Careers360 Logo
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter 8 Cell The Unit Of Life

NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter 8 Cell The Unit Of Life

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Apr 24, 2025 06:13 PM IST

Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life of the NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions: Cell: The Unit of Life presents the basic idea that all living things are made up of cells, which are the building blocks of life. The chapter starts with the cell's discovery by Robert Hooke and the establishment of the Cell Theory by Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow. It also draws attention to cell shape and size diversity, highlighting that cell structure directly correlates with function. The chapter also distinguishes prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells, explaining that prokaryotic cells have no true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus and other organelles.

This Story also Contains
  1. Detailed Answers to the NCERT Exemplar for Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life (Multiple Choice Questions)
  2. Access Answers to Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology (Very Short Answer)
  3. Find Answers to Class 11 Science NCERT Exemplar Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life (Short Answer)
  4. Get Answers to Class 11 Biology NCERT Exemplar Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life (Long Answer)
  5. Most Important Questions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life
  6. Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life
  7. What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?
  8. NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter Wise
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter 8 Cell The Unit Of Life
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter 8 Cell The Unit Of Life

This chapter of NCERT Exemplar classifies organisms as unicellular and multicellular, discussing how some organisms consist of one cell while others consist of many cells. Essential cell organelles like the plasma membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, lysosomes, and chloroplasts are explained in detail, along with their respective functions. This chapter is also important for understanding cellular structure, functions, and the basic principles of life. Also, check NCERT Class 11 Biology Solutions for other chapters.

Background wave

Detailed Answers to the NCERT Exemplar for Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life (Multiple Choice Questions)

Question:1

A common characteristic feature of plant sieve tube cells and most of mammalian erythrocytes
a) Absence of mitochondria
b) Presence of cell wall
c) Presence of haemoglobin
d) Absence of nucleus

Answer: The answer is the option (d) Absence of nucleus
Explanation: Sieve tubes are one of the components of phloem, and they do not contain a nucleus. In a similar manner, erythrocytes in mammalian cells also do not contain a nucleus.

Question:2

Select one which is not true for ribosome
a) Made of two subunits
b) Form polysome
c) May attach to mRNA
d) Have no role in protein synthesis

Answer: The answer is the option (d) Have no role in protein synthesis
Explanation: Ribosomes are known to be the protein factory, and they have an especially important role in the photosynthesis of plants. Other statements are correct.

Question:3

Which one of these is not a eukaryote?
a) Euglena
b) Anabaena
c) Spirogyra
d) Agaricus

Answer: The answer is the option (b) Anabaena
Explanation: Anabaena belongs to the Monera kingdom, which has a unicellular prokaryotic arrangement. Others show eukaryotic features.

Question:4

Which of the following stains is not used for staining chromosomes?
a) Basic Fuchsin
b) Safranin
c) Methylene blue
d) Carmine

Answer: The answer is the option (b) Safranin
Explanation: Safranin is used as a counterstain for endospore staining and gram staining. It can also be used for staining cartilage and mast cell granule. Other stains are used for staining chromosomes and nuclei.

Question:5

Different cells have different sizes. Arrange the following cells in ascending order of their size. Choose the correct option among the following: -
a) Mycoplasma
b) Ostrich eggs
c) Human RBC
d) Bacteria
Options:
(a) (i), (iv), (iii) & (ii)
(b) (i), (iii), (iv) & (ii)
(c) (ii), (i), (iii) & (iv)
(d) (iii), (ii), (i) & (iv)

Answer: The answer is the option (a) (i), (iv), (iii) & (ii)
Explanation: In ascending order, Mycoplasma is 0.3 microns in length and therefore the smallest. The Ostrich egg is the largest living cell and is huge. Bacteria are 3-5 microns in length while RBCs are 7 microns in length.

Question:6

Which of the following features is common to prokaryotes and many eukaryotes?
a) Chromatin material present
b) Cell wall present
c) Nuclear membrane present
d) Membrane-bound sub-cellular organelles present

Answer: The answer is the option (a) Chromatin material present
Explanation: Option (c) and option (d) are absent in prokaryotes and option (b) is absent in eukaryotes.
So, option (a), chromatin material is common to both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Question:7

Who proposed the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?
a) Camillo Golgi
b) Schleiden and Schwann
c) Singer and Nicolson
d) Robert Brown

Answer: The answer is the option (c), Singer and Nicolson
Explanation: The Golgi Complex was discovered by Camillo Golgi, cell theory was proposed by Schleiden and Schwann, and Robert Brown was the first who attempted to describe the nucleus.

Question:8

Which of the following statements is true for a secretory cell?
a) Golgi apparatus is absent
b) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) is easily observed in the cell
c) Only Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) is present
d) Secretory granules are formed in the nucleus.

Answer: The answer is an option (b) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) is easily observed in the cell
Explanation: RER is easily observed in the cells that are involved in secretion and protein synthesis. Other options are incorrect as the Golgi apparatus is not present in a secretory cell, SER is present with RER in a secretory cell, and no secretory granules are formed in the nucleus

Question:9

What is a tonoplast?
a) Outer membrane of mitochondria
b) Inner membrane of chloroplast
c) Membrane boundary of the vacuole of plant cells
d) Cell membrane of a plant cell

Answer: The answer is the option (c) Membrane boundary of the vacuole of plant cells
Explanation: In a plant cell, the vacuole is bound by a single membrane boundary called a tonoplast.

Question:10

Which of the following is not true of a eukaryotic cell?
a) The cell wall is made up of peptidoglycans
b) It has 80S type of ribosome present in the cytoplasm
c) Mitochondria contain circular DNA
d) Membrane bound organelles are present

Answer: The answer is the option (a) Cell wall is made up of peptidoglycans
Explanation: Cellulose makes the cell walls in a eukaryotic cell.

Question:11

Which of the following statements is not true for plasma membrane?
a) It is present in both plant and animal cell
b) Lipid is present as a bilayer in it
c) Proteins are present integrated as well as loosely associated with the lipid bilayer
d) Carbohydrate is never found in it

Answer: The answer is the option (d) Carbohydrate is never found in it
Explanation: On carrying out a biochemical investigation on the plasma membrane, it was found that the two biochemical components that is found in the membrane are protein and carbohydrates. Other statements are true.

Question:12

Plastid differs from mitochondria on the basis of one of the following features. Mark the right answer.
a) Presence of two layers of membrane
b) Presence of ribosome
c) Presence of thylakoids
d) Presence of DNA

Answer: The answer is the option (c) Presence of thylakoids
Explanation: Thylakoids are the structural elements of chloroplast found in the plastids and not in mitochondria. Other options are common to both plastids and mitochondria.

Question:13

Which of the following is not a function of cytoskeleton in a cell?
a) Intracellular transport
b) Maintenance of cell shape and structure
c) Support of the organelle
d) Cell motility

Answer: The answer is the option (a) Intracellular transport
Explanation: Cytoskeleton consists of microtubules and microfilaments that are responsible for intercellular movement and not intracellular.

Question:14

The stain used to visualize mitochondria is
a) Fast green
b) Safranin
c) Aceto carmine
d) Janus green

Answer:

The answer is the option (d) Janus green
Explanation: Janus green is a basic vital stain that is used to demonstrate mitochondria as the oxidation-reduction site in the cell. When the stain reacts with oxygen, it changes its colour to blue.

Access Answers to Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology (Very Short Answer)

Question:1

What is the significance of vacuole in a plant cell?

Answer: Vacuole helps in maintaining the balance of cell fluids and the shape of the cell by maintaining its turgidity.

Question:2

What does ‘S’ refer to in the 70S & an 80S ribosome?

Answer: The letter ‘S’ in ribosomes refers to Svedberg’s unit, which is used to measure the sedimentation coefficient. In cells, the higher the sediment coefficient, the heavier the structure.

Question:3

Mention a single membrane-bound organelle which is rich in hydrolytic enzymes.

Answer: Lysosomes are rich in hydrolytic enzymes like hydrolase, proteases, carbohydrates, and lipases.

Question:4

What are gas vacuoles? State their functions.

Answer: Gas vacuoles are air vacuoles that are freely permeable to gas. They are present only in prokaryotes. It stores metabolic gases and also helps prokaryotic organisms in regulating buoyancy.

Question:5

What is the function of a polysome?

Answer: Polysome is made up of a cluster of ribosomes that are held together by a strand of messenger RNA (mRNA) in a rosette or helical group. They facilitate the translation of genetic code and play a vital role in the formation of multiple copies of the same polypeptide.

Question:6

What is the feature of a metacentric chromosome?

Answer: In the metacentric chromosome, the centromere lies in the middle of the chromosome, forming two equal arms of a chromosome.

Question:7

What is referred to as the satellite chromosome?

Answer: Chromosomes with secondary constrictions at certain Locations formed by chromatin thread are called satellite chromosomes.

Find Answers to Class 11 Science NCERT Exemplar Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life (Short Answer)

Question:1

Discuss briefly the role of nucleolus in the cells actively involved in protein synthesis.

Answer: Nucleolus consists of DNA, RNA, and proteins. It is also called the ribosome factory. It receives and stores ribosomal proteins that are produced in the cytoplasm. These ribosomal proteins are the sites for protein synthesis in a cell.

Question:2

Explain the association of carbohydrates to the plasma membrane and its significance.

Answer: Sugar residues attach with proteins or lipids in the plasma membrane, which can give rise to structures in short chains. They may be involved in cell recognition giving rise to different blood antigens, i.e. AB and O due to differences in the arrangement of carbohydrates on the surface of RNA. Cell surface differences that are related to the characteristic surface because of carbohydrate components also play a vital role in the specificity of cell action with bacteria, drugs, viruses, and hormones.

Question:3

Comment on the cartwheel structure of centriole.

Answer: Centrosome consists of two cylindrical structures called centrioles. Both centrioles lie perpendicular to each other in which each appears like a cartwheel.

The centrioles are made up of nine peripheral fibrils of tubulin protein that are evenly spaced. The peripheral fibrils come in triplets, and all the adjacent triplets are linked to each other. The central portion of the proximal region of the centriole contains proteins and is called the hub. The hub is connected to the peripheral triplets with the help of radial spokes that are also proteinaceous.

Question:4

Briefly describe the cell theory.

Answer:

The Cell Theory was first proposed by Schleiden and Schwann in 1838-39. In their theory, they stated that

(1) all living beings are products that are formed by one or more cells.

(2) cells are the structural and functional units of life. A third statement was added to this theory by the works of Nagelli and Virchow. The cell theory was thus expanded to three statements –

(1) All living beings are products that are formed by one or more cells.
(2) Cells are the structural and functional units of life.
(3) new cells come from pre-existing cells.
In the modern cell theory, other points were also added. Some of them are-
(4) The basic composition is the same in all the cells.
(5) Energy flows occur in the cell.

Only viruses are an exception to this Cell Theory as they are not made up of cells but of DNA and RNA materials.

Question:5

Differentiate between Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) and Smooth

Answer:

RER

SER

(i) Ribosomes are attached to the surface of RER, giving them a rough appearance.

(i) Ribosomes are not attached to the surface and hence are smooth.

(ii) It takes an active part in synthesizing proteins and enzymes.

(ii) It takes part in the synthesis of lipids, glycogen, and steroids.


Question:6

Give the biochemical composition of the plasma membrane. How are lipid molecules arranged in the membrane?

Answer:

Chemical composition of the plasma membrane can be summed up like 20-79% lipids, 20-70% proteins, 1-5% carbohydrates and 20% water.

Lipids are one of the major components that form the plasma membrane. The lipid molecules contain polar hydrophilic (water-loving), and non-polar hydrophobic (water-resisting) ends. The hydrophilic part forms the head of the molecule and the hydrophobic part forms two tails of the molecule. The tails are found near the centre of the membrane.

Question:7

What are plasmids? Describe their role in bacteria?

Answer:

The bacterial cell consists of genomic DNA as well as a small circular DNA. This circular DNA is a plasmid which is used to transfer information from one cell to another. The plasmid is used to track bacterial transformation with foreign DNA. It develops unique phenotype characteristics in the bacteria like the resistance to antibiotics. It also enables the bacterial cell to metabolize nutrients. It also facilitates the conjugation of bacteria. In modern experiments, plasmids are used to develop cloning vectors.

Question:8

What are histones? What are their functions?

Answer:

Histones are a type of protein that is highly alkaline due to the high content of basic amino acids- arginine and lysine. They are found in chromosomal material in the nucleus of the eukaryotic cell. Histones facilitate the formation of nucleosomes—a segment of DNA coils around these histones thus making more space for DNA to fit in. A 1.8 m strand of DNA gets wound up around histones to make a structure of 90 microns in size.

Get Answers to Class 11 Biology NCERT Exemplar Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life (Long Answer)

Question:1

What structural and functional attributes must a cell have to be called a living cell?

Answer:
Structural and functional attributes that a cell must have to be called a living cell are:

  • Plasma Membrane: A cell should have a plasma membrane because, without it, there will be no container to hold the contents of the cell, and cells will not have any independent existence.

Functional Attributes of Plasma Membrane: The plasma membrane should not be fully permeable or impermeable; rather, it should be selectively permeable to allow the exchange of important materials between the cell and its environment.

  • Protoplasm: Protoplasm is the living material in a cell which contains all other important organelles of a cell which is required for life to continue. If protoplasm dries up, the cell becomes dead just like the sclerenchyma cells.

  • Endoplasmic Reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum is the main site of protein and lipid synthesis and secretion. Without the endoplasmic reticulum, cells will not get the required material for its development and will die.


Mitochondria are not mandatory organelles for all living cells like Red Blood Cells do not contain mitochondria still they are living cells. In the same way, prokaryotes also do not have mitochondria still they are living cells. The nucleus is also not a mandatory requirement for all living cells. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus.

Question:2

Briefly give the contributions of the following scientists in formulating the cell theory.
a) Rudolf Virchow
b) Schleiden and Schwann

Answer:
The Cell Theory was first proposed by Schleiden and Schwann in 1838-39. In their theory, they stated that
(1) All living beings are products that are formed by one or more cells.
(2) Cells are the structural and functional units of life.
A third statement was added to this theory by the works of Rudolf Virchow. The cell theory was thus expanded to three statements –

(1) All living beings are products that are formed by one or more cells.
(2) Cells are the structural and functional units of life.
(3) New cells come from pre-existing cells. The last statement was the contribution of Virchow who through his experimentation, proved that cells arise from the pre-existing cell and not through crystallization as was proposed by Schleiden and Schwann earlier.

All three scientists helped in paving the way to formulate the modern cell theory. The main points of the modern version of cell theory are-
(1) All living beings are made from one or more cells.
(2) Cells are formed from the pre-existing cell.
(3) The cell is the functional and structural unit of life.
(4) Energy flows within cells.
(5) All cells have the same basic composition.

Question:3

Is extra genomic DNA present in prokaryotes and eukaryotes? If yes, indicate their location in both types of organisms.

Answer:

Yes, extra genomic DNA is present in prokaryotes as well as in eukaryotes.
Extra Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes: In prokaryotes, circular DNA is the plasmid which is used to transfer information from one cell to another. The plasmid is used to track bacterial transformation with foreign DNA. It develops unique phenotype characteristics in the bacteria like the resistance to antibiotics. It also enables the bacterial cell to metabolize nutrients. It also facilitates the conjugation of bacteria. In modern experiments, plasmids are used to develop cloning vectors.

Extra Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes: Extra genomic DNA is present in mitochondria and plastids of eukaryotes. Mitochondrial DNA makes up almost 20000-25000 genes of the total genes in the human body. It has instructions for enzyme secretion and action. Plastids are found in plants that help in their growth by trapping radiation and storing food and other important nutrients for the plant. The DNA in the plastids facilitate the synthesis of protein. Since DNA is present in mitochondria and plastids, they have self-replication abilities and hence, they are semi-autonomous organelles.

Question:4

Structure and function are co-relatable in living organisms. Can you justify this by taking the plasma membrane as an example?

Answer:

The statement is true.
A cell should have a plasma membrane because without it, there will be no container to hold the contents of the cell, and cells will not have any independent existence. The plasma membrane should not be fully permeable or impermeable; rather, it should be selectively permeable to allow the exchange of important materials between the cell and its environment. The lipid bilayer that makes the plasma membrane contains protein molecules which act as a channel for the transportation of substances in the cell or out of the cell. The fluid layer of lipid allows sure that only those molecules are passed through the plasma membrane that can travel easily through osmosis.

Question:5

Eukaryotic cells have organelles which may
a) Not be bound by a membrane
b) Bound by a single membrane
c) Bound by a double membrane
d) Group the various subcellular organelles into these three categories.

Answer:
(a) Ribosome is the organelles which are not bound by a membrane. They occur freely in the cytoplasm. These can also be found attached to the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, giving it a rough appearance.Ribosomes are also found in the matrix of mitochondria and the stroma of plastids.

(b) Lysosomes are the cell organelles that are bound by a single membrane. Lysosomes are the tiny sac-like structures that are found in animal cells but not in prokaryotes. Lysosomes help in destroying and preventing harmful substances and foreign materials from entering the cells. Most of the organelles of the cells are bound by double membranes.

(c) Mitochondria, plastids, nuclei, and endoplasmic reticulum are some examples of double-membrane cell organelles. These organelles serve important functions in the cell-like synthesis of proteins, storing materials, and providing energy to the cells.

Question:6

The genomic content of the nucleus is constant for a given species whereas the extrachromosomal DNA is found to be variable among the members of a population. Explain.

Answer:

The genomic content of the nucleus is constant for a given species which imparts specific characteristics to the species. Each species has its own unique set of characters which is entirely different from any other species. DNA is the carrier of traits and genetic information from one generation to another. The chromosomes that carry the DNA are fixed for particular organisms. A human cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes. Had this unique set of chromosomes not existed, humans would not have got their special characteristics which make them human or cats would not look like cats or dogs would not give birth to puppies.

In case of extra genomic DNA, the number can vary because these are not responsible for the transfer of genetic traits from one generation to another, but these are only responsible for replication of a cell organelle in which they are present like the DNA present in the mitochondria and plastids.

Therefore, the genomic content of the nucleus is always constant for a given species, but the extra genomic content can vary among the members of the same species.

Question:7

Justify the statement, "Mitochondria are powerhouses of the cell.?

Answer:

Mitochondria are cylindrical structures that are bound in double membranes- an outer membrane and an inner membrane. The outer membrane forms fold-like structures called cristae. The cristae are related to the increase in surface area. Mitochondria serves as the main site for aerobic respiration.

They produce cellular energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). The respiration occurs in two steps- glycolysis and Kreb’s Cycle. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, whereas Kreb’s cycle occurs in the mitochondria. Energy is not only produced but it is also stored in the mitochondria for carrying out vital cell functions. Hence, mitochondria are also called the powerhouses of the cell.

Question:8

Is there a species-specific or region-specific type of plastids? How does one distinguish one from the other?

Answer:

Plastids are species-specific and not region-specific and are found in all plants and euglenoids. Different type of plastids consists of different pigments thus, imparting different colours to the parts where they are found. Based on the colour they impart, plastids can be divided into three types:

Leucoplasts: These are colourless plastids that impart no colour to the parts of the plant where they are located. A plant with only leucoplasts is pale white in appearance. The primary function of this plastid is to store foods for the plant. There are three types of leucoplasts- Amyloplaststs, elaioplasts, and aleuroplast. Amyloplast helps in storing starch elaioplast helps in storing fats, and aleuroplast helps in storing proteins.

Chromoplasts: These are not colourless but essentially non-green plastids. They impart colours other than green to plants. Various colours other than green found in petals and fruits are because of chromoplasts.

Chloroplasts: Chloroplasts consist of a green pigment called chlorophyll which imparts the green colour to the plant and also helps in trapping sunlight which is an essential function for photosynthesis.

Question:9

Write the functions of the following
a) Centromere
b) Cell wall
c) Smooth ER
d) Golgi Apparatus
e) Centrioles

Answer:
(a) It is important for facilitating proper chromosome segregation.
(b) The cell wall gives structure to the cell and protects it from injuries. It also helps with lining all the contents of the cell together.
(c) Smooth ER helps in the synthesizing of protein, lipids and carbohydrates. It also helps in drug detoxification and regulating calcium concentration.
(d) It is a primary site for the formation of glycolipids and glycoproteins. It also plays a vital role during cell division through the formation of cell plates.
(e) Centrioles help in the cell division of animals by forming asters. It also forms the microtubules and sperm tail.

Question:10

Are the different types of plastids interchangeable? If yes, give examples where they are getting converted from one type to another.

Answer:

Yes, different types of plastids are interchangeable under different stages of development of the plant or due to some external cause involved.
There are three types of plastids: chromoplasts, chloroplasts and leucoplasts. Chloroplasts are plastids that contain a green pigment called chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments. In some situations, generally in mature leaves, the carotenoid increases in proportion to the chlorophyll.
The green colour decreases due to the loss of chlorophyll. This loss converts the chloroplast to chromoplast giving the leaves a dark brown and reddish appearance. Similarly, flowers and fruits get their colour due to the conversion of chloroplast into chromoplast.

NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Solutions for Other Subjects

Most Important Questions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life

Below are a few solved questions:

Q1. What is the stain used to visualise mitochondria?

Answer:

Janus green is a basic vital stain that is used to demonstrate mitochondria as the oxidation-reduction site in the cell.

Q2. Write a function of the cytoskeleton.

Answer:

In contrast to intercellular movement, intracellular movement requires the cytoskeleton's microtubules and microfilaments. These structures provide mechanical support, maintain the cell's shape, and enable the movement of organelles, vesicles, and other cellular components throughout the cell.

Q3. What is a tonoplast?

Answer:

In a plant cell, the vacuole is bound by a single membrane boundary called the tonoplast.

Q4. Who proposed the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?

Answer:

An important turning point in the study of cellular organelles was reached in 1898 when Camillo Golgi discovered the Golgi Complex. All living things are made up of cells, which are the basic building blocks of life, according to the Cell Theory, which was put forth by Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann in 1839. In the same vein, Robert Brown identified the nucleus as an essential part of plant cells in his groundbreaking study from 1831, which gave the first thorough description of the organelle.

Q5. What is a common characteristic feature of plant sieve tube cells and most mammalian erythrocytes?

Answer:

A common characteristic feature of plant sieve tube cells and most mammalian erythrocytes is the absence of a nucleus at the time of maturity. In sieve tube cells, this special adaptation maximizes space for the efficient transport of sugars and nutrients within the phloem, with companion cells managing their metabolic needs. Similarly, the erythrocytes of mammals lose their nucleus during maturation to provide more space for hemoglobin, optimizing their work of carrying and delivering oxygen throughout the body.

Also, Read NCERT Solution subject-wise

Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 Cell: The Unit of Life

The students should begin with a thorough reading of the NCERT text and focus on the key structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the detailed functions of cell organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and the nucleus. Visual memory is very important here, so they should pay attention to well-labelled diagrams and tables. They should practice conceptual questions, assertion and reason type questions and application-based questions on organelle functions. They should use flow charts and flashcards for the different processes for ease of memory. These all will help improve their conceptual clarity and make them ready for exams.

Must Read NCERT Notes subject-wise

What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?

Studying concepts beyond the NCERT will definitely help in attaining conceptual clarity and will help answer application-based questions, especially for competitive exams or school exams. Some extra concepts that can be studied are:

Concept

NCERT

NEET

Detailed difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells

Membrane Proteins in the Fluid Mosaic Model

Cell organelles and their detailed functions

Cell Cycle and Checkpoints


Also, Check NCERT Books and NCERT Syllabus here

By discovering the cell's structure, cell types, and functions as well as their organelles, this chapter lays the groundwork for higher studies in biology. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell differences and mechanisms of cell division, membrane transport, and energy production serve to illustrate the simplicity and effectiveness of cellular operations. A thorough understanding of these mechanisms is needed to further understand more complicated biological processes such as metabolism, genetics, and biotechnology. This chapter not only helps with conceptual understanding but also promotes scientific interest and experiential learning through microscopic observation and experiments.

NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter Wise

The NCERT exemplar chapter-wise solutions for class 11 biology are given below-

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2 Biological Classification

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 3 Plant Kingdom

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 4 Animal Kingdom

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 5 Morphology of Flowering Plants

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 6 Anatomy of Flowering Plants

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 7 Structural Organisation in Animals

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 8 Cell The Unit of Life

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 9 Biomolecules

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 Cell Cycle and Cell Division

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11 Transport in Plants

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 12 Mineral Nutrition

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 13 Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 14 Respiration in Plants

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 16 Digestion and Absorption

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 17 Breathing and Exchange of Gases

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 18 Body Fluids and Circulation

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 19 Excretory Products and their Elimination

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 20 Locomotion and Movement

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 21 Neural Control and Coordination

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 22 Chemical Coordination and Integration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How important is this NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter 8?

This chapter is the very base of studying complex biology for both medical science and other biological science streams. 

2. What all topics are included in this chapter?

In this chapter, cells are defined and described in detail, including eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and cell organelles.  

3. Are these solutions helpful for NEET?

 Yes, using these NCERT exemplar Class 11 Biology solutions chapter 8, one can revise the entire chapter given in NCERT before exams. 

4. Are these solutions available offline?

One can download the Class 11 Biology NCERT Exemplar solutions chapter 8 using the download function.

5. How does the NCERT Exemplar help in understanding the structure of a cell?

NCERT Exemplar aids learning of cell structure through explanation in detail, diagrams, and questions based on concept. Higher-order thinking problems are incorporated to aid the development of analytical abilities. Comparison between organelles in a cell makes it clear regarding their role. Practice questions assist in reinvigorating knowledge and equipping students to attempt examinations efficiently.

6. What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as per NCERT Exemplar?

As per the NCERT Exemplar, prokaryotic cells do not possess a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells possess both. Prokaryotic cells are smaller and less complex, whereas eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex. Prokaryotic DNA is found in the nucleoid, whereas in eukaryotes, it is found within the nucleus. Bacteria are examples of prokaryotes, whereas plants, animals, and fungi are eukaryotes.

7. What are the important diagrams to practice from Chapter 8 of Class 11 Biology?

Important diagrams to practice from Chapter 8 "Cell: The Unit of Life"  include:

  1. Plant and Animal Cell Structure – Labeling organelles.

  2. Prokaryotic Cell – Bacterial cell structure.

  3. Cell Membrane Models – Fluid mosaic model.

  4. Cell Organelles – Mitochondria, chloroplast, nucleus, and Golgi apparatus.

8. What are the functions of different cell organelles explained in NCERT Exemplar?

The NCERT Exemplar explains cell organelle functions as follows:

  1. Nucleus – Controls cell activities and contains genetic material.

  2. Mitochondria – Powerhouse of the cell, producing ATP through respiration.

  3. Endoplasmic Reticulum – Smooth ER synthesizes lipids, while Rough ER helps in protein synthesis.

  4. Golgi Apparatus – Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or use.

9. Why is the cell called the fundamental unit of life?

The cell is called the fundamental unit of life because it's the smallest unit of organization capable of carrying out all life processes. It's the structural and functional unit of living organisms, meaning it provides the basic structure and performs all the essential functions necessary for life.

10. How do NCERT Exemplar solutions help in NEET preparation for cell biology?

NCERT Exemplar solutions, particularly for cell biology, are beneficial for NEET preparation because they offer a deeper understanding of concepts, provide advanced practice questions, and help students with time management and exam pattern familiarity.

Articles

Upcoming School Exams

Application Date:16 May,2025 - 25 May,2025

Application Date:16 May,2025 - 25 May,2025

View All School Exams

A block of mass 0.50 kg is moving with a speed of 2.00 ms-1 on a smooth surface. It strikes another mass of 1.00 kg and then they move together as a single body. The energy loss during the collision is

Option 1)

0.34\; J

Option 2)

0.16\; J

Option 3)

1.00\; J

Option 4)

0.67\; J

A person trying to lose weight by burning fat lifts a mass of 10 kg upto a height of 1 m 1000 times.  Assume that the potential energy lost each time he lowers the mass is dissipated.  How much fat will he use up considering the work done only when the weight is lifted up ?  Fat supplies 3.8×107 J of energy per kg which is converted to mechanical energy with a 20% efficiency rate.  Take g = 9.8 ms−2 :

Option 1)

2.45×10−3 kg

Option 2)

 6.45×10−3 kg

Option 3)

 9.89×10−3 kg

Option 4)

12.89×10−3 kg

 

An athlete in the olympic games covers a distance of 100 m in 10 s. His kinetic energy can be estimated to be in the range

Option 1)

2,000 \; J - 5,000\; J

Option 2)

200 \, \, J - 500 \, \, J

Option 3)

2\times 10^{5}J-3\times 10^{5}J

Option 4)

20,000 \, \, J - 50,000 \, \, J

A particle is projected at 600   to the horizontal with a kinetic energy K. The kinetic energy at the highest point

Option 1)

K/2\,

Option 2)

\; K\;

Option 3)

zero\;

Option 4)

K/4

In the reaction,

2Al_{(s)}+6HCL_{(aq)}\rightarrow 2Al^{3+}\, _{(aq)}+6Cl^{-}\, _{(aq)}+3H_{2(g)}

Option 1)

11.2\, L\, H_{2(g)}  at STP  is produced for every mole HCL_{(aq)}  consumed

Option 2)

6L\, HCl_{(aq)}  is consumed for ever 3L\, H_{2(g)}      produced

Option 3)

33.6 L\, H_{2(g)} is produced regardless of temperature and pressure for every mole Al that reacts

Option 4)

67.2\, L\, H_{2(g)} at STP is produced for every mole Al that reacts .

How many moles of magnesium phosphate, Mg_{3}(PO_{4})_{2} will contain 0.25 mole of oxygen atoms?

Option 1)

0.02

Option 2)

3.125 × 10-2

Option 3)

1.25 × 10-2

Option 4)

2.5 × 10-2

If we consider that 1/6, in place of 1/12, mass of carbon atom is taken to be the relative atomic mass unit, the mass of one mole of a substance will

Option 1)

decrease twice

Option 2)

increase two fold

Option 3)

remain unchanged

Option 4)

be a function of the molecular mass of the substance.

With increase of temperature, which of these changes?

Option 1)

Molality

Option 2)

Weight fraction of solute

Option 3)

Fraction of solute present in water

Option 4)

Mole fraction.

Number of atoms in 558.5 gram Fe (at. wt.of Fe = 55.85 g mol-1) is

Option 1)

twice that in 60 g carbon

Option 2)

6.023 × 1022

Option 3)

half that in 8 g He

Option 4)

558.5 × 6.023 × 1023

A pulley of radius 2 m is rotated about its axis by a force F = (20t - 5t2) newton (where t is measured in seconds) applied tangentially. If the moment of inertia of the pulley about its axis of rotation is 10 kg m2 , the number of rotations made by the pulley before its direction of motion if reversed, is

Option 1)

less than 3

Option 2)

more than 3 but less than 6

Option 3)

more than 6 but less than 9

Option 4)

more than 9

Back to top