Cell Structure Flashcards
What is a cell?
the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, which is typically microscopic and consists of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane.
How does wavelength affect the resolution of a microscope?
Light has a longer wavelength so objects are harder to distinguish between lowering the resolution
how do you calculate magnification?
size of image / size of real object
How do you calculate real object size?
size of image/magnification
How do you calculate the image size?
magnification x size of real object
how do you convert mm into um?
X1000
how do you convert mm into nm?
X100,000
how do you convert nm into mm?
/100,000
how do you convert um into mm?
/1000
What does resolution mean?
The minimum distance apart that two objects can be in order for them to appear as separate items
What does magnification mean?
How many times larger the image is compared to the object
What is the max. resolution of a light microscope?
0.2 um
What is the max. resolution of an electron microscope?
0.1 nm
Greater resolution means…
greater clarity; the image produced is more clear and precise
What is cell fractionation?
A process where cells are broken up and the different organelles they contain are separated out
Describe the solution cells are placed in before cell fractionation.
Cold, buffered, isotonic
Why must the solution a cell is fractionised in be cold?
to reduce enzyme activity that might breakdown organelles
Why must the solution a cell is fractionised in be isotonic?
to prevent organelles bursting or shrinking as a result of osmotic gain or loss of water
Why must the solution a cell is fractionised in be buffered?
so the pH remains constant to prevent altering organelle structure or enzyme function
What are the two stages of cell fractionation?
Homogenation and Ultracentrifugation
What is homogenation?
When cells are broken up by a homogeniser
What is the purpose of homogenation?
To release the organelles from their cells
What is homogenate?
The fluid left over from cell homogenisation
Why must the homogenate be filtered?
To remove unhomogenised cells and large pieces of debris
What is ultracentrifugation?
A process where cell fragments in a filtered homogenate are separated in a centrifuge
What is a centrifuge?
A machine that spins tubes of homogenate at very high speed in order to create a centrifugal force
Describe the ultracentrifugation process.
- Homogenate is decanted into a tube and spun at a low speed
- Heavier organelles are forced to the bottom of the tube forming a pellet or thin sediment
- The supernatant is removed leaving the pellet or thin sediment
- The supernatant is transferred to another tube and centrifuged again at a higher speed
What is the supernatant?
The remaining fluid at the top of the tube after centrifugation
What are the heavier cell organelles?
Nucleus, mitrochonria
What are the lighter cell organelles?
Ribosomes, lysosomes
How does an electron microscope have a higher resolution?
The electron beam has a shorter wavelength
How can an electron microscope be focused?
Using electromagnets, as electrons are negatively charged
Why must the object be placed in a vacuum when viewed under an electron microscope?
Electrons are absorbed or deflected by particles in the air preventing the object from being seen clearly
What are the two types of electron microscope?
Transmission (TEM) and Scanning (SEM)
What are pros of light microscopes?
Coloured dyes can be added to provide coloured/contrasted images
Livingcells can be viewed
No artefacts are produced
What are the cons of light microscopes?
Low resultion due to lights short wavelength Low magnification (x1500) Specimen needs to be thin