Cell Structure Flashcards
What is the basis structural unit of all living organisms?
Cells are the basic structural unit of all living organisms
What is the cell theory?
-All organisms are made of cells.
-All existing cells come from pre-existing cells.
-The cell is the most basic unit of life.
What are the exceptions to the theory?
- Striated muscle fibres
-Aseptate fungal hyphae
Giant algae.
Why are optical light microscopes an invaluable tool?
Optical (light) microscopes are an invaluable tool for scientists as they allow for tissues, cells and organelles to be seen and studied
How do optical light microscopes work?
-Light is directed through the thin layer of biological material that is supported on a glass slide
-This light is focused through several lenses so that an image is visible through the eyepiece
-The magnifying power of the microscope can be increased by rotating the higher power objective lens into place
What are the key components of an optical light microscope?
The eyepiece lens
The objective lenses
The stage
The light source
The coarse and fine focus
What is the formula for magnification?
magnification: image/drawing size : actual size.
What are the common unifying features of ALL cells?
-DNA as genetic material
-cytoplasm
-Plasma membrane
How does the DNA differ between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?
All living cells contain some sort of DNA, this varies between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells
What does the presence of DNA mean in a cell?
The presence of DNA means that a new cell can be formed from an old cell, as genetic material is able to be stored and transferred
What else does DNA control in the cell?
DNA also controls the production of enzymes and other vital proteins within the cell
What is the cytoplasm composed of?
It is composed of mainly water with dissolved substances, such as ions
The fluid is known as cytosol
What occurs in the cytoplasm?
Important chemical reactions occur in the cytoplasm.
Where is the cytoplasm found?
Cytoplasm is found within the boundary of a cell.
It is enclosed by a plasma membrane composed of lipids.
Where is the plasma membrane found in a cell?
The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and encloses all the cell contents.
How is the plasma membrane composed?
In all cell types, the plasma membrane has two layers and this is called a bilayer
What does the bilayer consist of?
The bilayer consists of lipids; these vary depending on the type of organism