Cell Biology

Question 1

What is the size of an average cell?

Answer 1

Average size is 0.002 cm (20um) meaning that there are 1250 cells “shoulder-to-shoulder” per square inch.

Question 2

What were Microscopes used for?

Answer 2

Microscopes were used by scientists and doctors to look at what could not be seen by the naked eye.

Question 3

Who coined the word “cell”

Answer 3

Robert Hooke after observing his study of examining a bottle car. (1635-1703)

Question 4

Who was Rudolf Virchow?

Answer 4

Concluded that all cells arise from pre existing cells.

Question 5

Who was Theodor Schwan?

Answer 5

Concluded that all living things are comprised of 1 or more cells and cells are the most basic unit of life.

Question 6

What are the all 3 categories all living things can be categorised into?

Answer 6

Eukaryote, Bacteria and Archaea

Bacteria and Archaea are simple, single cell organisms with no nucleus.
Eukaryotes have a more complex structure and have a nucleus, enclosed within a nuclear envelope.

Question 7

What are the comparisons of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells?

Answer 7

1. Plasma Membrane have a similar construction
2. Genetic information is encoded in DNA using identical genetic coding.
3. Similar mechanisms for transcription and translation of genetic information including similar ribosomes.
4. Similar mechanisms for photosynthesis (
5. Similar mechanisms for synthesising and inserting membrane protein.
6. Similar metabolic pathways (eg. glycolysis, TCA cycle)
7. Proteasome’s (protein digestive structure) similar construction
8. Similar apparatus for the conservation of chemical energy as ATP (located in the cell membrane for the prokaryotic cell and the mitochondrial membrane for eukaryotes).
9. Cytoskeletal filaments built of protein similar to Actin and Tubulin.