B1- Cell Level Systems Flashcards
Name two types of cells:
- Eukaryotes (all animals and plants) are made from complex cells called eukaryotic cells.
- Prokaryotes (bacteria) are smaller and simpler cells called prokaryotic cells.
What are sub-cellular structures?
Sub-cellular structures components of the cell that each have a specific function.
Name the function of the nucleus:
The nucleus is the ‘control centre’ of the cell, which contains DNA (genetic info) in the form of genes, and also information for the formation of proteins.
Genetic info is carried on chromosomes, which are a form of DNA.
Name the function of the cell membrane:
- The cell membrane keeps the cell together by containing the organelles within it.
- Cell membranes are partially permeable (selective barrier), allowing selected chemicals only to move both into and outside of the cell.
- It contains receptor molecules that are used for cell communication.
Name the function of the cytoplasm:
The cytoplasm includes all the contents of the cell, within the cell membrane, but outside of the nucleus of the cell. Jelly-like substance that contains salts, sugars and enzymes. Chemical reactions take place here.
Name the function of the mitochondria:
The mitochondria is the power house of a cell. They generate chemical energy in the form of ATP during aerobic respiration. Generally, the mitochondria numbers vary by cell type (muscle cells need more).
They are the site of cellular respiration and contain the enzymes needed for the reactions involved.
Name the function of the ribosomes:
The ribosomes interpret nuclear information (mRNA) and use it to build proteins (protein synthesis). Extremely small can only only be seen using an EM.
Name the function of the cell wall:
The cell wall gives cell shape and support. It is made up of cellulose which provides strength.
Name the function of the chloroplasts:
The chloroplasts allow plants to make their own food by carrying out photosynthesis. They contain the green pigment chlorophyll that traps the sun’s energy. Some cells contain more than 50.
Name the function of the vacuole:
The vacuole is filled with cell sap. They are permanent in plant cells. Fluid filled space in membrane. Controls osmosis. Keeps plant upright.
Name all the sub-cellular structures found in prokaryotic cells:
- Cytoplasm
- Cell Wall
- Loop of DNA (also called chromosomal DNA)
- Ribosomes
- Flagellum
- Cell membrane
- Plasmids
- Slime Capsule
Name the function of the Loop of DNA (also called chromosomal DNA):
The Loop of DNA (One long circular chromosome) controls the cell’s activities and replication. It floats free in the cytoplasm (not in nucleus)
Name the function of the Plasmid:
The plasmid is small loop of extra DNA that aren’t part of the chromosome. Plasmids contain genes for things like drug resistance and can be passed between bacteria.
What is resolution?
The minimum distance at which two distinct points of a specimen can still be seen - either by the observer or the microscope camera - as separate entities.
What is magnification?
Magnification is the ability to make small objects seem larger, such as making a microscopic organism visible.
Describe the differences between Light Microscope and Electron Microscope:
Light Microscope…
Magnification: 1500x
Resolution: Low (250nm)
Type of radiation used: Light
Focussed by: Objective lens
Type of material that can be viewed: Living/moving
Size of microscope: Small
Preparation and cost of material: Cheap/Easy
Electron Microscope…
Magnification: 500,000x
Resolution: 0.25nm
Type of radiation used: Electron Beam
Focussed by: Electromagnetic lens
Type of material that can be viewed: Dead
Size of microscope: Large
Preparation and cost of material: Difficult and Expensive.
Also not portable and can’t be used to look at living tissue, unlike light microscopes.
A light microscope is good for…
- Looking at live samples quickly
- Looking at living samples
- Inexpensive for high magnification
- We can use it to see nuclei and chloroplasts
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is good for…
- High magnification (x500,000)
- High resolution
- 3D
- lets us see smaller things in more detail like the internal structure of a mitochondria.
- We can see plasmids and viruses.
A transmission electron microscope (TEM) is good for…
- High magnification (x500,000)
- High resolution
Name the parts of a light microscope:
- Eyepiece lens (looked through to see the image and also magnifies the image)
- Objective lens (magnifies the image. Usually there are three different objective lenses (x4, x10, x40)
- Stage (supports the slide)
- Clip (holds the slide in place)
- Handle (to carry the microscope with)
- Lamp (shines light through the slide so the image can be seen more easily)
- Focussing knobs (moves the stage up and down to bring the image into focus) includes Coarse adjustment knob and Fine adjustment knob.
Explain how to prepare a specimen before investigation:
- If specimen is thick, make a thin slice of it
- Take a clean slide and use pipette to put on drop of water or mountant in the middle- this will secure the specimen in place.
- Use tweezers to place your specimen on the slide.
- Add a drop of stain if needed- so if specimen is colourless or transparent, a drop of stain is added to make the specimen easier to see.
- Different stains are used to highlight different structures or tissues.
- Place a cover slip at one end of the specimen, holding it at an angle with a mounted needle.
- Carefully lower the cover slip onto the slide. Press it down gently with the needle so that no air bubbles are trapped under it.
What is the formula for calculating total magnification:
total magn. = eyepiece lens mag. x objective lens mag