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Topic Cell biology
Asked 19 times across 5 UPSC exams over 39 years (1987–2026), peaking in 2023.
Key insights
- Most tested in CDS — 13 of 19 PYQs
- Most asked in 2023
- Recurs across 8 years (1987–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1987 → CDS 2014 → GEO 2021 → NDA 2023 → CISF 2024
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (17 of 19) are since 2016.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2026
The central cytoplasmic region of a prokaryotic cell containing nucleic acids is called :
- A Nucleus
- B Nucleoid ✓
- C Nucleolus
- D Plastid
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Biology & Health
CDS2026
A researcher is studying different types of cells. In which cell type will he/she encounter the highest number of lysosomes ?
- A Pancreatic cell
- B Ovarian cell
- C Muscle cell in the thigh of a runner
- D White blood cell ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Science & Technology › Biology & Health
CDS2026
Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the codes given below the Lists
| List I (Structure/Organelle) | List II (Function) |
|---|
| A. Mitochondria | 1. Maintenance of cell shape |
| B. Cytoskeleton | 2. Detoxification in liver cells |
| C. Smooth ER | 3. Storage of chemicals and cell enlargement |
| D. Vacuoles | 4. Cellular respiration |
Codes:
- A 4 2 1 3
- B 4 1 2 3 ✓
- C 3 1 2 4
- D 3 2 1 4
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Biology & Health
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