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Biology Cell Structure

Asked 18 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2020

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All 18 questions

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Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells? 1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not. 2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do. 3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

2020Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In comparing plant and animal cells, it is true that plant cells have cellulose cell walls and animal cells do not. Additionally, plant cells typically have one large vacuole while animal cells have many small vacuoles. However, the statement that plant cells do not have a plasma membrane, as mentioned in statement 2, is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option (c) - 1 and 3 only.

Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because:

2013Sci & Tech
Aexposure to sunlight is prevented
Bconcentration of carbon dioxide in the environment is increased
Crate of respiration is decreased
Dthere is an increase in humidity

Explanation

In a cold chamber, fruits stored have a longer shelf life due to the decreased rate of respiration. This reduction in respiration helps control the production of ethylene, a gas that aids in the ripening process of fruits. By managing ethylene production, the fruits can be preserved for a longer period.

Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because

2013Sci & Tech
Aexposure to sunlight is prevented
Bconcentration of carbon dioxide in the environment is increased
Crate of respiration is decreased
Dthere is an increase in humidity

Explanation

Fruits stored in a cold chamber have a longer storage life because the low temperature slows down the rate of respiration in the fruits. Respiration is the process by which fruits give out ethylene gas, which aids in ripening. By reducing the rate of respiration, the cold chamber helps to control the production of ethylene, thus prolonging the storage life of the fruits.

With reference to 'stem cells', frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only. 2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs. 3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

2012Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The use of stem cells, which are often mentioned in the news, has multiple applications. They are not limited to mammals and can be used for both screening new drugs and medical therapies. The correct statement is that stem cells can be used for both screening new drugs and for medical therapies.

Which one of the following groups of animals reproduces only by sexual reproduction?

2005Sci & Tech
ACtenophora
BCnidaria
CPorifera
DProtozoa

Explanation

Comb jellies, also known as Ctenophores, exclusively reproduce through sexual reproduction.

Assertion (A): Amoeba reproduces by fission. Reason (R): All unicellular organisms reproduce by asexual methods.

2005Sci & Tech
ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

In the case of Amoeba, it is correct that it reproduces through fission (Assertion A is true). However, it is not accurate that all unicellular organisms reproduce through asexual methods (Reason R is false).

A man whose blood group is not known meets with a serious accident and needs blood transfusion immediately. Which one of the blood groups mentioned below and readily available in the hospital will be safe for transfusion?

2001Sci & Tech
AO, Rh–
BO, Rh+
CAB, Rh–
DAB, Rh+

Explanation

In a situation where a person's blood group is unknown and urgent blood transfusion is required due to a serious accident, the safest blood group to transfuse is O, Rh–, which is known as the universal blood donor type. This is because O– blood group lacks both A and B antigens on the red blood cells.

Metastasis is the process by which

2001Sci & Tech
Acells divide rapidly under the influence of drugs
Bcancer cells spread through the blood or lymphatic system to other sites or organs
Cthe chromosomes in cells nuclei are attached to the spindle before moving to the anaphase poles
Dcancer cells are successfully inhibited to divide any further

Explanation

Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the original site to other areas or organs in the body, such as the brain or liver.

Which organelle in the cell, other than nucleus, contains DNA?

2001Sci & Tech
ACentriole
BGolgi apparatus
CLysosome
DMitochondrion

Explanation

In addition to the nucleus, the mitochondrion is the organelle in the cell that contains DNA. Both plant chloroplasts and animal cells also have DNA in mitochondria.

Which of the following cell organelles play the most significant role in protein synthesis?

2001Sci & Tech
ALysosome and Centrosome
BEndoplasmic reticulum and Ribosome
CGolgi apparatus and Mitochondria
DLysosome and Mitochondria

Explanation

The key organelles involved in protein synthesis are the Ribosome and Endoplasmic Reticulum. The Ribosome acts as the main location where proteins are synthesized, while the Endoplasmic Reticulum provides a platform for this process to occur efficiently.

The cellular and molecular control of programmed cell death is known as

2001Sci & Tech
Aapoptosis
Bageing
Cdegeneration
Dnecrosis

Explanation

Apoptosis refers to the regulated cell death in living organisms. This process takes place as part of the routine maintenance of cells in multicellular organisms.

Canola refers to certain varieties of

2000Sci & Tech
Amustard
Bmaize
Ccotton
Dsoybean

Explanation

Canola is a type of mustard or rapeseed that has been specifically bred to have a low erucic acid content, making it suitable for producing edible oil.

Which one of the following statements regarding starch and cellulose is not correct?

1998Sci & Tech
ABoth of them are of plant origin
BBoth of them are polymers
CBoth of them give colour with iodine
DBoth of them are made up of glucose molecules

Explanation

Starch and cellulose are both plant-derived polymers made up of glucose molecules. However, it is incorrect to say that both of them give a blue-black color with iodine. In reality, only starch reacts with iodine to produce this distinct color, while cellulose does not show any color change when exposed to iodine.

The complete conversion of glucose, in the presence of oxygen, into carbon dioxide and water with release of energy is called

1998Sci & Tech
Aaerobic respiration
Banaerobic respiration
Cglycolysis
Dhydrolysis

Explanation

Aerobic respiration refers to the process where glucose is fully converted into carbon dioxide and water in the presence of oxygen, leading to the release of energy.

Proteins are made up of

1997Sci & Tech
AAmino acids
BFatty acids
CNucleic acids
DNucleotides

Explanation

Proteins are complex organic compounds consisting of amino acids connected by peptide bonds.

Match List-I (Physiological processes) with List-II (Cell organelles) and select the correct answer using the codes given below: List-I: A. Photosynthesis B. Mineral uptake C. Respiration D. Protein synthesis | List-II: 1. Plasma membrane 2. Chloroplast 3. Mitochondria 4. Ribosomes

1996Sci & Tech
AA-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
BA-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
CA-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
DA-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Explanation

In this biology question, we have to match physiological processes with the corresponding cell organelles. Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, mineral uptake occurs through the plasma membrane, respiration happens in mitochondria, and protein synthesis is carried out by ribosomes. The correct match is Photosynthesis-Chloroplasts, Mineral uptake-Plasma membrane, Respiration-Mitochondria, and Protein synthesis-Ribosomes, which corresponds to option (a).

Which one of the following is a membrane that protects the developing embryo from desiccation?

1995Sci & Tech
AAmnion
BAllantois
CChorion
DYolk sac

Explanation

The amnion is a protective membrane that shields the developing embryo from drying out through a fluid-filled area known as the amniotic cavity.

The Nobel Prize for deciphering the language of bee was awarded to:

1995Sci & Tech
AH.G. Khurana
BK.V. Frisch
CJuliane Huxley
DDorothy Hodgkins

Explanation

Karl von Frisch was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in decoding the language of bees.