Cell biology Flashcards
What are two reasons as to why no cells could be seen when looking through an eyepiece lens?
- The magnification and resolution is too low
- The microscope is not focussed
Compare the structure of a red blood cell to a plant cell.
- RBCs have a biconcave disc shape whereas PCs have many shapes
- RBCs contain haemoglobin but PCs do not
- PCs contain chlorophyll, chloroplasts and a permanent vacuole whereas RBCs do not
- RBCs are much smaller than PCs
- Both have a cytoplasm
Explain why plant cells do not burst when placed into a beaker of water.
A plant cell has a cell wall (strengthened by cellulose) which prevents the cell from bursting when water moves in by osmosis as it can withstand this higher pressure, maintaining cells structure
What do aseptic techniques mean?
Techniques ensuring microorganisms being tested don’t escape/ get contaminated
RPA 2: What are aseptic techniques used?
- Sterilising incoluating loop by passing through a flame
- Sterilise petri dish before use
- Secure lid of Petri dish with adhesive tape (not entire way round) and store upside down
- Incubate at 25 degrees celcius
RPA 1: what is the general purpose of the coarse and fine focus knobs?
To give a more clear image/bring the image into focus.
RPA 2: how can you see which antiseptic is the most effective?
The one with the largest zone of inhibition as the most bacteria was killed there
Describe the function of muscle cells in the stomach.
Contract to churn food.
RPA 2: give one reason why a disinfectant may not be best for a given purpose.
It could be toxic/harmful and only works well on some bacteria/the bacteria tested.
RPA 1: why is a thin layer of onion used?
So light can pass through easily.
RPA 1: explain why iodine is added.
To add colour to internal structures so they can be seen clearly.
RPA 1: explain why the cover slip is lowered at an angle.
To make sure no air bubbles present which would disrupt view and so the cover slip doesn’t break.
Describe two differences between the transpiration and translocation.
- Transpiration water and mineral ions move through xylem but translocation sugars move through phloem
- Transpiration water only moves in one direction (continuous stream) whereas translocation sugars move in both directions through pores to different parts of the plant for storage/immediate use
Explain why larger organisms require exchange surfaces.
Smaller surface area to volume ratio so diffusion distance is too large so can’t get sufficient molecules. Exchange surfaces allow sufficient molecules to be transported into and out of cells for the organism’s needs.
RPA 1: what equipment is used to prepare the slide?
- cover slip
- dye / stain like iodine
- pipette / dropper
- forceps / tweezers
Compare the structure and function of the phloem and xylem.
Structure
- Phloem made of living cells whereas xylem is made of dead cells
- Xylem’s dead walls are strengthened by lignin whereas phloem doesn’t have lignin
- Phloem has pores (end walls) allowing sugars to travel in both directions whereas xylem doesn’t so water and mineral ions only travel in one direction in a continuous steam
- Both are made from cells and have a cytoplasm
Function
- Phloem transports dissolved sugars in translocation whereas xylem transports water and mineral ions in transpiration
- Both transport substances through the stem
Explain why less water is lost from a plant at night.
Guard cells are light sensitive so as there is lower light intensity the stomata is closed (by the guard cells)
Give 3 differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
- prokaryotes are smaller
- prokaryotes do not have DNA enclosed in a nucleus but have a loop of DNA (no memory bound organelles)
- prokaryotes have plasmids, eukaryotes don’t