3.1 - 3.4 Studying cells Flashcards
Magnification =
Size of image/size of real
Magnification
How many times bigger the image is when compared to the real object
Resolution
The minimum distance apart that two objects can be in order for them to appear as separate items
Cell fractionation
The process where cells are broken up and the different organelles they contain are separated out
Before cell fractionation can begin, the tissue is placed in a solution. The solution is:
- Cold - to reduce enzyme activity breaking down organelles
- Isotonic - to prevent organelles bursting or shrinking due to osmosis
- Buffered - so that pH does not fluctuate, to avoid changes to enzymes or organelles (prevents denaturing)
Describe the process of homogenation
- Cells broken up by a homogeniser to remove organelles from the cell
- Homogenate then filtered to remove debris
Describe the process of ultracentrifugation
- Test tube of filtrate placed in a centifuge and spun at a slow speed
- Heaviest organelles fall to the bottom, forming a pellet
- Supernatant is removed
- Supernatant put in another tube, spun faster
What order do the organelles come out in in ultracentrifugation?
- Nuclei
- Chloroplasts (plant cells only)
- Mitochondria
- Lysosomes
- ER
- Ribosomes
How does a Transmission Electron Microscope work? (TEM)
- Electron gun produces beam of electrons
- Focused on specimen by a condenser electromagnet
- Beam passes through specimen
- Variation in electrons get through, produces image on screen (photomicrograph)
Resolving power = 0.1 nm
What are the limitations of a TEM?
- System must be in a vacuum (no live specimens)
- Complex staining process
- Black and white image
- Image may contain artefacts
- Specimen must be very thin
How does a Scanning Electron Microscope work?
- Beam of electrons from above
- Passed back and forth in a regular pattern
- Electrons are scattered by the specimen, depending on the contour of the specimens surface
- Analyse scattered electrons and secondary electrons
- 3D image produced
Resolving power = 20nm
What advantages does a SEM have over a TEM?
- Thicker specimen
- 3D image
What are the limitations of a SEM?
- In a vacuum (no live specimens)
- Complex staining process
- Image may contain artefacts
- Lower resolution than TEM
Describe the structure of the nucleus
- Spherical, 10-20 nm diameter
- Nuclear envelope = Double membrane that surrounds the nucleus
- Nuclear pore = Hole in nuclear envelope that allows things in and out
- Nucleoplasm = Jelly like material
- Chromosomes = Made up of DNA
- Nucleolus = Makes ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosomes
Describe the function of the nucleus
- Controls production of mRNA and tRNA
- Makes ribosomal RNA and ribosomes
- Houses DNA
Describe the structure of mitochondria
- Rod shaped, 1-10um length
- Double membrane = controls in and out, inner membrane has cristea
- Cristea = Provide large SA for attachment of enzymes and other ribosomes
- Matrix = fluid filled inner space where DNA, proteins, lipids, ribosomes and enzymes for respiration are found
Describe the function of mitochondria
Produce energy carrier molecule ATP
Describe the structure of chloroplasts
- Disc shaped, 1um diameter, 2-10um length
- Chloroplast envelope = double plasma outer membrane
- Thylakoids = discs that contain chlorophyll
- Grana = stacks of 100+ thylakoids
- Stroma = fluid filled matrix where second stage photosynthesis takes place
Describe the function of chloroplasts
- Granal membrane provides large SA for attchment of chlorophyll, electron carriers and enzymes for 1st stage photosynthesis
- Stoma fluid contains enzymes for 2nd stage photosynthesis
- Manufactures some proteins
Describe the structure of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
- Sheet like membranes spread through cytoplasm
- Cisternae = tubules and flattened sacs
- Ribosomes = outer surface of membranes