Cell: The Unit of Life NEET PYQs (2005–2026) with Solutions

10 solved Cell: The Unit of Life PYQs

Real NEET and AIPMT questions from this chapter, newest first. Try each one, then open the answer and the step-by-step explanation.

1. Question 1 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026EasyCell theory

   Cell theory was formulated by ______________.

   1. AOption A: Schleiden and Schwann
   2. BOption B: Robert Brown
   3. COption C: Singer and Nicolson
   4. DOption D: Antonie Von Leeuwenhoek

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   Correct answer: (A) Schleiden and Schwann

   Explanation

   Matthias Schleiden (a German botanist, 1838) and Theodore Schwann (a British zoologist, 1839) together formulated the cell theory. Rudolf Virchow (1855) later modified it by explaining that cells arise from pre-existing cells (Omnis cellula-e cellula). Robert Brown discovered the nucleus, Singer and Nicolson proposed the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, and Antonie Von Leeuwenhoek first saw and described a live cell. So the answer is option (A).

2. Question 2 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026MediumFeatures of prokaryotic cells

   Which of the following are characteristics of prokaryotic cells? (a) Ribosomes are made of 50S and 30S subunits (b) They can have plasmids (c) They contain mesosome (d) They have peroxisomes Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

   1. AOption A: (b) and (c) only
   2. BOption B: (a) and (c) only
   3. COption C: (a), (c) and (d) only
   4. DOption D: (a), (b) and (c) only

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   Correct answer: (D) (a), (b) and (c) only

   Explanation

   (a) True: prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S, made of a 50S and a 30S subunit. (b) True: many bacteria have small circular extra-chromosomal DNA called plasmids (for example, those giving antibiotic resistance). (c) True: mesosomes are infoldings of the plasma membrane found in prokaryotes; they help in cell wall formation, DNA replication and respiration. (d) False: prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles, so they have no peroxisomes. Statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct, which is option (D).

3. Question 3 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026EasyStructure of mitochondria

   Mitochondrial inner membrane encloses ___________ .

   1. AOption A: matrix
   2. BOption B: cytosol
   3. COption C: mucus
   4. DOption D: aqueous humor

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   Correct answer: (A) matrix

   Explanation

   A mitochondrion has two membranes that divide its lumen into two aqueous compartments: the outer compartment (between the two membranes) and the inner compartment. The inner compartment, enclosed by the inner membrane, is filled with a dense homogeneous substance called the matrix. The matrix contains a circular DNA, a few RNA molecules, 70S ribosomes and the enzymes of the Krebs cycle. Cytosol is the fluid of the cytoplasm outside organelles, while mucus and aqueous humor are body secretions/fluids. So the answer is option (A).

4. Question 4 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026EasyMembrane structures of cell organelles

   Match List-I with List-II. List-I: A. Cristae B. Cisternae C. Thylakoids D. Phospholipid List-II: I. Flat membrane sacs in stroma of chloroplast II. Infoldings in mitochondria III. Cell membrane IV. Disc shaped sacs in the Golgi apparatus Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

   1. AOption A: A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
   2. BOption B: A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
   3. COption C: A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I
   4. DOption D: A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II

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   Correct answer: (B) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III

   Explanation

   A. Cristae are the infoldings of the inner mitochondrial membrane towards the matrix, so A-II. B. The Golgi apparatus consists of many flat, disc-shaped sacs called cisternae, so B-IV. C. Thylakoids are flattened membranous sacs present in the stroma of the chloroplast, so C-I. D. The cell membrane is mainly composed of a lipid bilayer of phospholipids (with proteins), so D-III. The matching A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III is option (B).

5. Question 5 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026EasyPlastids: chromoplasts and leucoplasts

   The plastid that stores xanthophyll is known as __________.

   1. AOption A: chloroplast
   2. BOption B: chromoplast
   3. COption C: aleuroplast
   4. DOption D: amyloplast

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   Correct answer: (B) chromoplast

   Explanation

   According to NCERT, chromoplasts contain fat-soluble carotenoid pigments such as carotene and xanthophylls, which give the plant parts yellow, orange or red colours. Chloroplasts mainly contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis, while aleuroplasts store proteins and amyloplasts store carbohydrates (starch); the last two are colourless leucoplasts. Hence the answer is option (B).

6. Question 6 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026EasyCell Organelles

   Which one of the following is the site for active ribosomal RNA synthesis?

   1. AOption A: Centrosome
   2. BOption B: Chromatin
   3. COption C: Nucleolus
   4. DOption D: Kinetochore

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   Correct answer: (C) Nucleolus

   Explanation

   The nucleolus is the site of active ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and ribosome assembly in eukaryotic cells.

7. Question 7 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026EasyEndomembrane system

   Endomembrane system includes _______.

   1. AOption A: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, lysosomes and vacuole
   2. BOption B: endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplast, peroxisomes and vacuole
   3. COption C: mitochondria, chloroplast, peroxisomes and vacuole
   4. DOption D: Golgi complex, chloroplast, peroxisomes and vacuole

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   Correct answer: (A) endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, lysosomes and vacuole

   Explanation

   The endomembrane system is a group of membranous organelles whose functions are coordinated. It includes the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi complex, lysosomes and vacuoles. Mitochondria, chloroplasts and peroxisomes are not part of the endomembrane system because their functions are not coordinated with these components. Options (B), (C) and (D) all include chloroplast and peroxisomes, so the answer is option (A).

8. Question 8 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026EasySmooth endoplasmic reticulum functions

   Smooth endoplasmic reticulum ___________ .

   1. AOption A: has ribosomes attached to its surface
   2. BOption B: is the major site for the synthesis of lipids
   3. COption C: is actively involved in protein synthesis
   4. DOption D: is a site for the synthesis of carbohydrates

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   Correct answer: (B) is the major site for the synthesis of lipids

   Explanation

   ER without ribosomes on its surface is called smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). NCERT states that SER is the major site for synthesis of lipids; in animal cells lipid-like steroidal hormones are synthesised in SER. Having ribosomes on its surface and active protein synthesis are features of rough ER (RER), so options (A) and (C) are wrong. SER is not described as the site of carbohydrate synthesis, so (D) is wrong. Hence the answer is option (B).

9. Question 9 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026MediumEukaryotic Cell

   Select the correct statements regarding cell membrane in eukaryotic cells: A. Membrane of human RBCs has approximately 52% protein. B. Major phospholipids are arranged in a bilayer. C. Extensions of plasma membrane into the cell form mesosomes. D. Tails towards the inner part of lipids are hydrophobic and thus protected from aqueous medium. E. Glycocalyx is present on the outer surface of the plasma membrane. Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

   1. AOption A: C, D and E only
   2. BOption B: B, C and E only
   3. COption C: A, B and D only
   4. DOption D: A, C and E only

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   Correct answer: (C) A, B and D only

   Explanation

   Human RBC membranes contain ~52% proteins, phospholipids form a bilayer, and hydrophobic tails face inward. Mesosomes occur in prokaryotes, not eukaryotes.

10. Question 10 (NEET 2025)

    NEET 2025EasyReductionist Biology

    Which one of the following statements refers to Reductionist Biology?

    1. AOption A: Physico-chemical approach to study and understand living organisms.
    2. BOption B: Physiological approach to study and understand living organisms.
    3. COption C: Chemical approach to study and understand living organisms.
    4. DOption D: Behavioural approach to study and understand living organisms.

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    Correct answer: (A) Physico-chemical approach to study and understand living organisms.

    Explanation

    Reductionist biology explains biological phenomena through physical and chemical principles.