2.1.1 cell structure Flashcards
units of measurement:
how to convert units
cm to mm = X10
mm to µm (micrometer) = X100
µm to Nm (nano meter) = x1000
Nm to µm = ÷ 1000
µm to mm = ÷ 100
mm to cm = ÷ 10
outline how a student could prepare a temporary mount of tissue for a light microscope
- obtain thin section of tissue
2 place plant tissue in a drop of water
3 stain tissue on a slide to make structures visible
4 add coverslip using mounted needle at 45* to avoid trapping air bubbles
describe how light microscopes work
- lenses focus rays of light and magnify the view of a thin slice of specimen
- different structures absorb different amounts of wavelengths of light
- reflected light is transmitted to the observer via the objective lens and eyepiece
Describe how a transmission electron microscope works
- pass a high energy beam of electrons through a thin slice of specimen
- More dense structures appear darker since they absorb more electrons
- Focus image onto fluorescent screen or photographic plate using magnetic lenses
Describe how a scanning electron microscope works
- Focus a beam of electrons onto a specimens surface using electromagnetic lenses
- Reflected electrons hit a collecting device and are amplified to produce an image on a photographic plate
Describe how a laser scanning confocal microscope works
- Focus a laser beam onto a small area on a sample surface using objective lenses
- fluorophores in the sample emit photons
- photomultiplier tube amplifies the signal onto a detector, an image is produced pixel by pixel in the correct order
State the equation to calculate the magnification
magnification = image size ÷ actual size
Define magnification
How many times larger the microscope can make the image appear
Define resolution
The ability to distinguish between two objects that are close together
Explain why staining may be used to prepare a specimen for use in a light microscope
Staining provides a contrast, make organelles visible, and enables you to observe different types of cells
State the magnification and resolution of a light microscope
magnification = 200x
resolution = 200 nm
State the magnification and resolution of a TEM
magnification = 500,000 x
resolution = 0.5nm
State the magnification and resolution of a SEM
magnification = 500,000
resolution = 3-10nm
Explain how to use an eyepiece graticule and stage micrometer to measure the size of a structure
- Place micrometre on stage to calibrate eyepiece graticule
- lineup scales on graticule and micro meter. Count how many graticule divisions are in 100µm on the micrometer
- length of one eyepiece division = 100 µm ÷ number of divisions
- Use calibrated values to calculate actual length of structures
Describe the structure of the nucleus
it is surrounded by nuclear envelope, a semipermeable double membrane
nuclear pores allows substances to enter and exit
Dense nucleolus made of RNA and proteins assembles ribosomes
describe the function of the nucleus
The nucleus contains DNA coiled around chromatin into chromosomes
It controls cellular processes: gene expression determine specialisation and it is the site of mRNA transcription, mitosis, semiconservative replication
describe the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum
inside the membrane is cisternae, a network of tubules and flattened sacs extends from cell membrane and connect to nuclear envelope
RER: many ribosome attached for protein synthesis and transport
SER: synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones and the breakdown of toxins. lipid synthesis. They store and transport, lipids and carbohydrates
describe the structure and function of the golgi apparatus
planar stack of membrane bound, flattened sacs, cis face aligns with rER. molecules are processed in cisternae and vesicles bud off trans face via exocytosis
they modify and package proteins for export and synthesise glycoproteins
Describe the structure and function of ribosomes
they are formed of protein and rRNA
they have large subunit which joins amino acids and small subunit with mRNA binding site
they can be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the RER, and also found in mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Describe the relationship between the organelles involved in the production and secretion of proteins
The ribosomes that synthesise proteins are attached to the rER. The Golgi apparatus, which modifies proteins for secretion, aligns with the rER
Describe the structure of a mitochondria
they are surrounded by a double membrane.
The folded inner membrane forms cristae: Site of electron transport chain.
Fluid matrix: contains mitochondrial DNA, respiratory enzymes, lipids and proteins
The outer membrane is smooth
It is the site of aerobic stages of respiration
Describe the structure of a chloroplast
vesicular plastered with double membrane.
thylakoids: flattened discs stack to form grana which Contains photosystems with chlorophyll
intergranal lamellae: Tubes attach thylakoids in adjacent grana
stroma: fluid filled matrix.
This is where photosynthesis occurs
State the function of mitochondria and chloroplasts
Mitochondria: site of aerobic respiration to produce ATP
Chloroplasts: site of photosynthesis to convert solar energy to chemical energy
Describe the structure and function of a lysosome
they contain digestive enzymes and they are vesicles which contain hydrolytic enzymes and are formed from golgi
physics and maths tutor: Sac surrounded by single membrane. embedded H+ pump maintains acidic conditions. contains digestive hydrolase enzymes. Glycoprotein coat protect cell interior. digests contents of phagosome, exocytosis of digestive enzymes
describe the structure Of the cell wall
Made of Cellulose, very strong, difficult to digest and has gaps in so small molecules and ions can pass through
Describe the structure of a nuclear envelope
they have a double membrane, the outer membrane links with ER, nuclear pores are large enough to let ribosomes through, mRNA out and enzymes in
Describe the structure and function of a plant cell wall
it is made of Celulose microfibrils for mechanical support
Plasmodesmata form part of apoplast pathway to allow molecules to pass between cells
Middle lamella separates adjacent cell walls
What are bacterial and fungal cell walls made of
bacteria : peptidoglycan (murein)
fungi: chitin
Describe the structure and function of centrioles
Spherical group of nine microtubules arranged in triples, located in centrosomes, migrate to opposite poles of cell during prophase and spindle fibres form between them them
Describe the structure and function of the cell surface plasma membrane
fluid Mosaic phospholipid bilayer with extrinsic and intrinsic proteins embedded
Function: it isolates cytoplasm from extracellular environment, is selectively permeable to regulate transport substances and is involved in cell signalling/cell recognition
Explain the role of cholesterol, glycoproteins and glycolipids in the cell surface membrane
Cholesteryl: steroid molecule connect phospholipids and reduces fluidity.
Glycoproteins: cell signalling, cell recognition and binding cells together.
Glycolipids: cell signalling and cell recognition
describe protein Synthesis and secretion
nucleus contains genes for protein on DNA, mRNA makes a template of the gene and leaves the nucleus through a nuclear pore.
mRNA travels to the ribosomes on the RER and a protein is made.
Versicle forms and carries the protein to the cis face of the Golgi apparatus
The vessicle fuses with the golgi apparatus and the protein moves to the trans-face and during this time it is processed and packaged
Vessicle buds off the golgi and moves towards the cell surface membrane
The vessicle fuses with the cell surface membrane and secrete the protein by exocytosis
What is the cytoskeleton
A network of fibres. Important for shape and stability of the cell and holds organelles in place.
Controls movement of organelles and cell movement
has three components: microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate fibres
What are microfilaments
globular protein ACTIN form contractile fibres
It controls cell movement and contraction during cytokinesis