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NEET Biology: Cell theory and basic unit of life Practice Questions

15 free multiple-choice questions on Cell theory and basic unit of life (Cell Structure and Function) for NEET Biology, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.

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  1. Q1. Who proposed the concept that all living organisms are composed of cells?

    • ASchwann
    • BRobert Hooke
    • CRudolf Virchow
    • DSchleiden
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — Schleiden

    Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann are credited with proposing the cell theory, stating that all plants and animals are made up of cells.

  2. Q2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a living cell?

    • APresence of a cell membrane
    • BPresence of organelles
    • CComplete absence of DNA
    • DPresence of cytoplasm
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — Complete absence of DNA

    Living cells must contain DNA and organelles. The absence of DNA means it cannot be a living cell.

  3. Q3. The concept that 'all living organisms are composed of cells' is primarily attributed to which scientist?

    • ARobert Hooke
    • BTheodor Schwann
    • CRudolf Virchow
    • DAntonie van Leeuwenhoek
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — Theodor Schwann

    The principle that living organisms are composed of cells was a major part of the work done by Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann.

  4. Q4. Which postulate of the Cell Theory states that all post-fertilization cells arise from pre-existing cells?

    • ACells are the basic unit of life.
    • BCells possess the same basic chemical composition.
    • CAll cells arise from pre-existing cells.
    • DAll living organisms are made of cells.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

    This postulate, introduced by Rudolf Virchow, is crucial: *Omnis cellula e cellula*, meaning all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

  5. Q5. The Cell Theory primarily deals with which aspect of biology?

    • AThe classification of organisms
    • BThe interaction of cells with the environment
    • CThe mechanism of evolution
    • DThe structure and organization of life at the cellular level
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — The structure and organization of life at the cellular level

    The Cell Theory focuses specifically on the structure, properties, and organization of cells as the fundamental unit of life.

  6. Q6. Which type of cell lacks a true, membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles?

    • AAnimal cell
    • BPlant cell
    • CEukaryotic cell
    • DProkaryotic cell
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — Prokaryotic cell

    Prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) are characterized by the absence of a true, membrane-bound nucleus, which distinguishes them from eukaryotic cells.

  7. Q7. Which process is essential for the survival and growth of all living cells?

    • ARespiration
    • BPhotosynthesis
    • CProtein synthesis
    • DDNA transcription
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Respiration

    Cellular respiration (the process of energy release) is crucial for providing the energy necessary for all metabolic activities and survival of the cell.

  8. Q8. What is the primary role of the cytoplasm in a cell?

    • ATo provide the site for most metabolic reactions.
    • BTo provide structural rigidity.
    • CTo regulate cell division exclusively.
    • DTo store genetic material only.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — To provide the site for most metabolic reactions.

    The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance filling the cell, where most of the metabolic reactions of the cell occur.

  9. Q9. The concept that all living organisms are made up of cells is a core principle of which of the following theories?

    • AGerm Theory of Disease
    • BCell Theory
    • CEvolution Theory
    • DNatural Selection
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — Cell Theory

    The Cell Theory is the fundamental concept stating that the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

  10. Q10. Which statement correctly describes the relationship between the cell and the basic unit of life?

    • AThe cell is the only living entity.
    • BThe cell is merely a chemical compound.
    • CThe cell is the sum total of all organelles.
    • DThe cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.

    The cell is the fundamental, basic structural and functional unit required for any organism to be considered alive.

  11. Q11. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, are characterized by the absence of which structure found in eukaryotic cells?

    • ACytoplasm
    • BPlasma membrane
    • CWell-defined nucleus
    • DRibosomes
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — Well-defined nucleus

    Prokaryotic cells lack a true, membrane-bound nucleus, which is characteristic of eukaryotic cells.

  12. Q12. Which of the following statements accurately represents the fundamental postulates of the modern Cell Theory?

    • AThe cell theory primarily deals with the process of osmosis and tonicity in biological systems.
    • BCells are the basic unit of structure and function in all living organisms, but not all cells are eukaryotic.
    • CAll living organisms are composed of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
    • DOnly plant cells possess the characteristic membrane-bound organelles necessary for life.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — All living organisms are composed of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

    The modern Cell Theory is based on three main postulates: 1) All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. 2) The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. 3) All cells arise from pre-existing cells (omnis cellula e cellula). Option A accurately captures these fundamental principles.

  13. Q13. Which of the following statements best describes the contribution of Rudolf Virchow to Cell Theory?

    • AHe observed the existence of living cells in tissues.
    • BHe proposed that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
    • CHe established the theory of spontaneous generation.
    • DHe discovered the structure of the cell wall.
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — He proposed that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

    Rudolf Virchow added the crucial concept that cells arise only from pre-existing cells (Omnis cellula e cellula), completing the Cell Theory.

  14. Q14. Which scientist is credited with formulating the principle that all living organisms are composed of cells?

    • AMatthias Schleiden
    • BRobert Hooke
    • CRudolf Virchow
    • DAntonie van Leeuwenhoek
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Matthias Schleiden

    Matthias Schleiden, a botanist, is credited with establishing the first main postulate of the Cell Theory, stating that all plants are made of cells.

  15. Q15. What is the basic unit of structure and function that makes up all living organisms?

    • AOrgan
    • BCell
    • CTissue
    • DNucleus
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — Cell

    The cell is universally recognized as the fundamental and basic unit of life, performing all life processes.

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