Cell Basics and Microscopes Flashcards

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1
Q

What is vitalism?

A

The understanding that “organisms are different from non-living entities because they contain non-physical elements or are governed by different principles than inanimate things”

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2
Q

What are the three domains in the universal phylogenetic tree?

A

bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes

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3
Q

Briefly describe the complexity of bacteria and archaea

A

They are exclusively microscopic and have very simple structures, however their metabolisms are a lot more complex.

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4
Q

What is cell theory?

A

All living organisms are composed of cells.
The cell is the basic unit of life.
Cells arise from pre-existing cells.

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5
Q

Why are viruses not living?

A

Not made of cells, cannot metabolise outside of a host.

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6
Q

What are the two types of cells?

A

Prokaryotes and eukaryotes

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7
Q

What organisms consist of prokaryotic cells?

A

Bacteria and archaea

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8
Q

What organisms consist of eukaryotic cells?

A

Plants, animals, protists and fungi

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9
Q

List four basic features of all cells

A

Ribosomes, chromosomes, cytosol/cytoplasm and a plasma membrane

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10
Q

Why is the the surface to volume ratio important?

A

The greater the S-to-V ratio, the better the possibility for efficient exchange of nutrients and waste.

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11
Q

How can contrast be enhanced when looking at a specimen through a light microscope?

A

Staining using a dye.

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12
Q

What does a microscopes image quality rely on?

A

Magnification, contrast and resolution.

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13
Q

What are electron microscopes used for?

A

To study sub cellular structures.

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14
Q

How do EMs work?

A

They fire electrons through the sample. Electrons have a shorter wavelength than visible light, so there is no resolution limit.

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15
Q

Name two types of electron microscopes.

A

Scanning electron microscopes and transmission electron microscopes.

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16
Q

Explain briefly how SEMs work.

A

They fire a beam of electrons at a sample, which is reflected back and produces a 3D looking image.

17
Q

Explain briefly how TEMs work.

A

They focus a beam of electrons THROUGH a sample

18
Q

What is a tissue homogeniser?

A

A device used to break down cells into their individual components.

19
Q

What is used to further separate the cellular mix after homogenisation?

A

A centrifuge/ultracentrifuge to create the strong forces

20
Q

Why is cell fractionation important?

A

It separates the major organelles from one another and helps scientists to study them more closely.