1 - Cell Ultrastructure & Light Microscopy Flashcards
What advantage is conferred by fluorescent microscopy?
Multiple fluorescent stains can be used to tag one specimen
What happens to nucleoli during cell division?
Disappear
What is immunohistochemistry?
Identifying specific proteins by introducing relevant antibodies linked to a dye
Describe the structure of the SER.
Network of relatively round cisternae; no ribosomes
Two self-replicating organelles are peroxisomes and mitochondria. What distinguishes them?
Peroxisome: no genetic information
Mitochondria: own genetic information
H2O2 oxidizes half the alcohol we drink to form ___.
Acetaldehyde
What is the function of ribosomes?
Protein synthesis
Describe the structure of intermediate filaments.
Rods of protein twisted together (visualize: rope)
What is the most commonly used clearing agent?
Xylene
Describe the structure of microfilaments.
Two strings of actin twisted together
What is the function of lysosomes?
Digestion
List 3 areas where you would perform a direct incision biopsy.
- Skin
- Mouth
- Larynx
What color does eosin stain basic substances?
Pink
What is the function of mitochondria?
Produce ATP
What is the function of microfilaments?
Contraction
What is an endoscopic biopsy?
Removal of tissue via instruments on an endoscope
What is the name for the convex face of the Golgi apparatus?
Cis face
Which dye predominantly identifies proteins?
Eosin
What is the limit of resolution?
Minimum distance at which two objects can be distinguished
Describe the structure of the RER.
Network of relatively flat cisternae; embedded with ribosomes
How do lysosomal membranes protect themselves from the powerful acidic hydrolases within?
They are highly glycosylated
Why must you stain histological sections to reveal structure?
Tissues are otherwise translucent
What is the fate of proteins synthesized by free ribosomes?
Remain in the cytosol
What is a direct incision biopsy?
Cutting directly into the tissue of interest to remove it
Why must you use a clearing agent before embedding tissue with wax?
Dehydrated cells contain alcohol, which doesn’t mix with wax
What is autolysis?
Destruction of a cell by its own enzymes (a.k.a. self-digestion)
When would you use periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain?
Stain areas rich in carbohydrates (e.g., glycogen, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans)
Describe the structure of the nucleolus.
Dense region inside the nucleus (note: no membrane)
What advantage is conferred by phase contrast microscopy?
Enhanced image of unstained cells
In which type of cells are lysosomes generally most abundant?
Phagocytes
What is the most commonly used acidic dye?
Hematoxylin
Describe the appearance of peroxisomes.
Membrane-bound spheres containing granular matrix
Why is it difficult to infuse fresh tissue with wax?
Cells are mainly water, which doesn’t mix with wax
How does dark field microscopy work?
Excludes unscattered beam from the image
List 3 functions of the nuclear envelope.
- Separate contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm
- Allow selective permeability via nuclear pores
- Attach to the endoplasmic reticulum
What is an organ?
Collection of tissues grouped to perform a particular function
When would you use Giemsa stain?
Identify immune cells
Why are peroxisomes more abundant in kidney tubules and liver parenchymal cells?
These areas detoxify molecules that enter the bloodstream
What color does hematoxylin stain acidic substances?
Blue
Compare milli-, micro-, and nanometers.
Millimeters: 10^-3 m
Micrometers: 10^-6 m
Nanometers: 10^-9 m
How does fluorescent microscopy work?
Targets molecule of interest with fluorescent dye
What is a biopsy?
Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination
When would you use van Gieson stain?
Examine elastic fibres
What 2 advantages are conferred by dark field microscopy?
- Enhanced image of unstained cells
- Enhanced image of live cells
List 2 reasons why tissue needs to be fixed.
- Prevent autolysis
- Prevent putrefaction
Describe the structure of the plasma membrane.
Phospholipid bilayer with proteins embedded (i.e., fluid mosaic model)
What is the purpose of the glycocalyx?
Gives the cell specificity
What is Breslow thickness?
Depth of malignant melanocyte invasion
List 3 final destinations of the secretory pathway.
- Cell membrane
- Cell exterior
- Lysosomes
Hematoxylin stains which substances blue?
Acidic
List 2 functions of the SER.
- Synthesize fats
- Synthesize steroids
Describe the structure of mitochondria.
Double membrane with inner membrane thrown into cristae
How do proteins get from the RER to the Golgi apparatus?
Membrane-bound vesicles
Compare transverse, longitudinal, and oblique cuts.
Transverse: width-wise
Longitudinal: length-wise
Oblique: at an angle
Define histology
The study of the structure of tissues via stains and microscopy
What type of microscopy would you use to generate 3D images from a series of 2D images?
Confocal
Compare euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Euchromatin: loose, actively synthesizing RNA
Heterochromatin: tightly packed, not synthesizing RNA
What is the most commonly used dehydrating agent?
Alcohol
Which dye would stain the nucleus?
Hematoxylin