Cell The Unit of Life NEET Previous Year Question Paper (PYQ)

Cell The Unit of Life NEET PYQ: In the NEET exam, biology sections comprise 50% of the total score of 720 marks. There are 10 units in the biology syllabus from class 11 and class 12 biology NCERT. The chapter "Cell: The Unit of Life" is part of class 11 NCERT and has approximately 9% weightage in scores.

NEET 2025: Mock Test (Free) | Biology: Mind Maps & Important Diagrams

NEET 2025: Syllabus | Most Scoring concepts | NEET PYQ's (2015-24)

New: Meet Careers360 experts in your city and get guidance on shortlisting colleges

New Programme: B.E Environmental & Sustainability @ BITS Pilani for PCB Candidates

This Story also Contains

1. Cell The Unit of Life NEET PYQ Analysis (2020-2024)
2. High-Yield Topics in Cell: The Unit of Life
3. Cell The Unit of Life Previous Year Questions

LiveNEET UG 2025 Admit Card LIVE: Hall ticket by May 1 at neet.nta.nic.in; exam centre listApr 30, 2025 | 8:19 AM IST

The steps to download the NEET UG 2025 hall ticket are as follows. 

•  Visit the official website.
• Click on the NEET 2025 admit card link
• Enter required details.
• NEET admit card will appear on the screen. 
• Verify all the details mentioned 
• Download and keep a printed copy.

Read More

The basic building blocks of life are cells. Since it provides the basis for many of the topics in biology, the chapter "Cell: The Unit of Life" in NEET is quite crucial. A clear knowledge of cell structure and function will raise your general score in the NEET exam. Many aspirants find it difficult to recall the specifics of organelles, their purposes, and how cells cooperate. Working through previous year NEET questions (PYQs) and mock test practice will help in overcoming these challenges.

Cell The Unit of Life NEET PYQ Analysis (2020-2024)

Every year in the NEET exam, nearly 5–6 questions are asked from this chapter, with its approximately 9% weightage in scores. It is a highly scoring chapter, which can significantly increase the score and overall AIQ rank.

Also Read:

• NEET biology chapter-wise weightage

• NEET Biology question paper

• Important chapters in Biology for NEET 2025

High-Yield Topics in Cell: The Unit of Life

Expert studies and the repeating ideas shown in past NEET question papers point to the following as the main subjects and fundamental ideas from the "Cell: The Unit of Life" chapter that are most often tested:

1. Classification Using Cell Theory

• Historical Perspectives: Understand the contributions of scientists like Robert Brown, Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolph Virchow. Questions may focus on the evolution of cell theory and its significance.

• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: Be clear about the fundamental differences (e.g., presence of membrane-bound organelles, size, genetic material arrangement, and cell wall composition).

2. Organization and Purpose of Cell Organelles

• Organelles in eukaryotic cells:

  • Structure (cristae, matrix) and function in ATP synthesis: mitochondria

  • Rough ER, or endoplasmic reticulum, and smooth ER, or lipid synthesis/detoxification,

  • The Golgi apparatus helps to sift, alter, and package proteins and lipids.

  • Functions in digestion and metabolism are those of lysosomes and peroxisomes.

  • Structure and function of chloroplasts, found in plant cells, in photosynthesis

  • Structure, purpose, and distinctions between unbound ribosomes and those linked to the ER

• Organization of chromatin, nucleolus activities, and relevance in control of gene expression.

3. Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes

• Model of Fluid Mosaic:

• Dynamic character of the membrane; phospholipids, proteins (integral and peripheral), and carbohydrates; composition

• Mechanisms including passive transport, active transport, endocytosis, and exocytosis define membrane transport.

• Many times, questions examine your knowledge of the function of membrane proteins and how molecules pass the cell membrane.

4. Cytoskeleton and Cell Motile

• Features of the Cytoskeleton: Microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments: their functions in intracellular transport, cell shape preservation, and cell movement facilitation

• Cell motion and structural support: Knowing how the cytoskeleton supports motility—that is, through flagella or cilia in specialized cells—and cell division (spindle creation).

Cell The Unit of Life Previous Year Questions

Question 1: Given below are two statements: (NEET 2024)

Statement I: Mitochondria and chloroplasts are both double membrane-bound organelles.

Statement II: The inner membrane of mitochondria is relatively less permeable as compared to chloroplasts.

In light of the above statements, choose the misappropriate answer from the options given below:

1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

2. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.

3. Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.

4. Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.

Solution: Both mitochondria and chloroplasts are double membrane-bound cell organelles.
The transport of ions occurs across the inner membrane of mitochondria. The inner membrane of
Chloroplast is impermeable to ions and metabolites. Therefore, it is said that the inner membrane of
Mitochondria are relatively more permeable than chloroplasts.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3. Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.

Question 2: Match List I with List II: (NEET 2024)

List I List II
A. Axoneme I. Centriole
B. Cartwheel pattern II. Cilia and flagella
C. Crista III. Chromosome
D. Satellite IV. Mitochondria
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

1. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

2. A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I

3. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III

4. A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III

Solution: A. Axoneme → II. Cilia and Flagella: The axoneme, which is composed of microtubules, is the main component of cilia and flagella.

B. Cartwheel pattern → I. Centriole: The centriole's structure under a microscope is known as the cartwheel pattern.

C. Crista → IV. Mitochondria: The inner folds of the mitochondria, known as the cristae, increase the surface area available for energy production

D. Satellite → III. Chromosome The term "satellite" describes the tiny chromosomal components connected to the chromosome.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4: A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III.

Question 3: Match List I with List II (NEET 2024)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I

2. A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV

3. A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

4. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV

Solution: A. Nucleolus → III. Site for active ribosomal RNA synthesis: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is made and formed into ribosomal subunits in the nucleolus.

• B. Centriole → II. Organization like the cartwheel: The centriole has a layout corresponding to a cartwheel and recreates a function in cell division and forming spindle fibers.

• C. Leucoplasts → IV. For storing nutrients: Leucoplasts are plastids that store nutrients like starch, oils, or proteins.

• D. Golgi apparatus → I. Site of formation of glycolipid: The Golgi apparatus is concerned with the synthesis of glycolipids and glycoproteins.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I.

Question 4: Which of the following functions is carried out by the cytoskeleton in a cell? (NEET, 2023)

1. Nuclear division

2. Protein synthesis

3. Motility

4. Transportation

Solution: The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments found in the cytoplasm of cells. It plays a crucial role in providing structural support, maintaining cell shape, and facilitating various cellular processes. One of the key functions of the cytoskeleton is cell motility, which includes the movement of cells themselves and the movement of cellular components within the cell.

The cytoskeleton is responsible for the movement of cells through processes such as amoeboid movement, ciliary/flagellar movement, and muscle contraction. It provides the necessary structure and organization for these movements to occur.

While nuclear division (Option 1) is primarily regulated by the spindle apparatus during mitosis and meiosis, and protein synthesis (Option 2) is carried out by ribosomes, the cytoskeleton is not directly involved in these specific processes.

Transportation (Option 4) can involve the cytoskeleton indirectly, as it provides tracks or highways for intracellular transport, but it is not the primary function of the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton's primary role in transportation is to help maintain the cellular architecture and provide support for the transport systems.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3) Motility.

Question 5: How many different proteins does the ribosome consist of? (NEET, 2023)

1. 80

2. 60

3. 40

4. 20

Solution: The ribosome is a complex molecular machine involved in protein synthesis. It is composed of two subunits, the large subunit and the small subunit, which come together during protein synthesis and dissociate afterward. These subunits consist of a combination of proteins and RNA molecules called ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

In eukaryotes, the ribosome consists of 80 different proteins in total. The large subunit contains approximately 50 different proteins, while the small subunit contains around 30 different proteins. These proteins play essential roles in various aspects of protein synthesis, including mRNA binding, tRNA binding, and catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) 80.

Question 6: Which of the following are NOT considered part of the endomembrane system? (NEET, 2023)

A. Mitochondria B. Endoplasmic Reticulum
C. Chloroplast D. Golgi complex
E. Peroxisomes
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

1. A and D only

2. A, C, and E only

3. A and D only

4. A, D, and E only

Solution: Mitochondria, Chloroplasts, and Peroxisomes are not considered part of the endomembrane system. The endomembrane system primarily includes the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex, which are involved in the synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids within the cell.

Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration and energy production, and they have a distinct membrane system separate from the endomembrane system. Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, which involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy. Peroxisomes are involved in various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of fatty acids, detoxification of harmful substances, and synthesis of certain lipids. These organelles have their unique functions and are not part of the endomembrane system.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) A, C, and E only.

Question 7: Which of the following statements concerning the endoplasmic reticulum is incorrect? (NEET 2022)

1. SER is devoid of ribosomes

2. In prokaryotes, only RER is present.

3. SER are the sites for lipid synthesis

4. RER has ribosomes attached to ER

Solution: ER is absent in prokaryotes. Hence, RER (rough ER) and SER (smooth ER) are both absent.

Bacteria and other prokaryotes lack an endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Only eukaryotic cells contain the ER organelle. Both smooth ER (SER) and rough ER (RER) are present in eukaryotes.
The smooth ER (SER) is engaged in detoxification and lipid synthesis, and the rough ER (RER) is involved in protein synthesis and has ribosomes attached to its surface.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) In prokaryotes, only RER is present.

Question 8: Match List I with List II. (NEET 2021)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

1. (a) - (iv), (b) - (iii), (c) - (ii), (d) - (i)

2. (a) - (i), (b) - (iv), (c) - (iii), (d) - (ii)

3. (a) - (iii), (b) - (iv), (c) - (i), (d) - (ii)

4. (a) - (ii), (b) - (iii), (c) - (iv), (d) - (i)

Solution: Cristae: Infoldings in mitochondria. To increase the capacity of the mitochondria to synthesize ATP, the inner membrane of mitochondria is folded to form cristae. These folds allow a much greater amount of electron transport chain enzymes and ATP synthase to be packed into the mitochondrion.

Thylakoids are membrane-bound compartments inside chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. They are the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Thylakoids consist of a thylakoid membrane surrounding a thylakoid lumen.

Centromere: Primary construction in the chromosome. The two chromatids of chromosomes are attached by a narrow area called the centromere, also called primary constriction. This decides the ratio of arm length called the centromeric index.

Cisternae: disc-shaped sacs in Golgi appartus. These appear in the form of flat, curved, smooth membrane structures with swollen ends. They have a definite polarity. Their convex pole proximal pole or cis face is associated with the nuclear envelope. The concave pole, distal pole, or transface is the oldest, which gives rise to the secondary vesicles.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3)(a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-, (d)-(ii).

Question 9: Which is the important site of information on glycoproteins and glycolipids in eukaryotic cells? (NEET 2020)

1. Endoplasmic reticulum

2. Peroxisomes

3. Golgi bodies

4. Polysomes

Solution: Proteins and lipids, including glycoproteins and glycolipids, are modified, sorted, and packaged by the Golgi apparatus.

• It produces glycoproteins and glycolipids by adding carbohydrate (sugar) groups to proteins and lipids. Numerous cellular processes, such as cell signaling, recognition, and communication, depend on this mechanism.

• Glycan chains are added to proteins and lipids as part of post-translational modification, which is mostly dependent on the Golgi apparatus.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Golgi bodies.

Question 10: Which of the following statements about inclusion bodies is incorrect? (NEET 2020)

1. They are not bound by any membrane

2. These are involved in the ingestion of food particles

3. They lie free in the cytoplasm

4. These represent reserve material in the cytoplasm

Solution: Inclusion bodies are not involved in the ingestion of food particles. They are non-membrane-bound structures within the cytoplasm that store nutrients, waste products, or other molecules, such as glycogen, lipids, or proteins.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) These are involved in the ingestion of food particles.

Also Read:

• NEET sample paper 2025 by NTA

• How to score 500+ marks in NEET 2025

• How to prepare for NEET 2025 in 2 months