Cell Theory & Overview — NEET Biology MCQs with Solutions
Free NEET Biology Cell Theory & Overview MCQs with step-by-step solutions (6 questions). Part of Cell: The Unit of Life. Practise online on Prepizo — no login needed.
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Questions with solutions
Q1 — Cell Theory & Overview · easy · theory
The cell theory (Schleiden & Schwann, modified by Virchow) states that:
A. Cells cannot divide
B. All living organisms are made of cells, and new cells arise from pre-existing cells ✓ Correct
C. Cells arise from non-living matter
D. Only plants are made of cells
Solution: Virchow added "Omnis cellula-e cellula" — every cell comes from a pre-existing cell.
Q2 — Cell Theory & Overview · easy · theory
The scientist who first observed and named "cells" (in cork) was:
A. Rudolf Virchow
B. Anton von Leeuwenhoek
C. Robert Brown
D. Robert Hooke ✓ Correct
Solution: Robert Hooke (1665) observed dead cork cells; Leeuwenhoek first saw living cells.
Q3 — Cell Theory & Overview · medium · theory
The nucleus was discovered by ______, who described it in the cell:
A. Schleiden
B. Robert Hooke
C. Schwann
D. Robert Brown ✓ Correct
Solution: Robert Brown (1831) discovered the nucleus.
Q4 — Cell Theory & Overview · medium · theory
An exception to the cell theory (cells with a nucleus) among the following is that RBCs of mammals and sieve tube cells:
A. Lack a nucleus at maturity yet are living ✓ Correct
B. Have two nuclei
C. Are prokaryotic
D. Are not cells
Solution: Mature mammalian RBCs and phloem sieve tubes are enucleate yet living — apparent exceptions handled by cell theory.
Q5 — Cell Theory & Overview · hard · theory
Which statement about cell size and shape is CORRECT?
A. Cell size and shape are related to their function (e.g. nerve cells are long) ✓ Correct
B. Shape has no relation to function
C. All cells are the same size
D. Larger cells always divide faster
Solution: Cells vary greatly in size and shape according to function — bacteria are ~µm, nerve cells can be very long.
Q6 — Cell Theory & Overview · hard · theory
The generalisation "cells are the basic structural and functional units of life" implies that:
A. Anything less than a complete cell cannot ensure independent living ✓ Correct
B. Tissues are the smallest living units
C. Organelles are alive independently
D. Viruses are cells
Solution: A cell is the smallest unit capable of independent existence; sub-cellular fragments cannot live on their own.