100+ Cell Biology MCQs with Answers for Exam Preparation

Introduction

Cell Biology is the cornerstone of understanding life at its most fundamental level, exploring the structure, function, and interactions of cells—the basic units of life. For students preparing for competitive exams like NEET, AIIMS, SSC, UPSC, or general knowledge quizzes, mastering Cell Biology MCQs is essential. This comprehensive collection of 100+ Cell Biology MCQs with answers and one-line explanations is designed to help students test their knowledge, reinforce key concepts, and excel in examinations. Sourced from authentic platforms like Sanfoundry, BYJU’S, and Vedantu, these questions cover critical topics such as cell structure, organelles, cell division, and molecular processes. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, these Cell Biology MCQs will enhance your preparation and boost your confidence.

Cell Biology MCQs with Answers and Explanations

  1. What is the smallest and basic unit of life?
    a) Tissue
    b) Cell
    c) Organ
    d) Molecule
    Answer: b) Cell
    Explanation: A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of life, responsible for all life processes.
  2. Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Mitochondria
    c) Lysosome
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: b) Mitochondria
    Explanation: Mitochondria produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration.
  3. Which cell organelle is absent in animal cells but present in plant cells?
    a) Centrosome
    b) Cell Wall
    c) Lysosome
    d) Mitochondria
    Answer: b) Cell Wall
    Explanation: The cell wall, made of cellulose, provides structural support in plant cells but is absent in animal cells.
  4. What is the primary component of the plant cell wall?
    a) Chitin
    b) Cellulose
    c) Peptin
    d) Lignin
    Answer: b) Cellulose
    Explanation: Cellulose is a polysaccharide that forms the rigid structure of the plant cell wall.
  5. Which organelle is called the suicidal bag of the cell?
    a) Lysosome
    b) Mitochondria
    c) Endoplasmic Reticulum
    d) Nucleus
    Answer: a) Lysosome
    Explanation: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down waste, earning them the nickname “suicidal bags.”
  6. Which cell organelle is involved in protein synthesis?
    a) Ribosome
    b) Golgi Apparatus
    c) Mitochondria
    d) Peroxisome
    Answer: a) Ribosome
    Explanation: Ribosomes are the sites where amino acids are assembled into proteins.
  7. Who proposed the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane?
    a) Schleiden and Schwann
    b) Singer and Nicolson
    c) Watson and Crick
    d) Robert Hooke
    Answer: b) Singer and Nicolson
    Explanation: The fluid mosaic model, proposed in 1972, describes the cell membrane as a flexible lipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
  8. Which organelle is responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells?
    a) Mitochondria
    b) Chloroplast
    c) Lysosome
    d) Vacuole
    Answer: b) Chloroplast
    Explanation: Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which captures light energy for photosynthesis.
  9. Which cell organelle does not contain DNA?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Mitochondria
    c) Lysosome
    d) Chloroplast
    Answer: c) Lysosome
    Explanation: Lysosomes lack DNA, unlike mitochondria and chloroplasts, which have their own genetic material.
  10. What is the jelly-like substance inside the plasma membrane?
    a) Nucleoplasm
    b) Cytoplasm
    c) Protoplasm
    d) Matrix
    Answer: b) Cytoplasm
    Explanation: Cytoplasm is the gel-like medium where organelles are suspended and cellular processes occur.
  11. Which cell organelle is involved in lipid synthesis?
    a) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
    b) Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
    c) Golgi Apparatus
    d) Lysosome
    Answer: b) Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
    Explanation: The smooth ER synthesizes lipids, including phospholipids and steroids.
  12. What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Packaging and modification of proteins
    c) Energy production
    d) Waste digestion
    Answer: b) Packaging and modification of proteins
    Explanation: The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or use within the cell.
  13. Which structure in a prokaryotic cell contains genetic material?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Nucleoid
    c) Ribosome
    d) Plasmid
    Answer: b) Nucleoid
    Explanation: Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus; their DNA is located in a region called the nucleoid.
  14. Which process divides the cytoplasm during cell division?
    a) Mitosis
    b) Meiosis
    c) Cytokinesis
    d) Binary Fission
    Answer: c) Cytokinesis
    Explanation: Cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm to form two daughter cells after nuclear division.
  15. Which organelle is involved in the formation of the spindle during cell division?
    a) Centriole
    b) Ribosome
    c) Lysosome
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: a) Centriole
    Explanation: Centrioles organize microtubules to form the spindle apparatus during cell division.
  16. What is the site of ribosomal RNA synthesis?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Nucleolus
    c) Cytoplasm
    d) Endoplasmic Reticulum
    Answer: b) Nucleolus
    Explanation: The nucleolus, within the nucleus, is where rRNA is synthesized and ribosomes are assembled.
  17. Which type of cell lacks a defined nucleus?
    a) Eukaryotic
    b) Prokaryotic
    c) Plant
    d) Animal
    Answer: b) Prokaryotic
    Explanation: Prokaryotic cells have a nucleoid instead of a membrane-bound nucleus.
  18. What is the main component of the fungal cell wall?
    a) Cellulose
    b) Chitin
    c) Peptidoglycan
    d) Lignin
    Answer: b) Chitin
    Explanation: Chitin, a polysaccharide, forms the rigid cell wall of fungi.
  19. Which organelle is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances?
    a) Lysosome
    b) Peroxisome
    c) Mitochondria
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: b) Peroxisome
    Explanation: Peroxisomes break down toxic substances like hydrogen peroxide.
  20. What is the name of the process by which cells engulf large particles?
    a) Phagocytosis
    b) Pinocytosis
    c) Exocytosis
    d) Diffusion
    Answer: a) Phagocytosis
    Explanation: Phagocytosis is the process of engulfing large particles, like bacteria, by cells.
  21. Which molecule is the primary energy currency of the cell?
    a) ADP
    b) ATP
    c) NADP
    d) Glucose
    Answer: b) ATP
    Explanation: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) provides energy for cellular processes.
  22. Which cell organelle is involved in autophagy?
    a) Lysosome
    b) Mitochondria
    c) Nucleus
    d) Ribosome
    Answer: a) Lysosome
    Explanation: Lysosomes degrade damaged organelles and molecules during autophagy.
  23. What is the main function of the vacuole in plant cells?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Storage
    c) Energy production
    d) Cell division
    Answer: b) Storage
    Explanation: Vacuoles store nutrients, waste products, and maintain turgor pressure in plant cells.
  24. Which scientist discovered the cell in 1665?
    a) Matthias Schleiden
    b) Theodor Schwann
    c) Robert Hooke
    d) Rudolf Virchow
    Answer: c) Robert Hooke
    Explanation: Robert Hooke observed cork cells under a microscope and coined the term “cell.”
  25. What is the function of the nucleoplasm?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) DNA replication and transcription
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) DNA replication and transcription
    Explanation: Nucleoplasm contains DNA and supports replication and transcription processes.
  26. Which organelle is involved in vesicle transport?
    a) Endoplasmic Reticulum
    b) Golgi Apparatus
    c) Lysosome
    d) Peroxisome
    Answer: b) Golgi Apparatus
    Explanation: The Golgi apparatus packages proteins into vesicles for transport.
  27. What is the primary source of energy for Earth’s climate system?
    a) Sunlight
    b) Glucose
    c) ATP
    d) Oxygen
    Answer: a) Sunlight
    Explanation: Sunlight drives photosynthesis, which supports cellular energy production.
  28. Which process converts molecular nitrogen into inorganic compounds?
    a) Nitrification
    b) Nitrogen Fixation
    c) Denitrification
    d) Ammonification
    Answer: b) Nitrogen Fixation
    Explanation: Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds like ammonia.
  29. Which organelle is not part of the endomembrane system?
    a) Endoplasmic Reticulum
    b) Golgi Apparatus
    c) Mitochondria
    d) Lysosome
    Answer: c) Mitochondria
    Explanation: Mitochondria have their own membranes and are not part of the endomembrane system.
  30. What is the role of the centrosome in animal cells?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Microtubule organization
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Waste digestion
    Answer: b) Microtubule organization
    Explanation: The centrosome organizes microtubules, aiding in cell division and structure.
  31. Which type of RNA carries amino acids to the ribosome?
    a) mRNA
    b) tRNA
    c) rRNA
    d) snRNA
    Answer: b) tRNA
    Explanation: Transfer RNA (tRNA) transports amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis.
  32. What is the main component of the bacterial cell wall?
    a) Cellulose
    b) Peptidoglycan
    c) Chitin
    d) Lignin
    Answer: b) Peptidoglycan
    Explanation: Peptidoglycan provides structural support to bacterial cell walls.
  33. Which organelle is responsible for modifying proteins after translation?
    a) Ribosome
    b) Golgi Apparatus
    c) Nucleus
    d) Mitochondria
    Answer: b) Golgi Apparatus
    Explanation: The Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins for their final destinations.
  34. Which structure in the cell is responsible for cell-to-cell adhesion?
    a) Desmosome
    b) Tight Junction
    c) Gap Junction
    d) Plasmodesmata
    Answer: a) Desmosome
    Explanation: Desmosomes anchor adjacent cells together, providing structural stability.
  35. What is the primary function of chloroplasts in plant cells?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Photosynthesis
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Waste digestion
    Answer: b) Photosynthesis
    Explanation: Chloroplasts convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
  36. Which cell organelle is involved in programmed cell death?
    a) Mitochondria
    b) Lysosome
    c) Nucleus
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: a) Mitochondria
    Explanation: Mitochondria release factors that trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death).
  37. What is the function of the kinetochore during cell division?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Microtubule attachment
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) Microtubule attachment
    Explanation: The kinetochore attaches chromosomes to spindle microtubules during mitosis.
  38. Which molecule is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain?
    a) Oxygen
    b) Glucose
    c) ATP
    d) NADH
    Answer: a) Oxygen
    Explanation: Oxygen accepts electrons in the mitochondrial electron transport chain to form water.
  39. Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes?
    a) Lysosome
    b) Peroxisome
    c) Mitochondria
    d) Nucleus
    Answer: a) Lysosome
    Explanation: Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.
  40. What is the primary role of the endoplasmic reticulum?
    a) Energy production
    b) Protein and lipid synthesis
    c) Waste digestion
    d) Cell division
    Answer: b) Protein and lipid synthesis
    Explanation: The ER synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER) for cellular use.
  41. Which process involves the division of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?
    a) Cytokinesis
    b) Mitosis
    c) Meiosis
    d) Binary Fission
    Answer: b) Mitosis
    Explanation: Mitosis divides the nucleus to ensure each daughter cell receives identical DNA.
  42. What is the role of the nucleoid in prokaryotic cells?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) DNA storage
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) DNA storage
    Explanation: The nucleoid contains the prokaryotic cell’s genetic material.
  43. Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing ribosomal subunits?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Nucleolus
    c) Ribosome
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: b) Nucleolus
    Explanation: The nucleolus assembles ribosomal subunits from rRNA and proteins.
  44. What is the primary function of microfilaments in the cell?
    a) Cell motility
    b) Protein synthesis
    c) Energy production
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: a) Cell motility
    Explanation: Microfilaments, made of actin, support cell shape and movement.
  45. Which molecule acts as a template for protein synthesis?
    a) DNA
    b) mRNA
    c) tRNA
    d) rRNA
    Answer: b) mRNA
    Explanation: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes.
  46. Which organelle is involved in the formation of lysosomes?
    a) Endoplasmic Reticulum
    b) Golgi Apparatus
    c) Mitochondria
    d) Nucleus
    Answer: b) Golgi Apparatus
    Explanation: The Golgi apparatus packages enzymes into lysosomes for cellular digestion.
  47. What is the role of the stroma in chloroplasts?
    a) Light absorption
    b) CO2 fixation
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Lipid synthesis
    Answer: b) CO2 fixation
    Explanation: The stroma contains enzymes for the Calvin cycle, which fixes CO2 into sugars.
  48. Which structure allows communication between plant cells?
    a) Desmosome
    b) Tight Junction
    c) Plasmodesmata
    d) Gap Junction
    Answer: c) Plasmodesmata
    Explanation: Plasmodesmata are channels that allow molecules to pass between plant cells.
  49. Which phase of the cell cycle involves DNA replication?
    a) G1 Phase
    b) S Phase
    c) G2 Phase
    d) M Phase
    Answer: b) S Phase
    Explanation: The S phase is when DNA is replicated to prepare for cell division.
  50. What is the role of the centriole in animal cells?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Spindle formation
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Waste digestion
    Answer: b) Spindle formation
    Explanation: Centrioles organize the spindle fibers during mitosis in animal cells.
  51. Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of steroids?
    a) Smooth ER
    b) Rough ER
    c) Golgi Apparatus
    d) Lysosome
    Answer: a) Smooth ER
    Explanation: The smooth ER synthesizes steroids and detoxifies drugs.
  52. What is the main function of the nucleolus?
    a) DNA replication
    b) Ribosome assembly
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Lipid synthesis
    Answer: b) Ribosome assembly
    Explanation: The nucleolus assembles ribosomal subunits for protein synthesis.
  53. Which process produces gametes in animals?
    a) Mitosis
    b) Meiosis
    c) Cytokinesis
    d) Binary Fission
    Answer: b) Meiosis
    Explanation: Meiosis reduces chromosome number to produce haploid gametes.
  54. What is the function of the cell membrane?
    a) Energy production
    b) Selective permeability
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: b) Selective permeability
    Explanation: The cell membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
  55. Which organelle is involved in the breakdown of fatty acids?
    a) Lysosome
    b) Peroxisome
    c) Mitochondria
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: b) Peroxisome
    Explanation: Peroxisomes metabolize fatty acids and detoxify peroxides.
  56. What is the role of the cytoskeleton in cells?
    a) Energy production
    b) Structural support
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: b) Structural support
    Explanation: The cytoskeleton maintains cell shape and facilitates movement.
  57. Which molecule is the genetic material in most organisms?
    a) RNA
    b) DNA
    c) Protein
    d) Lipid
    Answer: b) DNA
    Explanation: DNA stores genetic information and directs cellular functions.
  58. Which organelle is responsible for ATP production in eukaryotic cells?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Mitochondria
    c) Lysosome
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: b) Mitochondria
    Explanation: Mitochondria generate ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
  59. What is the role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
    a) Lipid synthesis
    b) Protein synthesis
    c) Energy production
    d) Waste digestion
    Answer: b) Protein synthesis
    Explanation: The rough ER, studded with ribosomes, synthesizes proteins for export.
  60. Which structure in the cell is responsible for DNA packaging?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Chromosome
    c) Nucleoid
    d) Ribosome
    Answer: b) Chromosome
    Explanation: Chromosomes organize and package DNA in eukaryotic cells.
  61. What is the primary function of gap junctions?
    a) Cell adhesion
    b) Cell communication
    c) Structural support
    d) Nutrient storage
    Answer: b) Cell communication
    Explanation: Gap junctions allow the passage of small molecules between adjacent cells.
  62. Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of carbohydrates?
    a) Chloroplast
    b) Mitochondria
    c) Lysosome
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: a) Chloroplast
    Explanation: Chloroplasts synthesize carbohydrates during photosynthesis.
  63. What is the role of the nuclear envelope?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) DNA protection
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) DNA protection
    Explanation: The nuclear envelope encloses and protects the cell’s genetic material.
  64. Which process involves the uptake of liquids by the cell?
    a) Phagocytosis
    b) Pinocytosis
    c) Exocytosis
    d) Diffusion
    Answer: b) Pinocytosis
    Explanation: Pinocytosis is the engulfment of liquids or small solutes by the cell.
  65. What is the function of the thylakoid in chloroplasts?
    a) CO2 fixation
    b) Light absorption
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Lipid synthesis
    Answer: b) Light absorption
    Explanation: Thylakoids contain chlorophyll, which captures light for photosynthesis.
  66. Which cell organelle is involved in the formation of cilia and flagella?
    a) Centriole
    b) Ribosome
    c) Lysosome
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: a) Centriole
    Explanation: Centrioles form the basal bodies of cilia and flagella.
  67. What is the primary role of the ribosome in the cell?
    a) Energy production
    b) Protein synthesis
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: b) Protein synthesis
    Explanation: Ribosomes translate mRNA into proteins.
  68. Which structure is responsible for the formation of the cleavage furrow in animal cells?
    a) Microtubules
    b) Actin filaments
    c) Intermediate filaments
    d) Centrioles
    Answer: b) Actin filaments
    Explanation: Actin filaments form the contractile ring during cytokinesis in animal cells.
  69. What is the function of the cell plate in plant cells?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Cell division
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) Cell division
    Explanation: The cell plate forms the new cell wall during cytokinesis in plant cells.
  70. Which organelle is involved in the transport of molecules through nuclear pores?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Nuclear envelope
    c) Nucleolus
    d) Ribosome
    Answer: b) Nuclear envelope
    Explanation: The nuclear envelope contains pores that regulate molecular transport.
  71. What is the primary function of the TCA cycle?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Energy production
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: b) Energy production
    Explanation: The TCA (Krebs) cycle generates energy-rich molecules like NADH and FADH2.
  72. Which molecule is the primary component of the plasma membrane?
    a) Protein
    b) Phospholipid
    c) Carbohydrate
    d) Nucleic acid
    Answer: b) Phospholipid
    Explanation: Phospholipids form the bilayer structure of the plasma membrane.
  73. What is the role of the peroxisome in lipid metabolism?
    a) Lipid synthesis
    b) Lipid breakdown
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: b) Lipid breakdown
    Explanation: Peroxisomes break down fatty acids through beta-oxidation.
  74. Which process involves the division of a single cell into two identical daughter cells?
    a) Meiosis
    b) Mitosis
    c) Cytokinesis
    d) Apoptosis
    Answer: b) Mitosis
    Explanation: Mitosis ensures identical genetic material is distributed to daughter cells.
  75. What is the function of the nucleosome in eukaryotic cells?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) DNA packaging
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) DNA packaging
    Explanation: Nucleosomes, formed by histones, compact DNA into chromatin.
  76. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of rRNA?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Nucleolus
    c) Ribosome
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: b) Nucleolus
    Explanation: The nucleolus transcribes rRNA genes for ribosome assembly.
  77. What is the primary function of the lysosome in animal cells?
    a) Energy production
    b) Waste digestion
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Lipid synthesis
    Answer: b) Waste digestion
    Explanation: Lysosomes degrade waste materials and cellular debris.
  78. Which molecule is the primary source of energy for cellular respiration?
    a) Glucose
    b) ATP
    c) Oxygen
    d) NADH
    Answer: a) Glucose
    Explanation: Glucose is broken down during cellular respiration to produce ATP.
  79. What is the role of the centriole during mitosis?
    a) DNA replication
    b) Spindle formation
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Lipid synthesis
    Answer: b) Spindle formation
    Explanation: Centrioles organize microtubules into the mitotic spindle.
  80. Which structure in the cell is responsible for the synthesis of ATP?
    a) Nucleus
    b) Mitochondria
    c) Lysosome
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: b) Mitochondria
    Explanation: Mitochondria produce ATP through the electron transport chain.
  81. What is the primary function of the cell wall in algae?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Structural support
    c) Energy production
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: b) Structural support
    Explanation: The algal cell wall, often made of polysaccharides, provides structural support.
  82. Which process involves the reduction of chromosome number by half?
    a) Mitosis
    b) Meiosis
    c) Cytokinesis
    d) Binary Fission
    Answer: b) Meiosis
    Explanation: Meiosis produces gametes with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.
  83. What is the role of the nuclear lamina?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Nuclear structure support
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) Nuclear structure support
    Explanation: The nuclear lamina provides structural support to the nuclear envelope.
  84. Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of glycoproteins?
    a) Rough ER
    b) Golgi Apparatus
    c) Lysosome
    d) Mitochondria
    Answer: b) Golgi Apparatus
    Explanation: The Golgi apparatus adds carbohydrate groups to proteins to form glycoproteins.
  85. What is the primary function of the microfilaments in the cytoskeleton?
    a) Cell motility
    b) DNA replication
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: a) Cell motility
    Explanation: Microfilaments, made of actin, facilitate cell movement and shape changes.
  86. Which molecule is the primary component of ribosomes?
    a) DNA
    b) RNA
    c) Protein
    d) Lipid
    Answer: b) RNA
    Explanation: Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
  87. What is the role of the proton motive force in mitochondria?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) ATP production
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: b) ATP production
    Explanation: The proton motive force drives ATP synthesis in the mitochondria.
  88. Which structure is responsible for the formation of the cell plate in plant cells?
    a) Golgi Apparatus
    b) Mitochondria
    c) Lysosome
    d) Nucleus
    Answer: a) Golgi Apparatus
    Explanation: The Golgi apparatus forms vesicles that create the cell plate during plant cell division.
  89. What is the primary function of the tight junction?
    a) Cell communication
    b) Cell adhesion
    c) Prevent leakage
    d) Structural support
    Answer: c) Prevent leakage
    Explanation: Tight junctions seal adjacent cells to prevent leakage of molecules.
  90. Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of chlorophyll?
    a) Chloroplast
    b) Mitochondria
    c) Lysosome
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: a) Chloroplast
    Explanation: Chloroplasts synthesize chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis.
  91. What is the role of the nuclear pore complex?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Molecular transport
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) Molecular transport
    Explanation: Nuclear pores regulate the transport of molecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
  92. Which process involves the breakdown of glucose to produce ATP?
    a) Photosynthesis
    b) Cellular Respiration
    c) Protein Synthesis
    d) DNA Replication
    Answer: b) Cellular Respiration
    Explanation: Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to generate ATP.
  93. What is the primary function of the intermediate filaments in the cytoskeleton?
    a) Cell motility
    b) Structural support
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) Structural support
    Explanation: Intermediate filaments provide mechanical strength to cells.
  94. Which organelle is involved in the detoxification of drugs?
    a) Lysosome
    b) Smooth ER
    c) Mitochondria
    d) Golgi Apparatus
    Answer: b) Smooth ER
    Explanation: The smooth ER detoxifies drugs and synthesizes lipids.
  95. What is the role of the centrosome in cell division?
    a) DNA replication
    b) Spindle organization
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Lipid synthesis
    Answer: b) Spindle organization
    Explanation: The centrosome organizes microtubules into the mitotic spindle.
  96. Which molecule is the primary component of chromatin?
    a) DNA
    b) RNA
    c) Protein
    d) Lipid
    Answer: a) DNA
    Explanation: Chromatin is composed of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.
  97. What is the primary function of the lysosome in phagocytosis?
    a) Energy production
    b) Digestion of engulfed particles
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Lipid synthesis
    Answer: b) Digestion of engulfed particles
    Explanation: Lysosomes fuse with phagosomes to digest engulfed materials.
  98. Which process involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template?
    a) Replication
    b) Transcription
    c) Translation
    d) Reverse Transcription
    Answer: b) Transcription
    Explanation: Transcription produces RNA using a DNA template in the nucleus.
  99. What is the role of the contractile ring in animal cells?
    a) DNA replication
    b) Cytokinesis
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Lipid synthesis
    Answer: b) Cytokinesis
    Explanation: The contractile ring, made of actin and myosin, divides the cytoplasm during cytokinesis.
  100. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of phospholipids?
    a) Rough ER
    b) Smooth ER
    c) Golgi Apparatus
    d) Lysosome
    Answer: b) Smooth ER
    Explanation: The smooth ER synthesizes phospholipids for membrane formation.

Additional Cell Biology MCQs

  1. What is the primary function of the Calvin cycle in chloroplasts?
    a) Light absorption
    b) CO2 fixation
    c) Protein synthesis
    d) Lipid synthesis
    Answer: b) CO2 fixation
    Explanation: The Calvin cycle uses CO2 to produce glucose during photosynthesis.
  2. Which structure in the cell is responsible for protein folding?
    a) Ribosome
    b) Endoplasmic Reticulum
    c) Lysosome
    d) Nucleus
    Answer: b) Endoplasmic Reticulum
    Explanation: The rough ER assists in folding proteins synthesized by ribosomes.
  3. What is the primary function of the nuclear matrix?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Structural support
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) Energy production
    Answer: b) Structural support
    Explanation: The nuclear matrix organizes chromatin and supports nuclear structure.
  4. Which process involves the movement of molecules from high to low concentration?
    a) Active Transport
    b) Diffusion
    c) Phagocytosis
    d) Pinocytosis
    Answer: b) Diffusion
    Explanation: Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules down a concentration gradient.
  5. What is the role of the cristae in mitochondria?
    a) Protein synthesis
    b) Increase surface area
    c) Lipid synthesis
    d) DNA replication
    Answer: b) Increase surface area
    Explanation: Cristae increase the surface area for ATP production in mitochondria.

Conclusion

This collection of 100+ Cell Biology MCQs with answers and concise explanations is a valuable resource for students aiming to excel in competitive exams and enhance their general knowledge in biology. Covering essential topics like cell structure, organelles, and cellular processes, these Cell Biology MCQs provide a comprehensive tool for revision and self-assessment. By practicing these questions, students can strengthen their understanding of cell biology and boost their confidence for exams like NEET, SSC, and UPSC. Keep exploring Cell Biology MCQs to stay ahead in your preparation and master the science of life at the cellular level.

Disclaimer

The following Cell Biology MCQs are compiled for educational purposes to aid students in preparing for various competitive examinations. While the content is sourced from authentic and reliable platforms, users are advised to cross-verify answers with standard textbooks or consult subject experts for accuracy. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors or discrepancies in the content or for any consequences arising from its use.

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