IGNOU MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology (Core): Assignment, Question Papers and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Study Material: IGNOU Study Material 2026: How to Check Book Status and Download eSLM PDF?
MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology (Core) at a glance
| Detail | MZO 001 |
|---|---|
| Course code | MZO 001 |
| Course title | Molecular Cell Biology (Core) |
| Credits | 4 |
| Study hours | 120 hours |
| Course type | Theory |
| Programme (term) | MSCZOO (1st semester) |
| Programme medium | English |
| Study blocks | 4 blocks on eGyanKosh |
| Term-end exams | June and December |
| Assignment code | MZO-001/TMA/2026 |
| Term-end exam | 2 Hours, 50 marks (June 2026 paper) |
MZO 001 subject name and where it sits in IGNOU MSCZOO
MZO 001 is Molecular Cell Biology (Core), a 4-credit theory course. This means 120 hours of learner study, as one IGNOU credit equals 30 hours of study. This course is listed in the First Semester of the IGNOU Master of Science (Zoology) (MSCZOO) programme, which is offered through the School of Sciences (SOS) in English medium.
In the same First Semester of MSCZOO, learners also study MZO 002 Genetics and Animal Biotechnology (Core), MZO 003 Comparative Animal Physiology and Biochemistry (Core), MZOE 001 Parasitology (Elective), and MZOL 001 Lab Course I. Each of these courses also carries 4 credits. Other IGNOU programmes may also carry MZO 001.
The whole programme: IGNOU MSCZOO syllabus and IGNOU MSCZOO fees, eligibility and admission.
MZO 001 syllabus: the 4 study blocks on eGyanKosh
MZO 001 study material is available on eGyanKosh. This core course, Molecular Cell Biology, carries 4 credits and is theory-based. The study material is organised into four blocks, starting with the Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton.
The MZO 001 book PDF for each block is accessible through eGyanKosh. After Block 1, learners progress to Cell Transport in Block 2. Block 3 covers Cell Cycle and Cell Culture, building on the foundational understanding of cellular components and processes. The final Block 4, Cell Junctions and Communications, completes the course by examining how cells interact.
The 4 blocks hold 16 units between them:
- Block 1: Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton
- Unit 1: Eukaryotic Cell: Structure and Function
- Unit 2: Actin Filaments
- Unit 3: Microtubules
- Unit 4: Intermediate Filaments
- Block 2: Cell Transport
- Unit 5: Biology of Membrane and Transport of Ions
- Unit 6: Transepithelial Transport
- Unit 7: Bulk Transport
- Unit 8: Neurotransmitters Secretion
- Block 3: Cell Cycle and Cell Culture
- Unit 9: Cell Cycle
- Unit 10: Cell Cycle Regulation
- Unit 11: Intracellular Protein Turnover
- Unit 12: Animal Cell Culture
- Block 4: Cell Junctions and Communications
- Unit 13: Extracellular Matrix and Cell Junctions
- Unit 14: Signal Transduction
- Unit 15: Cell Surface Receptors
- Unit 16: Cell Death and Renewal
Getting the printed books and e-books: IGNOU study material.
MZO 001 assignment: download, submission and marks
The official IGNOU MSCZOO Course MZO-001 Assignment Booklet 2025 includes the MZO 001 assignment. This assignment is compulsory; responses must be written before taking the Term-End Examination (July 2026).
Assignments for the current session are put on the website for download. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Official IGNOU assignment files that include MZO 001
| Assignment file | Session or label | Status |
|---|---|---|
| IGNOU MSCZOO Course MZO-001 Assignment Booklet 2025 | , 2025 | current file |
MZO 001 assignment questions: 1st January, 2026 to 31st December, 2026
Assignment MZO-001/TMA/2026 has 10 questions. Together they carry 100 marks. The instruction on the file: “Attempt all questions. The marks for each question are indicated against it.”
| Q. | Question | Marks | Unit to read |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | a) Explain the various steps involved in the signal transduction through G-protein coupled receptors. b) Discuss different forms of lysosomes in a cell
|
10 | – |
| 2 | a) Explain how different drugs affect actin filament using suitable examples. b) What are the fundamental principles of signal transduction that can be applied across various signalling pathways?
|
10 | – |
| 3 | Differentiate between the following pairs of terms
|
10 | – |
| 4 | a) Describe the assembly and disassembly process of microtubules. b) Discuss how do you measure cell viability?
|
10 | – |
| 5 | a) Discuss the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in regulating intracellular protein turnover. b) Define Cyclin-CDKs kinases. Write a brief note on the relationship between cyclin and CDKs
|
10 | – |
| 6 | a) Explain the process of meiosis in oogenesis and spermatogenesis in animals using suitable diagrams. b) Discuss the various applications of animal cell culture
|
10 | – |
| 7 | a) Discuss the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis with suitable diagrams. b) Explain the role of Cadherin in cell-cell adhesions
|
10 | – |
| 8 | a) Describe how ATP is utilized during actin treadmilling. b) Discuss how do the cell organelles maintain their optimum pH
|
10 | – |
| 9 | a) Give a brief account of lysosomal proteolysis. b) Describe any five diseases resulting from mutations in intermediate filament genes
|
10 | – |
| 10 | Discuss which organelles are responsible for sorting, packaging, processing, and modifying proteins? | 10 | Unit 1: Eukaryotic Cell: Structure and Function Block 1: Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton |
Questions as printed in IGNOU’s file: MZO 001 assignment PDF. Check the Assignments page before you write, since IGNOU replaces the file each year.
Assignment rules that apply to every IGNOU course: front page format, paper and margin rules, binding and envelope and checking assignment status.
IGNOU student services
MZO 001 question papers and the term-end exam
IGNOU posts previous term-end question papers for MZO 001 on its Previous Question Papers page. These papers are arranged by programme and course. MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology (Core) is listed in the course table of the IGNOU Master of Science (Zoology) (MSCZOO) programme.
The term-end examination for MZO 001 is held twice a year, in June and December. For example, the July 2026 session and the December 2026 TEE. Exams are conducted at examination centres across the country and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as seen in the December 2026 TEE schedule.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course (December 2026 TEE). Learners may write the exam in Hindi, even if they registered in English medium, except for language programmes (December 2026 TEE). Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars cannot. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026). For an early declaration of result, Indian students pay Rs. 1000 per course, with proof of selection for a post or further studies (January 2026).
MZO 001 previous year question papers
The last 3 term-end papers on IGNOU’s question paper site:
| Exam | Questions on the paper | Official file |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | 7 | Question paper PDF |
| December 2025 | 7 | Question paper PDF |
| June 2025 | 7 | Question paper PDF |
MZO 001 exam pattern
The June 2026 paper runs 2 hours and carries 50 marks. The instruction at the top reads: “(i) Attempt any five questions. (ii) All questions carry equal marks.”
MZO 001 topics asked in more than one exam
Read across the 3 papers, these subjects came back:
| Topic | Asked in | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Role of ubiquitin in proteasome protein turnover pathway | June 2026, December 2025, June 2025 | Unit 11: Intracellular Protein Turnover |
| Role of actin and myosin in muscle contraction | June 2026, June 2025 | – |
| Structure assembly disassembly and functions of microtubules | June 2026, December 2025 | – |
| Primary cell culture and secondary cell culture | June 2026, December 2025 | – |
| Cyclin dependent kinases and regulation by cyclins | June 2026, June 2025 | Unit 10: Cell Cycle Regulation |
| Assembly disassembly and polymerization of intermediate filaments | December 2025, June 2025 | – |
| Signal transduction through G protein coupled receptors | December 2025, June 2025 | Unit 14: Signal Transduction |
| Forms and types of lysosomes in cells | December 2025, June 2025 | Unit 14: Signal Transduction |
| Apoptosis necrosis and mechanisms of cell death | December 2025, June 2025 | – |
How the questions in these papers spread over the blocks (6 of 21 questions match a unit):
| Block | Questions |
|---|---|
| Block 1: Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton | 2 |
| Block 2: Cell Transport | 1 |
| Block 3: Cell Cycle and Cell Culture | 2 |
| Block 4: Cell Junctions and Communications | 1 |
For the exam itself: previous year question papers by programme, the exam form, the date sheet and results and grade card.
Official IGNOU links for MZO 001
- eGyanKosh: MZO-001 Molecular Cell Biology
- IGNOU previous term-end question papers
- IGNOU assignments page
- IGNOU MSCZOO Course MZO-001 Assignment Booklet 2025
Common IGNOU Questions
Where can I find the study material for MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology?
<p>The study material for MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology is available on eGyanKosh. It is organised into four blocks: Block 1: Eukaryotic Cytoskeleton; Block 2: Cell Transport; Block 3: Cell Cycle and Cell Culture; and Block 4: Cell Junctions and Communications. IGNOU also provides printed self-instructional study material as a print book or e-book.</p>
How many credits is MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology?
<p>MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology is a 4-credit theory course. One IGNOU credit equals 30 hours of learner study, meaning this course requires 120 hours of study. It is a core course listed in the first semester of the IGNOU Master of Science (Zoology) (MSCZOO) programme.</p>
Which other courses are in the first semester of MSCZOO with MZO 001?
<p>In the first semester of MSCZOO, alongside MZO 001 Molecular Cell Biology (4 credits), learners also study MZO 002 Genetics and Animal Biotechnology (4 credits), MZO 003 Comparative Animal Physiology and Biochemistry (4 credits), and MZOL 001 Lab Course I (4 credits). There is also an elective, MZOE 001 Parasitology (4 credits).</p>
Where do I find the assignments for MZO 001?
<p>Assignments for MZO 001 are available for download on the IGNOU website. For the 2025 session, the official file is the IGNOU MSCZOO Course MZO-001 Assignment Booklet 2025. Assignments are compulsory and must be submitted to the Coordinator of your Learner Support Centre before taking the Term-End Examination.</p>
Where can I find previous question papers for MZO 001?
<p>Previous term-end question papers for MZO 001 are posted on IGNOU's Previous Question Papers page. You can find them arranged by programme and course on webservices.ignou.ac.in/Pre-Question. Reviewing these papers helps prepare for the Term-End Examination, which is held twice a year in June and December.</p>