CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE – NEET TOPPER NOTES
The **cell** is the fundamental **structural, functional, and biological unit** of life. All living organisms
are composed of cells, and the study of cells is crucial for NEET aspirants. This chapter is extremely
important, with **8–10 questions** appearing in NEET every year.
Cell Theory
- Proposed by **Schleiden and Schwann (1839)**. - **Virchow (1855)** added the concept **“Omnis
cellula e cellula”** → new cells arise from pre-existing cells. - Modern cell theory integrates **molecular
biology** and **genetics** into the classical concept.
Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells
Feature Prokaryotic Cells Eukaryotic Cells
Size 1–10 µm 10–100 µm
Nucleus Absent Present
DNA Circular, naked Linear, with histones
Organelles Absent (except ribosomes) Present, membrane-bound
Ribosomes 70S 80S
Cell Division Binary fission Mitosis/Meiosis
Examples Bacteria, Cyanobacteria Plants, Animals, Fungi
Cell Organelles and Functions
1. **Plasma Membrane** → Selectively permeable, regulates entry and exit of materials. 2. **Nucleus**
→ Control center of the cell; contains DNA. 3. **Mitochondria** → “Powerhouse of the cell”, produces
ATP. 4. **Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)** → • **Rough ER**: Protein synthesis. • **Smooth ER**: Lipid
synthesis & detoxification. 5. **Golgi Apparatus** → Modifies, packages, and secretes proteins. 6.
**Lysosomes** → Contain hydrolytic enzymes; “suicidal bags”. 7. **Ribosomes** → Protein synthesis
(70S in prokaryotes, 80S in eukaryotes). 8. **Chloroplasts** → Photosynthesis in plant cells. 9.
**Cytoskeleton** → Provides shape, motility, and internal transport.
Mnemonic for Cell Organelles
**"Please Never Make Everyone Go Like Rabbits Climbing Coconuts"** → Plasma membrane,
Nucleus, Mitochondria, ER, Golgi, Lysosomes, Ribosomes, Chloroplast, Cytoskeleton.
Plant vs Animal Cells
Feature Plant Cells Animal Cells
Cell Wall Present (cellulose) Absent
Chloroplasts Present Absent
Vacuoles Large, central Small or absent
Centrioles Absent Present
Energy Storage Starch Glycogen
High-Yield NEET Points
- Mitochondria & chloroplasts are **semi-autonomous** (own DNA + ribosomes). - Mesosomes in
prokaryotes = infoldings of plasma membrane for respiration. - Plasmodesmata connect plant cells; gap
junctions connect animal cells. - 70S ribosomes = prokaryotes, 80S ribosomes = eukaryotes. -
Centrioles absent in plant cells but present in animal cells.
Expected NEET Questions
1. Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA. 2. Why are mitochondria called “powerhouses
of the cell”? 3. What are mesosomes and where are they found? 4. Name any two semi-autonomous
organelles. 5. Give two functions of plasmodesmata.
