UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 7

This question tests plant and animal cells. The key concept is: Plant cells have cellulose cell walls, whereas animal cells lack cell walls. Both have plasma membranes, so the second statement is false. Mature plant cells commonly possess a large central vacuole, while animal cells may have smaller vacuoles; therefore statements 1 and 3 are correct. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option C. Option A — 1 and 2 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Plant cells have cellulose cell walls, whereas animal cells lack cell walls. Both have plasma membranes, so the second statement is false. Mature plant cells commonly possess a large central vacuole, while animal cells may have smaller vacuoles; therefore statements 1 and 3 are correct. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 2 and 3 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Plant cells have cellulose cell walls, whereas animal cells lack cell walls. Both have plasma membranes, so the second statement is false. Mature plant cells commonly possess a large central vacuole, while animal cells may have smaller vacuoles; therefore statements 1 and 3 are correct. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — 1 and 3 only: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Plant cells have cellulose cell walls, whereas animal cells lack cell walls. Both have plasma membranes, so the second statement is false. Mature plant cells commonly possess a large central vacuole, while animal cells may have smaller vacuoles; therefore statements 1 and 3 are correct. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option D — 1, 2 and 3: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Plant cells have cellulose cell walls, whereas animal cells lack cell walls. Both have plasma membranes, so the second statement is false. Mature plant cells commonly possess a large central vacuole, while animal cells may have smaller vacuoles; therefore statements 1 and 3 are correct. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option C is the verified answer.