Biology · Cell: The Unit of Life · NEET
Eukaryotic means the cell has a real, organised nucleus that is wrapped by a nuclear envelope (a double membrane). The word 'eu' means true. So a eukaryotic cell = true-nucleus cell. Its DNA sits safely inside this nucleus as chromosomes, not floating free in the cytoplasm. This is the single biggest point NCERT wants you to know.
Compartmentalisation means the cytoplasm is divided into many small separate rooms by membranes. Each membrane-bound organelle (like ER, Golgi, mitochondria, lysosome) is one room that does one main job. NCERT calls this 'extensive compartmentalisation of cytoplasm through the presence of membrane bound organelles.' NEET often asks this line directly, so remember: eukaryotic cell = extensive compartmentalisation.
A eukaryotic cell HAS a membrane-bound (true) nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. A prokaryotic cell LACKS a membrane-bound nucleus and lacks membrane-bound organelles. Both still have cytoplasm and ribosomes. So the presence of a true nucleus is the deciding feature.
Eukaryotes include all protists, plants, animals and fungi. That is the exact NCERT list. Remember it because NEET asks 'which one is NOT a prokaryote' and the trick is usually a fungus like Saccharomyces (yeast). Bacteria, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria like Nostoc, Oscillatoria), Mycoplasma and PPLO are prokaryotes.
No. NCERT clearly says 'all eukaryotic cells are not identical.' Plant cells have a cell wall, plastids and a large central vacuole, which animal cells lack. Animal cells have centrioles, which are absent in almost all plant cells. So plant and animal cells are both eukaryotic but not the same.
Yes. NCERT adds that eukaryotic cells have a variety of complex locomotory structures (like cilia and flagella) and cytoskeletal structures (microtubules and microfilaments). Their genetic material is organised into chromosomes. So the full picture is: true nucleus + membrane-bound organelles + cytoskeleton/locomotory structures + chromosomes.
Which among the following is not a prokaryote?
Water soluble pigments found in plant cell vacuoles are:
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
A cell that has a true, membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles that split the cytoplasm into compartments. Found in protists, plants, animals and fungi.
Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound (true) nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotic cells lack both. Both have cytoplasm and ribosomes.
It keeps different reactions in separate rooms (organelles) so they do not interfere, making the cell more efficient. NCERT calls it extensive compartmentalisation of the cytoplasm.
Yes. Both are eukaryotic but not identical. Plant cells have a cell wall, plastids and a large central vacuole; animal cells have centrioles instead.
Yeast (Saccharomyces) is a fungus, so it is eukaryotic. This is a common NEET trap, because yeast is small but still has a true nucleus.
