells

4. A collection of similar cells working together to perform a particular function is called:

A. Organ
B. Tissue
C. Organ system
D. Organism

Answer: B. Tissue

5. Which sequence correctly represents increasing biological organisation?

A. Cell $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Organ system
B. Tissue $\rightarrow$ Cell $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Organism
C. Cell $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Organ system
D. Organ $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Cell $\rightarrow$ Organism

Answer: C. Cell $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Organ system

6. Which organism moves by forming pseudopodia?

A. Paramecium
B. Amoeba
C. Bacterium
D. Yeast

Answer: B. Amoeba

7. Paramecium mainly uses which structures for locomotion?

A. Flagella
B. Pseudopodia
C. Cilia
D. Roots

Answer: C. Cilia

8. In an activity involving soil suspension, which microorganisms may commonly be observed?

A. Bacteria and fungi
B. Viruses and algae only
C. Amoeba and nerve cells
D. Plastids and chloroplasts

Answer: A. Bacteria and fungi

9. Which pair plays an important role in decomposing organic waste during compost formation?

A. Viruses and protozoa
B. Fungi and bacteria
C. Nerve cells and muscle cells
D. Amoeba and Paramecium

Answer: B. Fungi and bacteria

10. Viruses are described as acellular because they:

A. Have many specialised cells
B. Are made of a single complete cell
C. Do not possess a normal cellular structure
D. Contain chloroplasts instead of nuclei

Answer: C. Do not possess a normal cellular structure

11. A typical virus contains:

A. Cytoplasm and mitochondria
B. DNA or RNA enclosed by a protein coat
C. Cell wall and chloroplast
D. Nucleus and vacuole

Answer: B. DNA or RNA enclosed by a protein coat

12. Why are viruses considered unusual compared with other organisms?

A. They are always multicellular
B. They show living characteristics only inside a host
C. They can perform photosynthesis
D. They contain tissues and organs

Answer: B. They show living characteristics only inside a host

13. Composting is considered environmentally friendly because it:

A. Increases the amount of non-biodegradable waste
B. Converts organic waste into useful manure
C. Prevents all microbial activity
D. Removes nitrogen from soil

Answer: B. Converts organic waste into useful manure

14. One major advantage of producing biogas from organic waste is that it:

A. Produces a non-renewable fuel
B. Increases landfill waste
C. Provides renewable fuel while helping manage waste
D. Stops all decomposition processes

Answer: C. Provides renewable fuel while helping manage waste

15. Which gas is mainly associated with biogas production from decomposing organic matter?

A. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen
C. Methane
D. Hydrogen

Answer: C. Methane

16. Bread dough becomes soft and expands after yeast is added because:

A. Yeast releases oxygen during respiration
B. Yeast produces carbon dioxide during fermentation
C. Yeast converts carbon dioxide into sugar
D. Yeast absorbs all the moisture from the dough

Answer: B. Yeast produces carbon dioxide during fermentation

17. Which condition is most favourable for converting milk into curd?

A. Very low temperature without bacteria
B. Warm conditions with Lactobacilli present
C. Completely dry conditions
D. Strong sunlight without microorganisms

Answer: B. Warm conditions with Lactobacilli present

18. Leguminous plants improve soil fertility mainly because their root nodules contain:

A. Lactobacillus
B. Rhizobium
C. Yeast
D. Amoeba

Answer: B. Rhizobium

19. The process by which Rhizobium converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants is called:

A. Fermentation
B. Decomposition
C. Biological nitrogen fixation
D. Photosynthesis

Answer: C. Biological nitrogen fixation

20. A farmer grows peas without applying nitrogen fertiliser, yet the soil remains nitrogen-rich. What is the most likely reason?

A. Pea leaves directly release nitrogen gas into soil
B. Rhizobium in root nodules fixes atmospheric nitrogen
C. Yeast produces nitrogen during fermentation
D. Viruses convert soil minerals into nitrogen

Answer: B. Rhizobium in root nodules fixes atmospheric nitrogen

21. Microalgae are important in aquatic ecosystems because they:

A. Destroy oxygen in water
B. Act as a food source and produce oxygen through photosynthesis
C. Prevent all aquatic organisms from growing
D. Convert all water into carbon dioxide

Answer: B. Act as a food source and produce oxygen through photosynthesis

22. Why is the cell called the basic structural and functional unit of life?

A. Every cell is multicellular
B. It is the smallest unit capable of carrying out life processes
C. It is larger than every tissue
D. It can exist only inside an organ

Answer: B. It is the smallest unit capable of carrying out life processes

23. Which of the following is a unicellular organism?

A. Amoeba
B. Human being
C. Bean plant
D. Fish

Answer: A. Amoeba

24. Mould generally develops faster on moist bread kept in a warm kitchen than on bread stored in a refrigerator because:

A. Cold temperatures increase fungal reproduction
B. Warm and moist conditions favour fungal growth
C. Mould requires freezing temperatures
D. Refrigerators supply extra nutrients to fungi

Answer: B. Warm and moist conditions favour fungal growth

25. Curd kept outside for a long time during summer becomes excessively sour mainly because:

A. Lactobacilli become more active and produce more lactic acid
B. Yeast converts all the curd into methane
C. Rhizobium grows rapidly in the curd
D. Viruses begin photosynthesis

Answer: A. Lactobacilli become more active and produce more lactic acid

26. Which experimental setup would best test whether moisture is necessary for microbial growth on bread?

A. Keep two dry bread slices at different temperatures
B. Keep one moist and one dry bread slice under the same other conditions
C. Keep one bread slice in water and another in direct sunlight
D. Compare bread with milk

Answer: B. Keep one moist and one dry bread slice under the same other conditions

27. Which observation would support the conclusion that moisture promotes microbial growth?

A. The dry bread develops mould much faster
B. Both bread slices remain completely unchanged
C. The moist bread develops microbial growth faster than the dry bread
D. Microbes grow only when the bread is frozen

Answer: C. The moist bread develops microbial growth faster than the dry bread

28. Which of the following represents a useful role of microorganisms?

A. Causing food spoilage
B. Producing disease
C. Helping in compost formation
D. Causing viral infections

Answer: C. Helping in compost formation

29. Which example correctly represents a harmful effect of microorganisms?

A. Production of curd
B. Nitrogen fixation
C. Food spoilage by mould
D. Biogas generation

Answer: C. Food spoilage by mould

30. Which statement best explains why microorganisms can be described as both useful and harmful?

A. All microorganisms cause diseases
B. They participate in useful processes such as fermentation and decomposition, but some can spoil food or cause diseases
C. Microorganisms are useful only in water
D. All microorganisms are viruses

Answer: B. They participate in useful processes such as fermentation and decomposition, but some can spoil food or cause diseases


Multiple Choice Questions


1. A round-bottom flask filled with water makes printed letters appear larger. In this situation, the flask behaves like a:

A. Mirror
B. Lens
C. Prism
D. Screen

Answer: B. Lens

2. Who introduced the term "cell" after examining cork under a microscope?

A. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
B. Robert Hooke
C. Louis Pasteur
D. Robert Brown

Answer: B. Robert Hooke

3. Robert Hooke observed cork and gave the name "cells" to the small compartments he saw. These structures resembled:

A. Water droplets
B. Honeycomb-like compartments
C. Blood vessels
D. Plant roots

Answer: B. Honeycomb-like compartments

4. Which scientist is associated with the first observation of living cells?

A. Robert Hooke
B. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
C. Robert Brown
D. Gregor Mendel

Answer: B. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

5. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is commonly referred as the:

A. Father of Genetics
B. Father of Microbiology
C. Father of Botany
D. Father of Cytology

Answer: B. Father of Microbiology

6. Which structure is present in a plant cell but not in an animal cell?

A. Cytoplasm
B. Nucleus
C. Cell membrane
D. Cell wall

Answer: D. Cell wall

7. The green pigment chlorophyll is found inside which plastid?

A. Chromoplast
B. Leucoplast
C. Chloroplast
D. Vacuole

Answer: C. Chloroplast

8. Chlorophyll is important because it helps in:

A. Digestion
B. Trapping sunlight for photosynthesis
C. Protein formation
D. Removing waste

Answer: B. Trapping sunlight for photosynthesis

9. The large vacuole of a plant cell mainly contributes to:

A. Storage and maintenance of cell shape
B. Production of chlorophyll
C. Control of all cell activities
D. Movement of the cell

Answer: A. Storage and maintenance of cell shape

10. Which cell is identified in the transcript as the longest cell in the human body?

A. Muscle cell
B. Red blood cell
C. Nerve cell
D. Bone cell

Answer: C. Nerve cell

11. Which of the following represents the correct order of organisation in a multicellular organism?

A. Cell $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Organ system $\rightarrow$ Organism
B. Tissue $\rightarrow$ Cell $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Organism
C. Cell $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Organ system $\rightarrow$ Organism
D. Cell $\rightarrow$ Organ system $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Organism

Answer: C. Cell $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Organ system $\rightarrow$ Organism

12. Amoeba changes its body shape and moves with the help of:

A. Cilia
B. Flagella
C. Pseudopodia
D. Vacuoles

Answer: C. Pseudopodia

13. Which structure enables Paramecium to move through its surroundings?

A. Pseudopodia
B. Cilia
C. Roots
D. Cell wall

Answer: B. Cilia

14. Amoeba and Paramecium are both examples of:

A. Fungi
B. Bacteria
C. Protozoa
D. Algae

Answer: C. Protozoa

15. Bread mould belongs to which group of microorganisms?

A. Bacteria
B. Fungi
C. Protozoa
D. Viruses

Answer: B. Fungi

16. Which pair of microorganisms plays an important role in converting organic waste into natural manure?

A. Viruses and protozoa
B. Bacteria and fungi
C. Algae and viruses
D. Amoeba and Paramecium

Answer: B. Bacteria and fungi

17. Food items such as pickles and preserves remain usable for longer because salt or sugar:

A. Increases microbial growth
B. Reduces conditions favourable for microbial growth
C. Produces oxygen
D. Converts food into manure

Answer: B. Reduces conditions favourable for microbial growth

18. Which gas forms the main useful component of biogas according to the transcript?

A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Methane
D. Nitrogen

Answer: C. Methane

19. During fermentation of dough, yeast releases which gas that helps the dough rise?

A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nitrogen
D. Hydrogen

Answer: B. Carbon dioxide

20. Bread becomes soft and fluffy mainly because:

A. Yeast absorbs all the water
B. Carbon dioxide is produced during fermentation
C. Nitrogen enters the dough
D. Oxygen freezes inside the dough

Answer: B. Carbon dioxide is produced during fermentation

21. Milk changes into curd due to the action of:

A. Rhizobium
B. Lactobacilli
C. Amoeba
D. Yeast

Answer: B. Lactobacilli

22. Lactobacilli convert the sugar present in milk into:

A. Methane
B. Lactic acid
C. Oxygen
D. Nitrogen

Answer: B. Lactic acid

23. Which bacterium is found in the root nodules of leguminous plants?

A. Lactobacillus
B. Rhizobium
C. Vibrio
D. Coccus

Answer: B. Rhizobium

24. Rhizobium is beneficial to plants mainly because it:

A. Produces chlorophyll
B. Carries out nitrogen fixation
C. Produces carbon dioxide
D. Causes fermentation

Answer: B. Carries out nitrogen fixation

25. The process in which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a form useful for plants is called:

A. Fermentation
B. Photosynthesis
C. Biological nitrogen fixation
D. Respiration

Answer: C. Biological nitrogen fixation

26. Which group contributes significantly to oxygen production through photosynthesis according to the transcript?

A. Protozoa
B. Microalgae
C. Fungi
D. Viruses

Answer: B. Microalgae

27. Spirulina is classified in the transcript as a:

A. Fungus
B. Bacterium
C. Microalga
D. Protozoan

Answer: C. Microalga

28. According to the transcript, Spirulina is valued as a nutrient-rich source, particularly of:

A. Protein
B. Chlorine
C. Starch only
D. Carbon dioxide

Answer: A. Protein

29. The smallest basic unit from which living organisms are built is the:

A. Tissue
B. Organ
C. Cell
D. Organ system

Answer: C. Cell

30. Which structure is not present as a well-defined structure in bacterial cells?

A. Cell wall
B. Cytoplasm
C. Cell membrane
D. Well-defined nucleus

Answer: D. Well-defined nucleus

31. Instead of a well-defined nucleus, bacterial cells contain a:

A. Chloroplast
B. Nucleoid
C. Vacuole
D. Nuclear membrane

Answer: B. Nucleoid

32. Vegetable waste and dried leaves can be converted into compost mainly through the action of:

A. Microorganisms
B. Red blood cells
C. Nerve cells
D. Viruses only

Answer: A. Microorganisms

33. Which gas can be identified when lime water turns milky during an experiment involving yeast?

A. Oxygen
B. Hydrogen
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Nitrogen

Answer: C. Carbon dioxide

34. Which part of a cell acts as its control centre?

A. Cell membrane
B. Cytoplasm
C. Nucleus
D. Vacuole

Answer: C. Nucleus

35. The nucleus is important because it:

A. Only stores water
B. Controls cellular activities and contains genetic information
C. Forms pseudopodia
D. Produces mould

Answer: B. Controls cellular activities and contains genetic information

36. A jelly-like substance located between the cell membrane and nucleus is called:

A. Cytoplasm
B. Cell wall
C. Nucleoid
D. Chlorophyll

Answer: A. Cytoplasm

37. A student observes a microorganism with an irregular shape that uses temporary projections for movement and capturing food. The organism is most likely:

A. Paramecium
B. Amoeba
C. Bread mould
D. Rhizobium

Answer: B. Amoeba

38. A farmer grows beans and notices swollen structures on their roots. These structures are important because they contain bacteria involved in:

A. Fermentation
B. Nitrogen fixation
C. Photosynthesis
D. Food preservation

Answer: B. Nitrogen fixation

39. If salt or sugar is added in sufficient quantity to a food product, the growth of many microorganisms is reduced mainly because:

A. Conditions become less favourable for their growth
B. Microorganisms become larger
C. Chlorophyll is destroyed
D. Nitrogen fixation begins

Answer: A. Conditions become less favourable for their growth

40. Which statement correctly matches an organism or microorganism with its role?

A. Amoeba — movement by cilia
B. Paramecium — movement by pseudopodia
C. Rhizobium — nitrogen fixation
D. Lactobacillus — production of methane

Answer: C. Rhizobium — nitrogen fixation

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is the basic structural and functional unit of a living organism?

Answer: The cell.

2. Who gave the term "cell" after observing cork?

Answer: Robert Hooke.

3. Which scientist is associated with the first observation of living cells mentioned in the transcript?

Answer: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.

4. Which structure controls the activities of a cell?

Answer: The nucleus.

5. Name the jelly-like material present inside a cell.

Answer: Cytoplasm.

6. Which structure is found in plant cells but absent in animal cells?

Answer: Cell wall.

7. Which organelle contains chlorophyll?

Answer: Chloroplast.

8. What is the main function of chlorophyll?

Answer: It traps light energy for photosynthesis.

9. Which cell is considered the longest cell in the human body?

Answer: Nerve cell.

10. What are pseudopodia?

Answer: Temporary projections used by Amoeba for movement and feeding.

11. Which structures help Paramecium in locomotion?

Answer: Cilia.

12. To which group do Amoeba and Paramecium belong?

Answer: Protozoa.

13. Bread mould belongs to which group of microorganisms?

Answer: Fungi.

14. Name the gas mainly responsible for the fuel value of biogas.

Answer: Methane.

15. Which microorganism is used in the preparation of bread?

Answer: Yeast.

16. Which gas causes bread dough to rise?

Answer: Carbon dioxide.

17. Which bacterium converts milk into curd?

Answer: Lactobacillus.

18. Which acid is produced during the conversion of milk into curd?

Answer: Lactic acid.

19. Which bacterium is commonly present in the root nodules of leguminous plants?

Answer: Rhizobium.

20. What is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form called?

Answer: Nitrogen fixation.

21. Which microorganisms help in the decomposition of organic waste to form compost?

Answer: Bacteria and fungi.

22. Which microorganism mentioned in the transcript is a nutrient-rich microalga?

Answer: Spirulina.

23. What is the region containing genetic material in a bacterial cell called?

Answer: Nucleoid.

24. Why do salt and sugar help preserve food?

Answer: They make conditions less favourable for microbial growth.

25. Arrange the following in the correct order: organ, cell, tissue, organ system.

Answer: Cell $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Organ system.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Why is the cell called the basic unit of life?

Answer:
A cell is called the basic structural and functional unit of life because living organisms are made up of cells, and essential life processes take place within cells.

2. State two differences between a plant cell and an animal cell.

Answer:

- Plant cells have a cell wall, whereas animal cells do not.
- Plant cells contain chloroplasts, whereas animal cells generally do not.

3. How do Amoeba and Paramecium differ in their mode of movement?

Answer:
Amoeba moves with the help of pseudopodia, whereas Paramecium moves using numerous tiny hair-like structures called cilia.

4. Explain how yeast helps in making bread soft and fluffy.

Answer:
Yeast carries out fermentation and produces carbon dioxide. The gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to expand and become soft and fluffy.

5. How does Lactobacillus convert milk into curd?

Answer:
Lactobacillus converts the sugar present in milk into lactic acid. This causes changes in the milk and leads to the formation of curd.

6. Explain the importance of Rhizobium to leguminous plants.

Answer:
Rhizobium lives in the root nodules of leguminous plants and helps convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that can be utilised by plants. Thus, it helps improve nitrogen availability in the soil.

7. How do microorganisms contribute to compost formation?

Answer:
Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi decompose biodegradable organic waste. This decomposition converts the waste into compost or natural manure.

8. Why are microalgae important in aquatic ecosystems?

Answer:
Microalgae carry out photosynthesis and contribute to oxygen production. They also act as an important source of food in aquatic ecosystems.

9. Explain why food preservation using salt or sugar reduces spoilage.

Answer:
A sufficient amount of salt or sugar creates conditions that are less suitable for the growth of many microorganisms. As a result, food spoilage is reduced.

10. How is biogas related to waste management?

Answer:
Organic waste can be decomposed by microorganisms to produce biogas. Thus, waste is converted into a useful fuel while also helping in waste management.


Other questions

1. Identifying an Unknown Microorganism

A student observes a microscopic organism that has an irregular shape. It forms temporary extensions of its body, which help it move and capture food.

a. Identify the organism.
Answer: Amoeba.

b. Name the structures used for movement.
Answer: Pseudopodia.

c. Why are these structures called temporary projections?
Answer: They are formed as needed and can change their position and shape.

2. Bread Mould Investigation

Two pieces of bread are kept under different conditions.

- Bread A is kept moist in a warm place.
- Bread B is kept dry in a cooler place.

After several days, mould appears more rapidly on Bread A.

a. Which group of microorganisms is responsible for the mould?
Answer: Fungi.

b. What conditions favoured faster mould growth on Bread A?
Answer: Moist and warm conditions.

c. What conclusion can be drawn from this investigation?
Answer: Moisture and suitable warmth favour the growth of mould.

3. Making Curd at Home

Milk is mixed with a small amount of curd and kept under suitable conditions. After some time, the milk changes into curd.

a. Which microorganism is mainly responsible for this change?
Answer: Lactobacillus.

b. What substance is produced during this process?
Answer: Lactic acid.

c. Why does this process change the properties of milk?
Answer: The production of lactic acid causes the milk to undergo changes and form curd.

4. Nitrogen-Rich Soil

A farmer grows pea plants in a field. After some time, swollen nodules are observed on their roots.

a. Which microorganism is likely to be present in these nodules?
Answer: Rhizobium.

b. What important process does this microorganism perform?
Answer: Nitrogen fixation.

c. How does this association benefit the plant?
Answer: It helps make nitrogen available in a form that can be utilised by the plant.

5. The Rising Dough

A baker adds yeast to flour and water while preparing dough. After some time, the dough increases in volume.

a. Which process is taking place?
Answer: Fermentation.

b. Which gas is produced?
Answer: Carbon dioxide.

c. How does this gas help in making bread?
Answer: The gas causes the dough to expand, producing a soft and fluffy texture.

6. Food Preservation Problem

Two samples of fruit are stored under similar conditions. One sample is converted into a sweet preserve containing a high concentration of sugar, while the other is left untreated. The untreated sample spoils earlier.

a. Why does the untreated sample spoil faster?
Answer: Microorganisms can grow more easily on it.

b. How does sugar help preserve the other sample?
Answer: It makes conditions less favourable for the growth of many microorganisms.

c. Name one other substance mentioned in the transcript that can be used for food preservation.
Answer: Salt.

7. Composting Organic Waste

A school collects vegetable peels and dried leaves and places them in a compost pit. After several weeks, the waste changes into a dark, soil-like material.

a. What is the final product called?
Answer: Compost.

b. Which organisms are mainly responsible for this change?
Answer: Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

c. Why is this process useful?
Answer: It converts biodegradable waste into useful natural manure.

8. Comparing Plant and Animal Cells

A student observes two cells under a microscope. Cell X has a cell wall and chloroplasts, whereas Cell Y lacks both structures.

a. Identify Cell X and Cell Y.
Answer: Cell X is a plant cell, and Cell Y is an animal cell.

b. What is the role of chlorophyll present in Cell X?
Answer: It helps trap light energy for photosynthesis.

c. Which additional structure in Cell X helps provide rigidity and support?
Answer: Cell wall.

9. Movement of Unicellular Organisms

Two students observe different microorganisms.

- Organism P moves by changing its body shape.
- Organism Q moves using numerous tiny hair-like structures.

a. Identify Organism P.
Answer: Amoeba.

b. Identify Organism Q.
Answer: Paramecium.

c. Name their respective locomotory structures.
Answer: Amoeba uses pseudopodia, while Paramecium uses cilia.

10. Waste-to-Energy System

A village collects biodegradable waste and processes it in a biogas plant. A useful gas is produced and used as a fuel.

a. Which microorganisms are involved in the decomposition of organic matter?
Answer: Microorganisms involved in decomposition.

b. Name the main useful gas associated with biogas.
Answer: Methane.

c. State one environmental benefit of this system.
Answer: It helps manage organic waste by converting it into a useful fuel.





Class 8 Maths Class 8 Science

Latest Updates
Earth ,Moon and the sun class7 MCQ

Number play class 7 Maths mcq

parallel and intersecting lines class7 MCQ

Life Processes in Plants class 7 MCQ

Life Processes in Animals Class 7 MCQ