Prepare for NEET Biology Diversity in Living World (What Is Living) with MCQs & PYQs on NEET.GUIDE. Access free practice, previous year questions, and expert insights to define life and its basic characteristics.
NEET Questions / Botany / Diversity in Living World / What Is Living
A scientist discovers a novel entity exhibiting complex organic molecules, compartmentalization, and energy transformation. However, it lacks a definitive cellular structure and doesn't demonstrate heritability. Which characteristic of life is MOST definitively absent in this entity?
Metabolism
Reproduction and growth
Adaptation
Response to stimuli
Consider a theoretical organism that utilizes silicon as its primary structural element instead of carbon. Assuming all other characteristics of life are present, which fundamental biological process would be MOST significantly challenged by this substitution?
Cellular respiration
Formation of complex, stable biomolecules
Active transport across membranes
Photosynthesis
A researcher observes an isolated system containing complex organic molecules undergoing spontaneous self-assembly into membrane-bound structures. These structures exhibit rudimentary metabolism but no reproduction or heritability. Which characteristic of life is the MOST significant barrier preventing these structures from being classified as living organisms?
Metabolism
Cellular organization
Reproduction and growth
Adaptation
Viruses exhibit characteristics of both living and non-living entities. Which of the following properties of viruses MOST strongly supports the argument AGAINST their classification as living organisms?
Presence of genetic material (DNA or RNA)
Ability to evolve and adapt to their environment
Inability to reproduce independently outside a host cell
Specific interaction with host cells