Question

The study of structure and function of animal and plant cells is known as
A. Histology
B. Cytology
C. Embryology
D. None of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: Cell is the basic, smallest and functional unit of life. Study of cells is very important as it explores the reasons behind existence. This study is also used to diagnose or screen for cancer.

Complete answer: The term cytology can be divided into ‘cytos’ which means cells and ‘logy’ refers to its study. So, cytology simply means the study of the structure and function of plant and animal cells. The existing cells are produced from pre-existing cells. Cells can be further classified as prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane with a characteristic cell wall whose composition may differ depending on the organism. Eukaryotes have distinct nuclei which are bounded by a nuclear membrane. They consist of membrane-bound organelles like endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The shape and size of cells vary depending upon their function.
a) Histology is also called microanatomy or microscopic anatomy. It deals with the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues. In simple terms, histology refers to the study of tissues. In the field of medicine, histopathology refers to the study and identification of disease tissue. Therefore, option A is the wrong answer.
b) Embryology deals with the study of prenatal development of gametes, development of embryos, fertilization, and fetuses.
So, option B is the correct answer.

Note: Depending upon the function the cell regulates, the size and length of the cell vary. The ovum found in the human body is the largest cell present in the human body and is 20 times bigger than the sperm cells. The smallest cell in the human body is Cerebellum’s Granule Cell and its size ranges from 4 micrometres long.