Question 1

What are the organelles of an animal cell?

Accepted Answer

NCERT Class 11 Fig. 8.3(b) labels the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus (with nuclear envelope and nucleolus), rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, mitochondria, ribosomes, centrioles and microvilli. These are the parts NEET asks about.

Question 2

What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER has ribosomes attached to its outer surface and is active in protein synthesis and secretion; it is continuous with the outer nuclear membrane. Smooth ER has no ribosomes and is the major site of lipid synthesis, including steroid hormones in animal cells.

Question 3

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

The Golgi apparatus is the packaging centre of the cell. Vesicles from the ER fuse with its cis (forming) face, the contents are modified, and finished vesicles leave from the trans (maturing) face. It is an important site for the formation of glycoproteins and glycolipids, and it packages lysosomal enzymes.

Question 4

Why are lysosomes called suicide bags?

Accepted Answer

Lysosomes are membrane-bound vesicles full of hydrolytic enzymes (lipases, proteases, carbohydrases) that work best at acidic pH. If a lysosome bursts, these enzymes can digest the cell's own contents, which is why they are nicknamed suicide bags.

Question 5

What is the structure of a centriole?

Accepted Answer

A centriole is a cylinder made of nine evenly spaced peripheral fibrils of tubulin, each fibril a triplet of microtubules, arranged like a cartwheel around a central hub with radial spokes. Two centrioles lie perpendicular to each other in the centrosome of animal cells.

Question 6

Is the animal cell important for NEET?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 'Cell: The Unit of Life' is a high-weightage Class 11 chapter. NEET regularly asks about the functions of ER, Golgi, lysosomes and mitochondria, ribosome sizes (70S vs 80S), the nuclear envelope and pores, and the difference between plant and animal cells.

Animal Cell — Cutaway of All 14 NCERT Parts in 3D

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