NEET Cell: The Unit of Life PYQs & Practice Questions

10 free NEET Biology questions on Cell: The Unit of Life, starting with previous year questions (2016–2026). Tap “Show answer” to check each one. No login needed.

Topics: Enucleate Cells · Function of Ribosomes · Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes · Shared Features of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells · Fluid Mosaic Model · Features Not True of Eukaryotic Cells · Properties of the Plasma Membrane · Cell Organelle Functions (Match List: Nucleolus, Centriole, Leucoplasts, Golgi) · Cell Organelle Structures · Mitochondria and Chloroplast Comparison · Cell Theory · Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

Q1NEET 2026Cell Organelle Structures - Matching
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:
- A. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
- B. A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I
- C. A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
- D. A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
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Answer: —
Cristae are infoldings of the inner mitochondrial membrane (II). Cisternae are the disc-shaped sacs stacked in the Golgi apparatus (IV). Thylakoids are flat membrane sacs within the stroma of the chloroplast (I). Phospholipids are the major structural component of the cell membrane (III). So A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III.
Q2NEET 2026Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum - Function
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum _________
- A. is the major site for the synthesis of lipids
- B. is actively involved in protein synthesis
- C. is a site for the synthesis of carbohydrates
- D. has ribosomes attached to its surface
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Answer: —
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) lacks ribosomes on its surface and is the major site for the synthesis of lipids (including steroid hormones) in the cell. Protein synthesis and ribosome attachment are characteristic of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).
Q3NEET 2026History of Cell Theory
Cell theory was formulated by _______.
- A. Robert Brown
- B. Singer and Nicolson
- C. Antonie Von Leeuwenhoek
- D. Schleiden and Schwann
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Answer: C — Antonie Von Leeuwenhoek
The cell theory was formulated by Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann (1838-39), later expanded by Rudolf Virchow who proposed that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Q4NEET 2026Endomembrane System
Endomembrane system includes ________.
- A. endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplast, peroxisomes and vacuole
- B. mitochondria, chloroplast, peroxisomes and vacuole
- C. Golgi complex, chloroplast, peroxisomes and vacuole
- D. endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, lysosomes and vacuole
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Answer: C — Golgi complex, chloroplast, peroxisomes and vacuole
The endomembrane system consists of organelles that function together through direct connection or vesicular transport: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, lysosomes, and vacuoles. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are NOT part of the endomembrane system since they are semi-autonomous, double-membraned organelles with their own genetic material.

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Q5NEET 2026Types of Plastids
The plastid that stores xanthophyll is known as _______.
- A. chromoplast
- B. aleuroplast
- C. amyloplast
- D. chloroplast
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Answer: —
Chromoplasts are the plastids that store carotenoid pigments, including xanthophylls (yellow pigments) and carotenes, giving fruits and flowers their yellow, orange, or red colours.
Q6NEET 2026Mitochondrial Structure
Mitochondrial inner membrane encloses __________.
- A. Cytosol
- B. Mucus
- C. Aqueous humor
- D. Matrix
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Answer: C — Aqueous humor
The inner mitochondrial membrane encloses the matrix, a semi-fluid substance containing enzymes of the Krebs cycle, mitochondrial DNA, ribosomes, and other components.
Q7NEET 2026Non-membrane bound cell organelles in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Non-membrane bound cell organelles found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are ___________.
- A. Lysosomes
- B. Centrosomes
- C. Mitochondria
- D. Ribosomes
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Answer: C — Mitochondria
Ribosomes are non-membrane bound organelles present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Q8NEET 2026Correct statements about cell membrane
Which one of the following is an appropriate example of 'sexual deceit' type statement — select the correct statements regarding cell membrane in eukaryotic cell. A. Membrane of human RBCs has approximately 52% protein. B. Major phospholipids are arranged in a bilayer. C. Extensions of the 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.
- A. C, D and E only
- B. B, C and E only
- C. A, B and D only
- D. A, C and E only
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Answer: A — C, D and E only
B (bilayer arrangement), D (hydrophobic tails inward), and E (glycocalyx on outer surface) are correct. A is false (mesosomes are a bacterial, not human RBC feature); C is false (mesosomes are prokaryotic plasma membrane extensions, not found in human cells). B, D and E only.

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Q9NEET 2026Correct statements about cell membrane
Select the correct statements regarding cell membrane in eukaryotic cell. A. Membrane of human RBCs has approximately 52% protein. B. Major phospholipids are arranged in a bilayer. C. Extensions of the 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.
- A. C, D and E only
- B. B, C and E only
- C. A, B, D and E only
- D. A, C and E only
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Answer: B — B, C and E only
A (human RBC membrane ~52% protein), B (phospholipid bilayer), D (hydrophobic tails inward), E (glycocalyx outer surface) are all correct. C is false (mesosomes are a bacterial feature, not present in human/eukaryotic cells). A, B, D and E only.
Q10NEET 2026Correct statements about cell organelles and their inclusions
Choose the correct statements regarding cell organelles and their inclusions. A. The endomembrane system includes Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. B. Rough endoplasmic reticulum bears ribosomes on its surface. C. Both mitochondria and plastids have circular DNA. D. A network of microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments present in the cytoplasm is called cytoskeleton. E. Mitochondrion is a single membrane-bound structure.
- A. A, B and C only
- B. C, D and E only
- C. A and B only
- D. B, C and D only
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Answer: C — A and B only
B (RER has ribosomes), C (mitochondria/plastids have circular DNA), and D (cytoskeleton description) are correct. A is false (mitochondria are not part of the endomembrane system); E is false (mitochondrion is double membrane-bound, not single). B, C and D only.

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