Q36
1 markMCQSection B

The shape of yeast cell is

How do Organisms Reproduce?
Asexual Reproduction: Budding in Yeast

Options

(A)only spherical.
(B)only oval.
(C)irregular.
(D)both oval and spherical.
Official Answer

The correct option is D (both oval and spherical).


Explanation:

Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a unicellular microscopic fungus. Under a microscope, individual yeast cells are typically observed to have shapes that range from oval to spherical. During the process of budding (as observed in Activity 7.1), small spherical or oval outgrowths (buds) project from these cells, which eventually separate to grow into new individuals.

yeastovalsphericalunicellularbudding

Marking Scheme

  • 11 mark

Hint

Think about the shape of the yeast granules and cells observed under a microscope during the sugar-yeast experiment in Activity 7.1.

Quick Oral Answer

Yeast cells are unicellular fungi that are both oval and spherical in shape. They reproduce asexually by putting out small buds.

Analysis & Explanation

  • Option A (only spherical) is incorrect because yeast cells frequently present an elongated, oval shape.
  • Option B (only oval) is incorrect because perfectly spherical yeast cells are also highly common.
  • Option C (irregular) is incorrect because yeast cells have a rigid cell wall made of chitin, which maintains a consistent, regular oval or spherical shape (unlike Amoeba, which has an irregular, constantly changing shape due to pseudopodia).
  • Option D (both oval and spherical) is correct as it accurately describes the natural morphological variations observed in yeast populations.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Choosing 'irregular' by confusing yeast with Amoeba.
  2. 2Selecting 'only oval' because many textbook diagrams simplify yeast cells as purely oval shapes.

Interesting Facts

Yeast cells can form chains of buds that remain attached to the parent cell, a state known as a pseudomycelium, which can make them look like tiny chains of beads under a basic school microscope.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2011?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Asexual Reproduction: Budding in Yeast" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper.