BIOLOGY QUICK NOTES FOR NEET 2023

\ CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE

Anton Von Leeuwenhoek→ first saw and described a live cell;
Robert Brown→ discovered the nucleus;
Scien&sts Schleiden & Schwann (1839) → proposed cell theory,
Rudolf Virchow (1855) → modified cell theory (Omnis cellula-e cellula).

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 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
NEET 2022
1. Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Mycoplasma can pass through less than 1 micron filter size.
Statement II: Mycoplasma are bacteria with cell wall.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate 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

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Answer: (3)
All prokaryotes have a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane except in mycoplasma.
11th NCERT, Page No. 128

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2.Which of the following statements with respect to Endoplasmic Reticulum is
incorrect?

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(1) RER has ribosomes attached to ER
(2) SER is devoid of ribosomes
(3) In prokaryotes only RER are present
(4) SER are the sites for lipid synthesis
Answer: (3) gm
The prokaryotic cells lack membrane bound organelles like the Endoplasmic Reticulum.
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11th NCERT, Page No. 126, 133

3. Match List-I with List-II.

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List-I List-II
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(a) Metacentric (i) Centromere situated close to its end forming one
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chromosome extremely short and one very long arm

(b) Acrocentric (ii) Centromere at the terminal end

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chromosome

(c) Sub-metacentric (iii) Centromere in the middle forming two equal arms of
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chromosome chromosomes
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(d) Telocentric (iv) Centromere slightly away from the middle forming one
chromosome shorter arm and one longer arm
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Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(1) (a)-(i), (b)-(ii), (c)-(iii), (d)-(iv)
(2) (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii)
(3) (a)-(i), (b)-(iii), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iv)
(4) (a)-(ii), (b)-(iii), (c)-(iv), (d)-(i)
Answer: (2)
11th NCERT, Page No. 139

NEET 2021
1. Which of the following is an incorrect statement?
(1) The perinuclear space forms a barrier between the materials present inside the nucleus
and that of the cytoplasm

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(2) Nuclear pores act as passages for proteins and RNA molecules in both directions between
nucleus and cytoplasm
(3) Mature sieve tube elements possess a conspicuous nucleus and usual cytoplasmic
organelles
(4) Microbodies are present both in plant and animal cells
Answer: (3)
Mature sieve tube elements lack nucleus.
11th NCERT, Page No. 138

2. When the centromere is situated in the middle of two equal arms of chromosomes,
the chromosome is referred as:
(1) Sub-metacentric
(2) Acrocentric

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(3) Metacentric
(4) Telocentric
Answer: (3)
11th NCERT, Page No. 139

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3. Match List-I with List–II

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List-I List-II

(a) Cristae

(b) Thylakoid
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(i) Primary constriction in chromosome

(ii) Disc-shaped sacs in Golgi apparatus

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(c) Centromere (iii) Infoldings in mitochondria
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(d) Cisternae (iv) Flattened membranous sacs in stroma of plastids

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

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

Answer: (1)
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11th NCERT, Page No. 133, 135, 136, 139

4. The organelles that are included in the endomembrane system are

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(1) Golgi complex, Endoplasmic reticulum, Mitochondria and Lysosomes

(2) Endoplasmic reticulum, Mitochondria, Ribosomes and Lysosomes
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(3) Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, Lysosomes and Vacuoles

(4) Golgi complex, Mitochondria, Ribosomes and Lysosomes
Answer: (3)
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11th NCERT, Page No. 133

NEET 2020
1. Which of the following statements about inclusion bodies is incorrect?
(1) These are involved in ingestion of food particles
(2) They lie free in the cytoplasm
(3) These represent reserve material in cytoplasm
(4) They are not bound by any membrane
Answer: (1)
Reserve material in prokaryotic cells are stored in the cytoplasm in the form of inclusion
bodies.
11th NCERT, Page No. 129

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2. Which is the important site of formation of glycoproteins and glycolipids in
eukaryotic cells?
(1) Peroxisomes
(2) Golgi bodies
(3) Polysome
(4) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: (2)
Golgi bodies are site of formation of glycoproteins and glycolipids in eukaryotic cells.
11th NCERT, Page No. 134

NEET 2019

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1. The shorter and longer arms of a submetacentric chromosome are referred to as
(1) q-arm and p-arm respectively
(2) m-arm and n-arm respectively

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(3) s-arm and l-arm respectively
(4) p-arm and q-arm respectively
Answer: (4)

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11th NCERT, Page No. 139

(1) Lysosomes have numerous hydrolytic enzymes

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2. Which of the following statements is not correct?

(2) The hydrolytic enzymes of lysosomes are active under acidic pH

(3) Lysosomes are membrane bound structures
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(4) Lysosomes are formed by the process of packaging in the endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: (4)
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Lysosomes are membrane bound vesicular structures formed by the process of packaging in
the golgi apparatus.
11th NCERT, Page No. 134
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3. Which of the following pairs of organelles does not contain DNA?

(1) Mitochondria and Lysosomes
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(2) Chloroplast and Vacuoles

(3) Lysosomes and Vacuoles
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(4) Nuclear envelope and Mitochondria

Answer: (3)
11th NCERT, Page No. 134
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4. Which of the following statements regarding mitochondria is incorrect?

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(1) Inner membrane is convoluted with infoldings.

(2) Mitochondrial matrix contains a single circular DNA molecule and ribosomes.
(3) An outer membrane is permeable to monomers of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
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(4) Enzymes of electron transport are embedded in the outer membrane.

Answer: (4)
11th NCERT, Page No. 135, 233

5. The concept of “Omnis cellula-e-cellula” regarding cell division was first proposed by
(1) Schleiden
(2) Aristotle
(3) Rudolf Virchow
(4) Theodore Schwann
Answer: (3)
11th NCERT, Page No. 126

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 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1. Given below are two statements:
Statement I:
The cell membrane of mycoplasma is surrounded by a cell wall.
Statement II:
The cell wall is a non-living rigid structure which not only provides shape to the cell but also helps
in cell-to-cell interaction.
In the light of the given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
(2) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
(3) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
(4) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 128, 132

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Correct answer: (1) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
• All prokaryotes have a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane except in mycoplasma.

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2. Identify the incorrect statement about prokaryotic cells:
(1) Chromatophores are pigment containing membranous extensions present in cyanobacteria.
(2) The plasmid DNA confers certain unique phenotypic characters to bacteria.

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(3) Glycocalyx can be present as a loose sheath (slime layer) or thick and tough (capsule).
(4) Glycogen granules are bounded by a membrane and lie free in the cytoplasm.

Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 128, 129
Correct answer: (4) is incorrect
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• Glycogen granules are not bound by any membrane system and lie free in the cytoplasm.
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3. Given below are 2 statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) & the other is labelled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Mitochondria, chloroplast and peroxisomes are not considered as a part of the
endomembrane system.
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Reason (R): The functions of the endomembrane system (endoplasmic reticulum, golgi complex,
lysosomes and vacuoles) are not co-ordinated with the above components.
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In the light of the given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) (A) is not correct but (R) is correct
(2) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
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(3) Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(4) (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
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Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 128, 132
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Correct answer: (2) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
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4. Which of the following statement is false about eukaryotic cells?

(1) Mitochondria helps in oxidative phosphorylation.
(2) Endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the synthesis of lipoproteins and glycogen.
(3) The nucleus is a single membrane structure enclosing the nucleoplasm and chromatin.
(4) The site of light and dark reactions in the plastid are grana and stroma, respectively.

Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 140
Correct answer: (3) is false
• The nucleus is a double membrane structure enclosing the nucleoplasm and chromatin.

5. Match the column I with column II and select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Column I Column II
1.Endoplasmic reticulum a. forms spindle apparatus during cell division
2. Nucleus b. divides the intracellular space into luminal and extra luminal
compartments
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 3. Centrioles c. responsible for cell movement
4. Golgi body d. controls the activities of cell organelles
5. Flagella e. membranous organelle composed of flattened sacs

(1) 1-e, 2-b, 3-d, 4-c, 5-a

(2) 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-e, 5-c
(3) 1-b, 2-d, 3-e, 4-c, 5-a
(4) 1-e, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b, 5-c

Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 133, 137, 140
Correct answer: (2) 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-e, 5-c

6. Consider the following statements about different cell organelles:

(a) The erythrocytes of many mammals and sieve tube cells of vascular plants lack nucleus.

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(b) The prokaryotic and eukaryotic flagella are structurally similar.
(c) The ‘hub’ in centriole is connected with tubules of the peripheral triplets by radial spokes.
(d) The cis and the trans faces of the golgi apparatus are similar.
Which of the above given statements are true?

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(1) only (a), (d)

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(2) only (b), (c)
(3) only (b), (d)
(4) only (a), (c)

Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 133, 137, 140
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Correct answer: (4) only (a), (c) are true
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• (b) and (d) are false.
• The prokaryotic bacteria also possess flagella but these are structurally different from that of the
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eukaryotic flagella.
• The cis and the trans faces of the golgi apparatus are entirely different, but interconnected.
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7. Given below are two statements:

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Statement I:
The number of chloroplasts varies from 1 per cell of the Chlamydomonas, a green alga to 20-40
per cell in the mesophyll.
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Statement II:
The ribosomes of the chloroplasts and cytoplasm are 80S.
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In the light of the given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
(2) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
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(3) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

(4) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
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Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 136
Correct answer: (4) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• The ribosomes of the chloroplasts are smaller (70S) than the cytoplasmic ribosomes (80S).

8. Read the following statements about cell membrane and choose the correct ones:
(a) The ratio of protein and lipid remains same in different cell types.
(b) Cholesterol is present in the cell membrane.
(c) The arrangement of lipids within the membrane is such that the polar heads are towards the
inner part.
(d) The fluid nature helps in the formation of intercellular junctions, secretion, endocytosis, etc.

(1) only (a), (c) and (d)

(2) only (b), (d)
(3) only (b), (c) and (d)
(4) only (a), (c)
Solution:
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11th NCERT, Page No. 131, 132
Correct answer: (2) only (b), (d) are correct
• (a) and (c) are incorrect.
• The ratio of protein and lipid varies considerably in different cell types.
• The arrangement of lipids within the membrane is such that the polar heads are towards the
outer sides.

9. Which of the following statement is incorrect?

(1) Cytoplasm is the main arena of cellular activities in both the plant and animal cells.
(2) The largest isolated single cell is the egg of an ostrich.
(3) Ribosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in cytoplasm, rough ER, chloroplast and
mitochondria.
(4) Human red blood cells are about 7.0 µm in diameter.

Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 126, 127

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Correct answer: (3) is incorrect
• Ribosomes are non-membrane bound organelles found in cytoplasm, rough ER, chloroplast and
mitochondria.

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10. Match the column I with column II and select the correct answer from the codes given below:

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Column I Column II
1. Inclusion bodies
2. Mesosome
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a. formed by extension of plasma membrane into the prokaryotic cell
b. occupies 90% of the volume of plant cell
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3. Sedimentation coefficient c. stores reserve material in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells
4. Vacuoles d. indirectly a measure of density and size.
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e. stores reserve material in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic and

eukaryotic cells
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(1) 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b

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(2) 1-e, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a

(3) 1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-e
(4) 1-e, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c
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Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 128, 129, 134, 136
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Correct answer: (1) 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b

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11. Given below are two statements about golgi apparatus:

Statement I:
It remains in close association with the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Statement II:
Proteins synthesised by ribosomes on endoplasmic reticulum are modified in the cisternae
before they are released from the forming face.
In the light of the given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
(2) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
(3) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
(4) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 134
Correct answer: (4) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• Proteins synthesised by ribosomes on endoplasmic reticulum are modified in the cisternae before
they are released from the trans face.

12. Select the incorrect statement about the cell membrane:

(1) It is selectively permeable to some molecules present on either side of it.
(2) The quasi-fluid nature of lipid enables lateral movement of proteins within the overall bilayer.
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(3) In active transport, molecules are transported across the membrane against their concentration gradient.
(4) Integral proteins lie on the surface of membrane.

Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 131, 132
Correct answer: (4) is incorrect
• Integral proteins are partially or totally buried in the membrane.

13. Given below are 2 statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) & the other labelled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A):
Larger and more numerous nucleoli are present in cells actively carrying out protein synthesis.
Reason (R):
Nucleolus is a site for active ribosomal RNA synthesis.
In the light of the given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) (A) is not correct but (R) is correct
(2) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

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(3) Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(4) (A) is correct but (R) is not correct

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Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 138
Correct answer: (2) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

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14. Given below are two statements:
Statement I:

Statement II: gm
The basal body is the longest portion of the bacterial flagellum.

Fimbriae are small bristle like fibres which help the bacteria to attach to the host tissues.
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In the light of the given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
(2) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
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(3) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

(4) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
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Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 129
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Correct answer: (1) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

• The filament is the longest portion and extends from the cell surface to the outside.
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15. Which of the following statement is false?

(1) Perinuclear space, forms a barrier between the materials present inside the nucleus and that of the
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cytoplasm.
(2) Flagella are comparatively longer than cilia.
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(3) Nucleus has no role in heredity.

(4) The mitochondria divide by fission.
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Solution:
11th NCERT, Page No. 135, 137, 138, 140
Correct answer: (3) is false
• Nucleus not only controls the activities of organelles but also plays a major role in heredity.

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 CRASH COURSE FOR NEET 2023
WWW.BIOMENTORS.ONLINE
KEY NOTES ON CELL THE UNIT OF LIFE
© All right reserved
1. Basic unit of life à The cell in all living organisms.
• Onion cell – Typical example of plant cell
• Human cheek cell à Typical example of animal cell
• The cell is the basic structure of organisms.
• All cells are made by other cells.
• The environment outside the cell is separated from the inside of the cell by
the cell membrane.

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• Inside some cells, parts of the cell stay separate from other parts by plasma
membranes.
2. Unicellular organisms are capable of à
o (i) independent existence and

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o (ii) performing the essential functions of life.
3. Anything less than a complete structure of a cell does not ensure independent living.
4. Cell à fundamental structural & functional unit of all living organisms.

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5. Anton Von Leeuwenhoek à first saw and described a live cell.
6. Robert Brown à discovered the nucleus.
7. CELL THEORY 1838 – 1839 à Schleiden & Schwann
o Matthias Schleiden, a German botanist gm
o Theodore Schwann , a British Zoologist,
8. Cell theory :
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o All living organisms are composed of cells and products of cells.
o All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
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9. Rudolf Virchow (1855) à Omnis cellula-e cellula

§ (New cells are formed from pre-existing cells)
10. Viruses are the biggest exception of cell theory.
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11. Type of Cells

o Membrane bound nuclei are called eukaryotic
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o Lack a membrane bound nucleus are prokaryotic.

12. The cytoplasm à main arena of cellular activities
o Various chemical reactions occur in it to keep the cell in the ‘living state’.
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13. The prokaryotic cells lack membrane bound organelles.

o Ribosomes are non-membrane bound organelles found in all cells
14. Within the cell, ribosomes are also found à in the two organelles –
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o Chloroplasts (in plants) and

o Mitochondria
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15. Animal cells contain à Another non-membrane bound organelle à centriole

o Helps in cell division.
16. Size of Cells
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o Mycoplasmas, the smallest cells, (0.3 µm in length)

o Bacteria (3 to 5 µm)
o The largest isolated single cell à Egg of an ostrich
o Human red blood cells à 7.0 µm in diameter.
o Nerve cells are the longest cells.
17. The Prokaryotic cells à
o Bacteria,
o Blue-green algae,
o Mycoplasma and PPLO (Pleuro Pneumonia
Like Organisms).
18. Prokaryotes à Multiply more rapidly than the
eukaryotic cells
19. The four basic shapes of bacteria
o Bacillus (rod like),
o Coccus (spherical),

COPYRIGHT @ BIOMENTORS CLASSES ONLINE 1

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 o Vibrio (comma shaped) and
o Spirillum (spiral).

20. All prokaryotes have a cell wall ; except mycoplasma.

21. Prokaryotes à no well-defined nucleus. ( genetic material naked, single circular
DNA)
22. Bacteria have small circular DNA outside the genomic DNA. à Plasmids.
o The plasmid DNA confers Resistance to antibiotics.

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23. Nuclear membrane is found in eukaryotes.

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24. Mesosome à Characteristic of prokaryotes.

o Infoldings of cell membrane.
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o Help in cell wall formation, DNA replication and distribution to daughter

cells.
o Also help in respiration, secretion processes, to increase the surface area of
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the plasma membrane and enzymatic content.

25. Most bacterial cells à Have a chemically complex cell envelope.
o Tightly bound three layered
o Outermost glycocalyx then cell wall and
then the plasma membrane.
o Glycocalyx à If loose sheath (slime layer)
or If thick and tough (Capsule)
26. Bacteria can be classified into two groups
o On the basis of the differences in the cell
envelopes and the manner
o Gram positive and Gram negative
bacteria.

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 27. The cell wall functions in Bacterial cell
o determines the shape of the cell
o Provides a strong structural support (prevent bursting or collapsing)
28. The plasma membrane à
o semi-permeable
o structurally similar in both prokaryotes & eukaryotes.
29. Chromatophores à present in prokaryotes like cyanobacteria,
o Membranous extensions into the cytoplasm which contain pigments.
30. Bacterial cells motility
o May be motile or non-motile.
o Thin filamentous extensions from their cell wall called flagella.
o Bacterial flagellum is composed of three parts – filament, hook and basal
body.

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o The filament is the longest portion and extends from the cell surface to the
outside.
31. Pili and Fimbriae à
o Surface structures of the bacteria

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o Do not play a role in motility.
o The pili are elongated tubular structures made of a special protein.
o The fimbriae are small bristle like fibres sprouting out of the cell.

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o Fimbriae are known to help attach the bacteria to surface
32. Ribosomes in Prokaryotes à 70s Type

o About 15 nm by 20 nm in size gm
o Associated with the plasma membrane of the cell.

o Made of two subunits - 50S and 30S units

o Site of protein synthesis.
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o Several ribosomes may attach to a single mRNA à Polyribosomes or
polysome.
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o The ribosomes of a Polysome translate the mRNA into proteins.

33. Inclusion bodies in Prokaryotic cells à
o Reserve material in the cytoplasm
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o Not bound by any membrane

o Phosphate granules, Cyanophycean granules and Glycogen granules.
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34. Gas vacuoles are found in blue green and purple and green photosynthetic bacteria.
35. The Eukaryotes includes à
o All the Protists, Plants, Animals and Fungi (4 Kingdom out of 5 are
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eukaryotic)

36. Eukaryotic cells characteristics à

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o Extensive compartmentalisation of cytoplasm (Membrane bound organelles)

o An organised nucleus with a nuclear envelope,
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o Variety of complex locomotory and cytoskeletal structures.

o Their genetic material is organised into chromosomes.
37. Cell walls, plastids and a large central vacuole à Absent in animal cells.
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38. Centrioles à Absent in almost all plant cells.

39. Most studies on the cell membrane à Human red blood cells (RBCs)

40. Cell membrane features à

o Lipid bilayer. (Polar head outer sides & hydrophobic tails inner part)
o The lipid component à Mainly phosphoglycerides.
o Also possess protein and carbohydrate.
o Membrane of the erythrocyte à 52 % protein and 40 % lipids.
o Peripheral proteins à On surface of membrane
o Integral proteins à partially or totally buried in the membrane.
41. Most accepted model of cell membrane à
o Proposed by Singer & Nicolson in 1972 (fluid mosaic model)
42. Advantage of quasi-fluid nature of lipid in membrane à
o Enables lateral movement of proteins within the overall bilayer.

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 om
o This ability to move within the
membrane is measured as its
fluidity.
o The fluid nature of the membrane

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à important for cell growth,
formation of intercellular junctions,
secretion, endocytosis, cell division

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etc.
43. Most important functions of the plasma
membrane
o Transport of the molecules across
it.
o The membrane is selectively
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permeable.
44. Transport across Membrane
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o Without any requirement of energy à Passive transport

o Neutral solutes à Simple diffusion along the concentration gradient,
o Movement of water by diffusion is called osmosis.
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o Polar molecules cannot pass through the nonpolar lipid bilayer so they
require a carrier protein of the membrane to facilitate their transport across
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the membrane.
o A few ions or molecules are transported against their concentration gradient
& energy dependent process à Active transport, e.g., Na+/K+ Pump.
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45. Cell wall features à

o Non-living rigid structure
o Outer covering for the plasma membrane of fungi and plants.
o Gives shape, protects the cell , helps in cell-to-cell interaction and provides
barrier to undesirable macromolecules.

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 o Algae cell wall à Cellulose, Galactans, Mannans and Minerals like calcium
carbonate,
o Other plants wall à cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins and proteins.
o Primary wall is capable of growth
o Secondary wall is formed on the inner side of the cell.

46. The middle lamella is a layer mainly of calcium pectate which holds or glues the
different neighbouring cells together.
47. Plasmodesmata à Connect the cytoplasm of neighbouring Plant cells
48. The endomembrane system à include endoplasmic reticulum (ER), golgi complex,
lysosomes and vacuoles.
49. Mitochondria, chloroplast and peroxisomes are not considered as part of the
endomembrane system.

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50. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) à
o Network or reticulum of tiny tubular structures
o Scattered in the cytoplasm
o Divides the intracellular space into two distinct compartments, i.e., luminal

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(inside ER) and extra luminal (cytoplasm) compartments.
o If bearing ribosomes on their surface is called rough endoplasmic reticulum
(RER).

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o In the absence of ribosomes they appear smooth ( smooth endoplasmic
reticulum)

secretion. gm
51. RER is frequently observed in the cells actively involved in protein synthesis and

o They are extensive and continuous with the outer membrane of the nucleus.
52. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the major site for synthesis of lipid.
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o In animal cells lipid-like steroidal hormones are synthesised in SER.
53. GOLGI BODIES à
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o Camillo Golgi (1898) first observed Golgi bodies

o Consist of many flat, disc-shaped sacs à Cisternae [0.5µm to 1.0µm
diameter]
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o The Golgi cisternae are concentrically arranged near the nucleus

o Have Polarity à Distinct convex cis or the forming face and concave trans or
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the maturing face.

o The cis and the trans faces of the organelle are entirely different, but
interconnected.
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o Principally performs the function of packaging materials, to be delivered

either to the intra-cellular targets or secreted outside the cell.
o Materials to be packaged in the form of vesicles from the ER fuse with the cis
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face of the golgi apparatus and move towards the maturing face. This
explains, why the golgi apparatus remains in close association with the
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endoplasmic reticulum.
54. Protein Modification in Cell à
o Proteins synthesised by ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum are
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modified in the cisternae of the Golgi apparatus before they are released from
its trans face.
o Golgi apparatus is the important site of formation of glycoproteins and
glycolipids.
55. Lysosomes
o Membrane bound vesicular structures
o Formed by the golgi apparatus.
o Very rich in almost all types of hydrolytic enzymes
o Optimally active at the acidic pH.
o Enzymes are capable of digesting carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic
acids.
56. The vacuole
o Membrane-bound space found in the cytoplasm.
o It contains water, sap, excretory product and other materials not useful for
the cell.

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 o The vacuole is bound by a single membrane called tonoplast.
o In plant cells the vacuoles can occupy up to 90 per cent of the volume of the
cell.
o In plants, the tonoplast facilitates the transport of a number of ions and
other materials against concentration gradients into the vacuole, hence their
concentration is significantly higher in the vacuole than in the cytoplasm.
o In Amoeba à the contractile vacuole is important for excretion.
o In many cells, as in protists, food vacuoles are formed by engulfing the food
particles.
55. Mitochondria features à
o Unless specifically stained, are not easily visible under the microscope.
o The number of mitochondria per cell à depending on the physiological
o In terms of shape and size also, considerable degree of variability is observed.

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o Typically it is sausage-shaped or cylindrical
o Having a diameter of 0.2-1.0µm (average 0.5µm) and length 1.0-4.1µm.
o Double membrane-bound structure
o The outer membrane and the inner membrane dividing its lumen distinctly

l.c
into two aqueous compartments, i.e., the outer compartment and the inner
compartment.
o The inner compartment is called the matrix.

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o The outer membrane forms the continuous limiting boundary of the
organelle.

crista) towards the matrix .

o The cristae increase the surface area.
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o The inner membrane forms a number of infoldings called the cristae (sing.:

o The two membranes have their own specific enzymes associated with the
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mitochondrial function.
o Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration.
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o They produce cellular energy in the form of ATP, hence they are called ‘power
houses’ of the cell.
o The matrix also possesses single circular DNA molecule, a few RNA
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molecules, ribosomes (70S) and the components required for the synthesis of
proteins.
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o The mitochondria divide by fission.

56. Plastids are found in all plant cells and in euglenoides.
o Easily observed under the microscope
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o Bear specific pigments à imparting specific colours to the plants.

o Based on the type of pigments à chloroplasts, chromoplasts and
leucoplasts.
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o The chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments à

Photosynthesis.
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o In the chromoplasts fat soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene,

xanthophylls and others are present. This gives the part of the plant a
yellow, orange or red colour.
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o The Leucoplasts à the colourless plastids ; stored nutrients:

o Leucoplast types à Amyloplasts store carbohydrates (starch), e.g., potato;
elaioplasts store oils and fats whereas the aleuroplasts store proteins.
57. Chloroplasts of the green plants
o found in the mesophyll cells of the leaves.
o Length (5-10µm) and width (2-4µm).
o 1 per cell of the Chlamydomonas, a green alga to 20-40 per cell in the
mesophyll.
o Double membrane bound; inner chloroplast membrane is relatively less
permeable.
o The space limited by the inner membrane of the chloroplast is called the
stroma.
o A number of organised flattened membranous sacs called the thylakoids, are
present in the stroma
o Thylakoids are arranged in stacks like the piles of coins called grana

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 o In addition, there are flat membranous tubules called the stroma lamellae
connecting the thylakoids of the different grana.
o The membrane of the thylakoids enclose a space called a lumen.
o The stroma of the chloroplast contains enzymes required for the synthesis of
carbohydrates and proteins.
o It also contains small, double-stranded circular DNA molecules and
ribosomes.
o Chlorophyll pigments are present in the thylakoids.
o The ribosomes of the chloroplasts à 70S type
58. Ribosomes
o Granular structures observed à
under electron microscope by
George Palade (1953).

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o Composed of ribonucleic acid
(RNA) and proteins
o Not surrounded by any
membrane.

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o The eukaryotic ribosomes are
80S while the prokaryotic
ribosomes are 70S.

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o Here ‘S’ (Svedberg’s Unit) stands
for the sedimentation coefficient;
it indirectly is a measure of
density and size.
o Both 70S and 80S ribosomes are
composed of two subunits.
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59. Cytoskeleton
o Network of filamentous proteinaceous structures
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o Present in the cytoplasm

o Involved in many functions such as mechanical support, motility,
maintenance of the shape of the cell.
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60. Cilia and Flagella

o Hair-like outgrowths of the cell membrane.
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o The prokaryotic flagella ; structurally

different from that of the eukaryotic
flagella.
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o Cilium or the flagellum à Covered with

plasma membrane.
o Their core called the axoneme, possesses a
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number of microtubules running parallel to

the long axis.
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o Arrangement of axonemal microtubules is

referred to as the 9+2 array
o Both the cilium and flagellum emerge from
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the basal bodies.

61. Centrosome and Centrioles
o Centrosome is an organelle
o Containing two cylindrical structures called
centrioles.
o Surrounded by amorphous Pericentriolar
materials.
o Both the centrioles lie perpendicular to
each other
o Organisation like the cartwheel.
o Made up of nine evenly spaced peripheral fibrils of tubulin protein.
o Each of the peripheral fibril is a triplet.
o The central part of the centriole à proteinaceous ; called the hub
o Hub is connected with tubules of the peripheral triplets by radial spokes
made of protein.

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 o The centrioles form the basal body of cilia or flagella, and spindle fibres that
give rise to spindle apparatus during cell division in animal cells.
62. Nucleus
o First described by Robert Brown
o Term chromatin given by
Flemming.
o The interphase nucleus has highly
extended nucleoprotein fibres à
Chromatin
o Nuclear envelope à Porous double
membranes with a space ;
perinuclear space
o The outer membrane à

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continuous with the ER and also
bears ribosomes
o Nuclear pores à Passages for movement of RNA and protein
in both directions; between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

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o Mature cells lack nucleus, e.g., erythrocytes and sieve tube
cells
o The nuclear matrix or the nucleoplasm contains nucleolus

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and chromatin.
o The nucleoli are spherical structures present in the
nucleoplasm.
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o The content of nucleolus is continuous with the rest of the
nucleoplasm à Not a membrane bound structure.
o Nucleolus is a site for active ribosomal RNA synthesis.
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o Larger and more numerous nucleoli à In cells actively carrying out protein
synthesis.
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63. Interphase nucleus has à

o Loose and indistinct network of nucleoprotein fibres called chromatin.
64. During cell division à Cells show structured chromosomes (Condensed chromatin)
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65. Chromatin contains à DNA, Basic proteins histones, Non-histone proteins & RNA.
66. A single human cell has approximately two metre long DNA distributed among its
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forty six (twenty three pairs) chromosomes.

67. Every chromosome essentially has a primary constriction or the centromere on the
sides of which disc shaped structures called kinetochores are present
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68. Based on the position of the centromere, the chromosomes can be classified into
four types
o The metacentric chromosome has
ni

middle centromere (equal arms)

o The sub-metacentric chromosome
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has centromere slightly away from

the middle of the chromosome (one
shorter arm and one longer arm)
sw

o The acrocentric chromosome the

centromere is situated close to its
end forming one extremely short
and one very long arm
o The telocentric chromosome has a
terminal centromere.
69. Few chromosomes have non-staining secondary constrictions at a constant location.
This gives the appearance of a small fragment called the satellite.
70. Microbodies
o Many membrane bound minute vesicles called microbodies that contain
various enzymes, are present in both plant and animal cells.
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