Cell Structure Glossary

Question 1

Buffer

Answer 1

Substances that stop the pH from changing/ keeps the pH constant.

Question 2

Cell fractionation

Answer 2

The process use to separate cellular components while preserving the individual functions of each component.

Question 3

Cisternae

Answer 3

A flattened membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus

Question 4

Electrons

Answer 4

The subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom

Question 5

Eyepiece graticule

Answer 5

A glass disc in the microscope eyepiece with a printed scale from 1 to 10 in arbitrary units. The absolute size of the scale is not important as graticule calibration will account for this.

Question 6

Genes

Answer 6

A distinct sequence of nucleotides forming part of a chromosome, one of which determines the order of monomers in a polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule in a cell may synthesise.

Question 7

Homogenation

Answer 7

Any of several processes used to make a mixture of two mutually non-soluble liquids into a state consisting of extremely small particles distributed uniformly throughout the other liquid.

Question 8

Microvilli

Answer 8

Microscopic cellular membrane protrusions that increase the surface area for diffusion and minimise any increase in volume. They are involved in a wide variety of functions, including absorption, secretion, cellular adhesion and mechanotransduction.

Question 9

Middle lamella

Answer 9

Part of the cell wall that is the outermost layer in-between cells. It is rich in pectin that cements the primary cell walls of adjacent cells together.

Question 10

Phagocytic

Answer 10

cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful foreign parasites, bacteria or dead and dying cells.

Question 11

Photomicrograph

Answer 11

a photograph of a microscopic object, taken with the aid of a microscope.

Question 12

Resolution

Answer 12

The shortest distance between two points on a specimen that can still be distinguished by the observer or camera system as separate entities.

Question 13

Sediment/ pellet

Answer 13

A solid and visible mass of molecules or particles.

Question 14

Stage micrometer

Answer 14

a slide (“1 x 3” microscope) that comes with a scale on its surface. The sides are mounted with a rectile scale that is used for calibrating the reptiles of the eyepiece as well as objective powers.

Question 15

Supernatant

Answer 15

The soluble liquid sample of a liquid after Centrifugation or precipitation of insoluble liquids.

Question 16

Ultracentrifugation

Answer 16

A high speed centrifuge able to sediment colloidal and other small particles and used especially in determining sizes such as particles and molecular wights of large molecules.

Question 17

Villi

Answer 17

Tiny, finger shaped structures that increase surface area.