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NEET UG Biology Syllabus
The Biology syllabus for NEET UG in full: 10 chapters, 46 topics and 160 sub-topics, every one listed below, plus 51 Biology flashcards with answers.
Biology syllabus: all 10 chapters
Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.
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Unit 1 – Diversity of Living Organisms Change
7 topics- What is living?
- Biodiversity
- Need for classification
- Taxonomy & Systematics
- Concept of species and taxonomical hierarchy
- Binomial nomenclature
- Five kingdom classifications
- Salient features and classification of Monera
- Protista and Fungi into major groups
- Salient features and classification of plants into major groups
- Salient features and classification of animals non chordate up to phyla level and chordate up to classes level
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Unit 2 – Structural Organization in Plants & Animals
6 topics- Morphology and modifications
- Tissues
- Anatomy and functions of different parts of flowering plants
- Root
- Stem
- Leaf
- Inflorescence- cymose and racemose
- Flower
- Fruit
- Seed
- Family (malvaceae, Cruciferae, leguminoceae, compositae, graminae)
- Animal tissues
- Morphology, anatomy, and functions of different systems of an insect (Frog)
- Digestive system
- Circulatory system
- Respiratory system
- Nervous system
- Reproductive system
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Unit 3 – Cell Structure and Function
4 topics- Cell Theory and Cell as the Basic Unit of Life
- Structure of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell
- Plant Cell and Animal Cell
- Cell Envelope: Cell Membrane, Cell Wall
- Cell Organelle Structure and Function
- Endomembrane System: Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Bodies, Lysosomes, Vacuoles
- Mitochondria, Ribosomes, Plastids, Microbodies
- Cytoskeleton: Cilia, Flagella, Centrioles (Ultrastructure and Function)
- Nucleus: Nuclear Membrane, Chromatin, Nucleolus
- Chemical Constituents of Living Cells: Biomolecules
- Structure and Function of Proteins
- Structure and Function of Carbohydrates
- Structure and Function of Lipids
- Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids
- Enzymes
- Types and Properties
- Enzyme Action
- Classification and Nomenclature of Enzymes
- Cell Division
- Cell Cycle
- Mitosis
- Meiosis and Their Significance
- Cell Theory and Cell as the Basic Unit of Life
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Unit 4 – Plant Physiology
3 topics- Photosynthesis
- Photosynthesis as a means of Autotrophic nutrition
- Site of photosynthesis takes place
- Pigments involved in Photosynthesis (Elementary-.idea)
- Photochemical and biosynthetic phases of photosynthesis
- Cyclic and non-cyclic and photophosphorylation
- Chemiosmotic hypothesis
- Photorespiration c3 and c4 pathways
- Factors affecting photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Exchange gases
- Cellular respiration-glycolysis
- Fermentation (anaerobic)
- TCA cycle and electron transport system (aerobic)
- Energy relations- Number of ATP molecules generated
- Amphibolic pathways
- Respiratory quotient
- Plant growth and development
- Seed germination
- Phases of plant growth and plant growth rate
- Conditions of growth
- Differentiation, differentiation, and redifferentiation
- Sequence of developmental process in a plant cell
- Growth regulators auxin, gibberellin, cy. cytokinin, ethylene, ABA
- Photosynthesis
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Unit 5 – Human Physiology
6 topics- Breathing and Respiration
- Respiratory organs in animals (recall only)
- Respiratory system in humans
- Mechanism of breathing and its regulation in humans-Exchange of gases, transport of gases and regulation of respiration Respiratory volumes
- Disorders related to respiration-Asthma, Emphysema, Occupational respiratory disorders
- Body fluids and circulation
- Composition of blood, blood groups, coagulation of blood
- Composition of lymph and its function
- Human circulatory system-structure of human heart and blood vessels; cardiac cycle, cardiac output, ECG
- Double circulation; Regulation of cardiac activity
- Disorders of circulatory system-Hypertension, coronary artery disease, Angina pectoris, Heart failure
- Excretory products and their elimination
- Modes of excretion- Ammonotelism, ureotelism, uricotelism
- Human excretory system structure and function; Urine formation, osmoregulation
- Regulation of kidney function-Renin-angiotensin, Atrial Natriuretic Factor, ADH and Diabetes insipidus
- Role of other organs in excretion; Disorders- Uraemia, Renal failure, Renal calculi, Nephritis; Dialysis and artificial kidney
- Locomotion and Movement
- Types of movement- ciliary, flagellar, muscular
- Skeletal muscle- contractile proteins and muscle contraction
- Skeletal system and its functions (To be dealt with in the relevant practical of practical syllabus); Joints
- Disorders of muscular and skeletal system-Myasthenia gravis, Tetany, Muscular dystrophy, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout
- Neural control and coordination
- Neuron and nerves
- Nervous system in human central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and visceral nervous system
- Generation and conduction of nerve impulses
- Chemical coordination and regulation
- Endocrine glands and hormones
- Human endocrine system-Hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, Thyroid, parathyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas, Gonads
- Mechanism of hormone action (Elementary idea)
- Role of hormones as messengers and regulators, Hypo-and hyperactivity and related disorders
- Breathing and Respiration
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Unit 6 – Reproduction
3 topics- Sexual reproduction in flowering plants
- Flower structure
- Development of male and female gametophytes
- Pollination
- Outbreeding devices
- Pollen-Pistil interaction
- Double fertilization
- Post fertilization events
- Special modes
- Significance of seed and fruit formation
- Human Reproduction
- Male and female reproductive systems
- Microscopic anatomy of testis and ovary
- Gametogenesis
- Menstrual cycle
- Fertilisation, embryo development up to blastocyst formation, implantation
- Pregnancy and placenta formation
- Parturition
- Lactation
- Reproductive health
- Need for reproductive health and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
- Birth control
- Amniocentesis
- Infertility and assisted reproductive technologies
- Sexual reproduction in flowering plants
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Unit 7 – Genetics & Evolution
3 topics- Heredity and Variation
- Mendelian inheritance
- Deviations from Mendelism
- Chromosome theory of inheritance
- Molecular basis of Inheritance
- Search for genetic material and DNA as genetic material
- Structure of DNA and RNA
- DNA packaging
- DNA replication
- Central dogma
- Gene expression and regulation
- Genome and human genome project
- DNA fingerprinting
- Protein biosynthesis
- Evolution
- Origin of life
- Biological evolution and evidence for biological evolution
- Darwin’s contribution
- Modern synthetic theory of Evolution
- Mechanism of evolution
- Heredity and Variation
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Unit 8 – Biology and Human Welfare
7 topics- Health and Disease
- Pathogens
- Parasites causing human diseases
- Basic concepts of immunology-vaccines
- Cancer
- HIV and AIDS
- Adolescence, drug, and alcohol abuse
- Tobacco abuse
- Microbes in human welfare
- In household food processing
- Industrial production
- Sewage treatment
- Energy generation
- Biocontrol agents
- Biofertilizers
- Health and Disease
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Unit 9 – Biotechnology and its Applications
2 topics- Principles and process of Biotechnology
- Genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology)
- Application of Biotechnology in Health and Agriculture
- Human insulin and vaccine production
- Gene therapy
- Scientifically modified organisms - Bt crops
- Transgenic Animals
- Biosafety issues
- Biopiracy and patents
- Principles and process of Biotechnology
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Unit 10 – Ecology and Environment
5 topics- organisms and environment
- Population interactions
- mutualism
- competition
- predation
- parasitism
- Population attributes
- growth
- birth rate
- death rate
- age distribution
- Ecosystem
- Patterns
- components
- productivity
- decomposition
- Energy flow
- Pyramids of number
- biomass
- energy
- Biodiversity and its conservation
- concept of Biodiversity
- patterns of Biodiversity
- Importance of Biodiversity
- Loss of Biodiversity
- Biodiversity conservation
- Hotspots
- endangered organisms
- extinction
- Red Data Book
- biosphere reserves
- National parks and sanctuaries
- Sacred Groves
NEET UG Biology flashcards — 51 questions with answers
What are the seven defining characteristics of living organisms?
Growth, reproduction, metabolism, cellular organization, consciousness (response to stimuli), self-replication, and the ability to sense the environment. Metabolism and consciousness are considered the most defining (especially consciousness as the defining property).
Define biodiversity and name its three main levels.
Biodiversity is the total variety of life forms on Earth. Its three levels are genetic diversity (within a species), species diversity (number of species in a region), and ecological/ecosystem diversity (variety of ecosystems).
What is the basic unit of classification, and how is it defined?
The species is the basic unit. A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, sharing fundamental similarities.
List the taxonomic hierarchy from most inclusive to least inclusive.
Kingdom > Phylum (Division in plants) > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species.
State the rules of binomial nomenclature.
Each name has two parts: Genus (capitalized) and species (lowercase), written in Latin and italicized (underlined when handwritten). Author's name may follow. Genus is the generic name, species the specific epithet. System given by Carolus Linnaeus.
Name the five kingdoms in Whittaker's classification and their basis.
Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia. Based on cell structure, body organization, mode of nutrition, reproduction, and phylogenetic relationships.
Give the key features of Kingdom Monera.
Prokaryotic, unicellular organisms (bacteria, cyanobacteria, mycoplasma). Lack true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; cell wall present; nutrition autotrophic or heterotrophic.
What distinguishes Taxonomy from Systematics?
Taxonomy is the science of identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms. Systematics studies the diversity of organisms and their evolutionary (phylogenetic) relationships.
List the floral characteristics of family Fabaceae (Leguminosae/Papilionoideae).
Bisexual, zygomorphic flowers; calyx 5 (gamosepalous); corolla 5 papilionaceous (1 standard, 2 wings, 2 keel); stamens 10 (diadelphous); gynoecium monocarpellary, superior ovary, marginal placentation; fruit a legume (pod).
Give the floral formula features of family Solanaceae.
Bisexual, actinomorphic flowers; calyx 5 (gamosepalous, persistent); corolla 5 (gamopetalous); stamens 5 epipetalous; gynoecium bicarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary, axile placentation with swollen placenta; fruit berry or capsule.
Distinguish a tap root system from a fibrous root system.
Tap root system: one main root with lateral branches, develops from radicle (dicots). Fibrous root system: many thin roots of similar size arising from base of stem (monocots, e.g., wheat).
Name the types of root modifications for food storage with examples.
Fusiform (radish), conical (carrot), napiform (turnip), tuberous (sweet potato). These swollen roots store food.
What are the three types of plant tissue systems?
Epidermal tissue system (outer protective covering), ground tissue system (cortex, pith, mesophyll), and vascular tissue system (xylem and phloem).
Differentiate xylem and phloem by function.
Xylem conducts water and minerals from roots to leaves (upward) and provides mechanical support. Phloem translocates food (sucrose) from leaves to other parts (bidirectional).
Name the components of xylem and phloem.
Xylem: tracheids, vessels, xylem fibres, xylem parenchyma. Phloem: sieve tube elements, companion cells, phloem fibres, phloem parenchyma.
List the four primary types of animal tissues.
Epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscular tissue, and nervous tissue.
Name the three types of muscle tissue and one key feature of each.
Skeletal (striated, voluntary, multinucleate), cardiac (striated, involuntary, branched with intercalated discs), and smooth/visceral (non-striated, involuntary, spindle-shaped).
State the postulates of the Cell Theory.
All living organisms are composed of cells and their products; the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life; all cells arise from pre-existing cells (Omnis cellula-e cellula, Virchow). Proposed by Schleiden and Schwann.
Name the four major classes of biomolecules and their building blocks.
Carbohydrates (monosaccharides), proteins (amino acids), lipids (fatty acids + glycerol), and nucleic acids (nucleotides).
What is an enzyme, and what is its chemical nature?
An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy without being consumed. Chemically, most enzymes are proteins (some RNA = ribozymes).
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How does an enzyme lower activation energy according to the lock-and-key/induced-fit model?
The enzyme's active site binds the substrate forming an enzyme-substrate complex, stabilizing the transition state and lowering activation energy. In induced-fit, the active site changes shape to fit the substrate.
What are the phases of the cell cycle?
Interphase (G1, S, G2) followed by M phase (mitosis + cytokinesis). DNA is replicated during the S phase.
List the stages of mitosis in order.
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (followed by cytokinesis). Sister chromatids separate during anaphase.
How does meiosis differ from mitosis in outcome?
Meiosis produces four haploid (n) genetically variable cells from one diploid cell via two divisions (with crossing over), used in gamete formation. Mitosis produces two identical diploid (2n) cells.
Write the overall equation of photosynthesis.
6CO2 + 12H2O --(light, chlorophyll)--> C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O. (Or simplified: 6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2.)
Where do the light reactions and the Calvin cycle occur in the chloroplast?
Light (light-dependent) reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes (grana). The Calvin cycle (dark/light-independent reactions) occurs in the stroma.
What are C4 plants and their advantage over C3 plants?
C4 plants (e.g., maize, sugarcane) fix CO2 first into a 4-carbon compound (oxaloacetate) via PEP carboxylase, showing Kranz anatomy. They lack photorespiration and are more efficient in hot, dry climates.
Write the overall equation of aerobic respiration and the net ATP yield.
C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (ATP). Net yield is about 36-38 ATP per glucose molecule.
Name the stages of aerobic respiration and their locations.
Glycolysis (cytoplasm), pyruvate oxidation and Krebs/citric acid cycle (mitochondrial matrix), and oxidative phosphorylation/electron transport chain (inner mitochondrial membrane).
What is the respiratory quotient (RQ) and its value for carbohydrates?
RQ = volume of CO2 released / volume of O2 consumed. For carbohydrates RQ = 1, for fats about 0.7, for proteins about 0.9.
Name the five major plant growth regulators (hormones).
Auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid (ABA), and ethylene. Auxins, GA, and cytokinins are growth promoters; ABA and ethylene are inhibitors (ethylene also ripens fruit).
Define breathing versus respiration.
Breathing (ventilation) is the physical exchange of air between lungs and atmosphere. Respiration is the cellular oxidation of food to release energy. Breathing supplies O2 for respiration.
What are the formed elements of blood and their main functions?
Erythrocytes (RBCs, transport O2/CO2), leucocytes (WBCs, immunity/defense), and thrombocytes (platelets, blood clotting).
Trace the path of blood through the human heart (double circulation).
Deoxygenated blood: body -> right atrium -> right ventricle -> pulmonary artery -> lungs. Oxygenated blood: lungs -> pulmonary vein -> left atrium -> left ventricle -> aorta -> body.
Name the functional unit of the kidney and its main parts.
The nephron. Parts: Bowman's capsule (with glomerulus), proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct.
Name the main nitrogenous excretory products and classify organisms by them.
Ammonia (ammonotelic, e.g., fish), urea (ureotelic, e.g., mammals, amphibians), uric acid (uricotelic, e.g., birds, reptiles, insects). Urea is produced in the liver.
Describe the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction.
During contraction, thin (actin) filaments slide over thick (myosin) filaments, shortening the sarcomere. The H-zone and I-band shorten; the A-band stays constant. Requires Ca2+ and ATP.
Name the parts of a neuron and the divisions of the nervous system.
Neuron parts: dendrites, cell body (cyton), axon. Nervous system: Central (brain + spinal cord) and Peripheral (somatic + autonomic; autonomic = sympathetic + parasympathetic).
List the major endocrine glands and one hormone from each (pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal).
Pituitary (growth hormone), thyroid (thyroxine, T4/T3), pancreas (insulin/glucagon from islets of Langerhans), adrenal (adrenaline from medulla, cortisol from cortex).
What are the events of double fertilization in angiosperms?
One male gamete fuses with the egg to form the zygote (syngamy, 2n); the second male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei to form the triploid (3n) primary endosperm nucleus (triple fusion). Discovered by Nawaschin.
Name the male and female accessory reproductive structures producing gametes in humans.
Testes produce sperm (spermatogenesis) in seminiferous tubules; ovaries produce ova (oogenesis). Hormones: testosterone (males), estrogen and progesterone (females).
Name common contraceptive methods (categories).
Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm), IUDs (Copper-T), hormonal pills (oral contraceptives), surgical methods (vasectomy/tubectomy), and natural methods (rhythm, withdrawal).
State Mendel's three laws of inheritance.
Law of Dominance, Law of Segregation (purity of gametes), and Law of Independent Assortment (independent inheritance of different gene pairs).
What phenotypic ratio results from a Mendelian dihybrid cross (F2)?
9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio. The monohybrid F2 ratio is 3:1 (phenotypic) and 1:2:1 (genotypic).
State the features of the DNA double helix (Watson-Crick model).
Two antiparallel polynucleotide strands coiled in a right-handed helix; A pairs with T (2 H-bonds), G pairs with C (3 H-bonds); 10 base pairs per turn; pitch 3.4 nm; diameter 2 nm; sugar-phosphate backbone outside.
What is the central dogma of molecular biology?
DNA -> (transcription) -> RNA -> (translation) -> Protein. Proposed by Francis Crick; flow of genetic information.
Define natural selection and list evidences of evolution.
Natural selection: differential survival and reproduction of individuals better adapted to their environment (Darwin). Evidences: fossils (paleontology), homologous/analogous organs, embryology, biochemistry, vestigial organs.
Differentiate innate (non-specific) and acquired (specific) immunity.
Innate immunity is present from birth, non-specific (skin, phagocytes, inflammation). Acquired immunity is specific, develops after exposure, has memory; includes humoral (B-cells/antibodies) and cell-mediated (T-cells) immunity.
How do vaccines work, and what is the difference from passive immunization?
Vaccines introduce antigens (killed/weakened pathogen or proteins) that trigger antibody production and memory cells (active immunity). Passive immunization gives preformed antibodies (e.g., antitoxin) for immediate but temporary protection.
What is the causative agent of AIDS, the cells it attacks, and its mode of action?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), a retrovirus. It attacks helper T-lymphocytes (CD4+ cells), using reverse transcriptase to integrate into host DNA, progressively weakening immunity leading to AIDS.
Define an ecosystem and name its two basic components.
An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where living organisms (biotic) interact with their physical (abiotic) environment, exchanging energy and nutrients. Components: biotic (producers, consumers, decomposers) and abiotic (light, water, soil, temperature).
NEET UG Biology FAQ
What is in the NEET UG Biology syllabus?
NEET UG Biology is split into 10 chapters: Unit 1 – Diversity of Living Organisms Change, Unit 2 – Structural Organization in Plants & Animals, Unit 3 – Cell Structure and Function, Unit 4 – Plant Physiology, Unit 5 – Human Physiology, Unit 6 – Reproduction, Unit 7 – Genetics & Evolution, Unit 8 – Biology and Human Welfare, Unit 9 – Biotechnology and its Applications and Unit 10 – Ecology and Environment. Together they contain 46 topics and 160 sub-topics.
How many chapters are in NEET UG Biology?
10 chapters, containing 46 topics and 160 sub-topics. The largest chapter is Unit 1 – Diversity of Living Organisms Change, with 7 topics.
Are there flashcards for NEET UG Biology?
Yes — a 51-card Biology deck, printed in full in the flashcards section of this page and available in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.