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All questions of Cytology for UPSC CSE Exam

Name an Organelle which serves as a primary packaging area for molecules that will be distributed throughout the cell?
  • a)
    Mitochondria
  • b)
    Plastids
  • c)
    Golgi apparatus
  • d)
    Vacuole
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Golgi apparatus is also known as  Golgi complex or Golgi body. It is an organelle that serves as a primary packaging area for molecules that will be distributed throughout the cell.  It is located in the cytoplasm next to the endoplasmic reticulum and near the nucleus of the cell. 

What is the function of Lysosome?
  • a)
    Protein synthesis
  • b)
    Processing and packaging 
  • c)
    Intracellular digestion
  • d)
    Synthesis of fat
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that are capable of breaking down biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acid, carbohydrates, and lipids.  

The jelly-like substance present inside the cell is known as:
  • a)
    Cytoplasm
  • b)
    Ectoplasm
  • c)
    Nucleoplasm
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Asha Kumar answered
Understanding Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance found inside cells, playing a crucial role in cellular function.
Key Features of Cytoplasm:
- Definition: Cytoplasm is the material within a cell, excluding the nucleus. It consists of a gel-like fluid known as cytosol, along with various organelles and structures.
- Composition: Primarily composed of water, salts, and organic molecules, cytoplasm contains enzymes and other substances essential for metabolic reactions.
- Function:
- Site for Metabolism: Many biochemical processes occur in the cytoplasm, including glycolysis, where glucose is broken down for energy.
- Structural Support: It helps maintain the shape of the cell and provides a medium for organelles to be suspended and interact.
- Transport: Cytoplasm facilitates the movement of materials around the cell, aiding in cellular communication and nutrient distribution.
Other Cell Components:
- Ectoplasm: Refers to the outer layer of the cytoplasm in certain cells, particularly in amoebae, playing a role in movement.
- Nucleoplasm: This is the substance within the nucleus, distinct from the cytoplasm, containing chromatin and the nucleolus.
Conclusion:
In summary, the jelly-like substance found inside the cell is cytoplasm, which is essential for various cellular functions, providing a medium for metabolic activities while supporting organelles. Understanding cytoplasm is fundamental in the study of cell biology, especially for fields related to health and medicine.

A substance that is more than 80% in the cell is?
  • a)
    Proteins
  • b)
    Fat
  • c)
    Mineral
  • d)
    water
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The substance that is more than 80% in the cell is (d) water. Water is the most abundant substance in cells, typically making up around 70-90% of the total cell mass. It is essential for various cellular processes and acts as a medium for chemical reactions, helps maintain cell shape, and facilitates the transport of nutrients and waste products. While proteins, fats, minerals, and other molecules are also present in cells, water is the predominant component.

In the following given options, What is the importance of mitosis cell division? 
  • a)
    Increase cellular mass
  • b)
    Swift division
  • c)
    Occur in energy tissue of the body
  • d)
    Producing cell genetically similar to the parent cell
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Shubham Ghosh answered
Importance of Mitosis Cell Division:
Mitosis is a type of cell division that is crucial for various functions in multicellular organisms. The importance of mitosis cell division lies in the following key aspects:

Producing genetically similar cells:
- Mitosis ensures that the daughter cells produced are exact copies of the parent cell. This is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in the body. It allows for the transmission of genetic information from one generation of cells to the next, ensuring that the new cells have the same genetic material as the original cell.

Ensuring tissue integrity:
- By producing genetically identical cells, mitosis helps in maintaining the integrity and stability of tissues and organs in the body. This is important for the proper functioning of various physiological processes and the overall health of the organism.

Facilitating growth and development:
- Mitosis plays a crucial role in growth and development by allowing for the increase in cell number. This is essential for the organism to reach its full size and for the formation of new tissues and organs.

Repairing damaged tissues:
- Mitosis is essential for the repair of damaged tissues in the body. By producing new cells that are genetically identical to the damaged ones, mitosis helps in replacing the injured or dead cells and restoring the normal function of the tissue.
In conclusion, mitosis cell division is of utmost importance for the growth, development, repair, and maintenance of tissues in multicellular organisms. It ensures the production of genetically similar cells, which is essential for the proper functioning and integrity of the body.

Name the process in which the ingestion of material by the cells is done through the plasma membrane?
  • a)
    Egestion
  • b)
    Diffusion
  • c)
    Osmosis
  • d)
    Endocytosis
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Endocytosis is the process in which the ingestion of material by the cells is done through the plasma membrane. Or we can say that it is the process of actively transporting molecules into the cell by engulfing it with its membrane.

Which among the following sentence is not correct about the organelles?
  • a)
    They are found in all Eukaryotic cells.
  • b)
    They are found in multicellular organisms.
  • c)
    They coordinate to produce the cell.
  • d)
    They are small sized and mostly internal.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Organelles are found in all Eukaryotic cells. They coordinate to produce the cell. They are small-sized and mostly internal. Organelle, any of specialised structures inside a cell that perform a specific function (e.g. mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum). Organelles in unicellular organisms are the equivalent of organs in multicellular organisms.

Which one can respire in absence of oxygen?
  • a)
    Seed
  • b)
    Leaves
  • c)
    Stem
  • d)
    Root
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Respiration at the cellular level may be aerobic or anaerobic. When there is an absence of oxygen the respiration that occurs is called anaerobic respiration.

Blue-green Algae are:
  • a)
    Prokaryotes
  • b)
    Eukaryotes
  • c)
    Both a) and b)
  • d)
    Neither a) nor b)
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Bhavana Yadav answered
Understanding Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae, scientifically known as cyanobacteria, are a significant group of microorganisms with unique characteristics.
Prokaryotic Nature
- Blue-green algae are classified as prokaryotes, which means they lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- They possess a simple cell structure compared to eukaryotes, which have complex cellular organizations.
Photosynthetic Capability
- These organisms are photosynthetic, utilizing sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen through the process of photosynthesis.
- Their ability to produce oxygen contributed significantly to the Earth’s atmosphere billions of years ago.
Diverse Habitats
- Blue-green algae can thrive in various environments, including freshwater, saltwater, and moist terrestrial ecosystems.
- They often form blooms in nutrient-rich waters, which can lead to ecological imbalances.
Ecological Importance
- As primary producers, blue-green algae play a crucial role in aquatic food chains.
- They contribute to nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil and water bodies with essential nutrients.
Health and Environmental Concerns
- Some species of blue-green algae produce toxins that can adversely affect aquatic life and human health.
- Monitoring and managing algal blooms are essential for maintaining ecosystem balance and public safety.
In conclusion, blue-green algae are prokaryotic organisms with significant ecological roles and unique characteristics that distinguish them from eukaryotic organisms.

Which of the following given options, the cellular and molecular control of programmed cell death called?
  • a)
    Apoptosis
  • b)
    Ageing
  • c)
    Degeneration
  • d)
    Necrosis
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Understanding Programmed Cell Death
Programmed cell death is a crucial biological process that allows cells to self-destruct in a controlled manner. This mechanism is essential for maintaining homeostasis and proper functioning of organisms.
What is Apoptosis?
- Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death characterized by specific cellular changes.
- It is a highly regulated process involving a cascade of molecular signals.
- Key features include cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation.
Significance of Apoptosis
- Development: Apoptosis is vital during embryonic development, helping shape organs and tissues.
- Cellular Maintenance: It removes damaged, dysfunctional, or potentially harmful cells, protecting the organism from diseases like cancer.
- Immune Response: Apoptosis plays a role in eliminating immune cells that are no longer needed after an infection.
Contrast with Other Forms of Cell Death
- Necrosis: Unlike apoptosis, necrosis is an uncontrolled form of cell death resulting from acute cellular injury, leading to inflammation.
- Degeneration: This refers to a decline in cell function and structure, which may not involve programmed processes.
- Ageing: While apoptosis is involved in ageing, it is not synonymous with it. Ageing encompasses a broader range of biological changes.
Conclusion
In summary, apoptosis is the key process of programmed cell death, distinguished by its orderly and controlled nature. Understanding apoptosis aids in comprehending various biological phenomena, including development, tissue homeostasis, and disease prevention.

Name an organism that contains a single chromosome and cell division occurs through fission or budding?
  • a)
    Eukaryotes
  • b)
    Prokaryotes
  • c)
    Bacteria
  • d)
    Primitive organism
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Disha Singh answered
Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes are organisms that lack a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They contain a single circular chromosome and cell division in prokaryotes occurs through fission or budding.
Cell Division in Prokaryotes
- Prokaryotic cells divide through a process called binary fission.
- In binary fission, the single circular chromosome replicates, and the two copies attach to the cell membrane.
- The cell then elongates and the membrane grows inward, eventually dividing the cell into two daughter cells.
Examples of Prokaryotes
- Bacteria are the most well-known example of prokaryotes.
- They are found in various environments such as soil, water, and even inside the human body.
- Bacteria reproduce rapidly through binary fission, allowing them to adapt quickly to changing environments.
Significance of Prokaryotes
- Prokaryotes play crucial roles in various ecosystems.
- They are involved in processes such as decomposition, nitrogen fixation, and nutrient cycling.
- Some prokaryotes are also used in biotechnology and medicine for the production of antibiotics and vaccines.
In conclusion, prokaryotes are organisms that contain a single chromosome and undergo cell division through fission or budding. They are diverse and abundant in nature, playing essential roles in various biological processes.

Name the outermost boundary of the cell?
  • a)
    Plasma membrane
  • b)
    Cytoplasm
  • c)
    Nuclear membrane
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Plasma Membrane is the outermost boundary of the cell. It is also known as the cell membrane. It is the membrane found in all cells that separate the interior of the cell from the outside environment. A cell wall is attached to the plasma membrane on its outside surface in bacterial and plant cells.

Cell theory was put forward by?
  • a)
    Schleiden and Schwann
  • b)
    Sutton and Boveri
  • c)
    Watson and  crick 
  • d)
    Darwin
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The correct answer is (a) Schleiden and Schwann. The cell theory was proposed by Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann in the 1830s. Schleiden, a botanist, and Schwann, a zoologist, independently observed and studied various plant and animal tissues and concluded that all living organisms are composed of cells. They proposed that cells are the basic units of structure and function in living organisms, and that cells arise from pre-existing cells through cell division. Their work laid the foundation for modern cell biology and is considered one of the fundamental principles of biology.
 
 

Which of the following given options is the plant cell wall mainly consisting of?
  • a)
    Lipids
  • b)
    Vitamin
  • c)
    Cellulose
  • d)
    Protein
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The correct answer is (c) Cellulose.
The plant cell wall is primarily composed of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate. Cellulose is a polysaccharide made up of glucose units arranged in a linear fashion, forming long chains. These chains are interconnected to form a rigid and strong network, providing structural support to plant cells.
Lipids, such as fats and oils, are not a major component of the plant cell wall. Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for various metabolic processes and are not a primary component of the cell wall. Proteins are present in the cell wall, but they are not the main constituent.
Therefore, cellulose is the main component of the plant cell wall.

The site of cellular respiration is?
  • a)
    Golgi bodies
  • b)
    Ribosome
  • c)
    Lysosome
  • d)
    Mitochondria
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The enzymatic reaction of cellular respiration begins in the cytoplasm, but most of the reaction occurs in the  Mitochondria.

What is the full form of RNA? 
  • a)
    Ribonitric  acid
  • b)
    Ribonutrient acid
  • c)
    Ribonucleic acid
  • d)
    Reverse nucleic acid
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ribonucleic acid is a polymeric molecule essential in various biological roles in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Which of the following given factors are responsible for the transportation of molecules through cell walls?
  • a)
    Amount of water.
  • b)
    Size of molecules.
  • c)
    pH 
  • d)
    Air
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The factor responsible for the transportation of molecules through cell walls is the size of molecules.
Cell walls, which are present in plant cells, provide structural support and protection to the cell. They are composed of cellulose and other polysaccharides, forming a rigid structure that restricts the passage of large molecules.
The movement of molecules through cell walls occurs via specialized structures called plasmodesmata, which are small channels that connect adjacent plant cells. These channels allow for the transport of small molecules, such as ions, sugars, and hormones, between cells.
Factors like the amount of water, pH, and air do not directly influence the transportation of molecules through cell walls. However, these factors can indirectly affect cellular processes and functions, which may subsequently impact the movement of molecules within cells.

In the following given options, Name the longest cell in a human body.
  • a)
    Nerve cell
  • b)
    Liver cell
  • c)
    Muscles cell
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The correct answer is (a) Nerve cell.
Nerve cells, also known as neurons, are the longest cells in the human body. They can extend from the spinal cord to the toes or from the base of the brain to the fingertips. Neurons have long, slender projections called axons that allow them to transmit electrical signals over long distances. These axons can vary in length, with some reaching several feet in adult humans.
While liver cells (hepatocytes) and muscle cells (myocytes) can also be quite long, they typically do not extend as far as nerve cells. However, it's important to note that cell length can vary depending on the specific location and function within the body.

Which of the following cell organelles form the lysosome?
  • a)
    Nucleus 
  • b)
    Endoplasmic reticulum
  • c)
    Ribosome
  • d)
    Golgi bodies 
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Lysosomes are small vesicles containing hydrolytic enzymes and surrounded by a single membrane of up to 100nm thickness. They are formed by the Golgi apparatus and contain some 60 different types of acid hydrolyses for the digestion of various materials.

Where is situated in the Molecular and Cellular research center?
  • a)
    Mumbai
  • b)
    Kolkata
  • c)
    Bangalore
  • d)
    Hyderabad
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

CCMB is an Indian fundamental life science research establishment located in Hyderabad that operates under the aegis of the council of scientific and Industrial Research.

What is a powerhouse of cells?
  • a)
    Golgi bodies
  • b)
    Nucleolus
  • c)
    Mitochondria
  • d)
    Ribosome
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The correct answer is (c) Mitochondria.
Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of cells. They are membrane-bound organelles found in the cells of most eukaryotic organisms. Mitochondria are responsible for generating most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the molecule that provides energy for cellular activities. ATP is produced through a process called cellular respiration, which takes place in the mitochondria.
The structure of mitochondria includes an outer membrane, an inner membrane, and a fluid-filled space called the matrix. The inner membrane is folded into structures called cristae, which increase the surface area available for ATP production. Mitochondria contain their own DNA and can replicate independently within the cell.
Due to their crucial role in energy production, mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of cells. They are particularly abundant in cells that have high energy requirements, such as muscle cells and cells involved in active transport processes.

Who discovered cell in 1665?
  • a)
    Robert Hook
  • b)
    Robert Crook
  • c)
    David Thomson
  • d)
    Marie Francois
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

In 1665, the cell was first discovered by Robert Hooke. The cell has a rich and interesting history that has ultimately provided the way to various scientific advancements of today.

Which organelles in the cell, then the nucleus, contain DNA?
  • a)
    Centriole
  • b)
    Golgi  Apparatus
  • c)
    Lysosome
  • d)
    Mitochondria
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The correct answer is (d) Mitochondria.
Mitochondria are organelles found in eukaryotic cells that contain their own DNA. This DNA is known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and is separate from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus. Mitochondria have their own genetic material because they are believed to have originated from free-living bacteria that were engulfed by ancient eukaryotic cells through a process called endosymbiosis.
The other organelles mentioned, namely centriole, Golgi apparatus, and lysosome, do not contain DNA. Centrioles are involved in cell division and are composed of microtubules. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for processing and packaging proteins, while lysosomes are involved in cellular digestion and waste disposal. However, none of these organelles contain DNA.

Which of the following function does not takes place in absence of ribosome in a cell?
  • a)
    Respiration 
  • b)
    Exertion
  • c)
    Protein synthesis
  • d)
     Carbohydrates synthesis
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The correct answer is (c) Protein synthesis.
Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis in a cell. They are involved in the translation of mRNA (messenger RNA) into proteins. In the absence of ribosomes, protein synthesis cannot occur efficiently or at all. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
On the other hand, the functions mentioned in the other options can still occur in the absence of ribosomes:
(a) Respiration: Cellular respiration is the process of generating energy (ATP) from organic molecules. It primarily occurs in the mitochondria, which are separate organelles and not directly dependent on ribosomes.
(b) Exertion: It is unclear what is meant by "exertion" in the context of cellular functions. If it refers to cellular activities, such as movement or transport processes, those functions can be carried out by various other organelles and molecular mechanisms that are not strictly dependent on ribosomes.
(d) Carbohydrate synthesis: The synthesis of carbohydrates, such as glucose, occurs through various metabolic pathways that do not directly involve ribosomes. These pathways, such as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, are enzymatic reactions that take place in the cytoplasm and other cellular compartments.

Enzymes are? 
  • a)
    Lipids 
  • b)
    Proteins
  • c)
    Steroids
  • d)
    Carbohydrates
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts in various chemical reactions within living organisms. They are typically composed of chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
Proteins are macromolecules made up of one or more polypeptide chains, and enzymes fall into this category. The specific sequence and arrangement of amino acids in an enzyme's structure give it its unique three-dimensional shape, which is crucial for its function.
Enzymes play a vital role in speeding up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur. They facilitate biochemical reactions in cells, including processes like digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication.
While lipids, steroids, and carbohydrates are essential components of living organisms, enzymes themselves are specifically classified as proteins due to their primary composition and structural characteristics.

The energy currency of the cell is?
  • a)
    AMP
  • b)
    ATP
  • c)
    RNA
  • d)
    DNA
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The energy currency of the cell is (b) ATP, which stands for adenosine triphosphate. ATP is a molecule that stores and releases energy in cells. It is commonly referred to as the "energy currency" because it is involved in various cellular processes that require energy, such as muscle contraction, active transport of molecules across cell membranes, and synthesis of macromolecules. When ATP is hydrolyzed, breaking one of its phosphate bonds, it releases energy that can be used by the cell to perform work.

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