Cell Theory

Question 1

• Define cell.

Answer 1

smallest unit of lifec

Question 2

• State the three principles of the modern cell theory.

Answer 2

1. All organisms are composed of cells
2. Cells are the smallest living things
3. Cells arise only from pre-existing cells

Question 3

• Explain why surface area-to-volume ratio limits the size of cells.

Answer 3

As volume increases so does surface area. But volume increases faster than surface area. So cells have to stay with small volumes to keep surface area greater

Question 4

• Define resolution.

Answer 4

minimum distance two points can be apart and still be distinguished as two separate points

Question 5

• Light microscopes

Answer 5

use visible light, have magnifying lenses, can resolve structures that are 200 nm apart or greater.

Question 6

• Electron microscopes

Answer 6

use electron beams and resolve structures smaller than 200 nm.

Question 7

• List the four major features all cells have and briefly describe the structure and function of each one.

Answer 7

1. Nucleoid or Nucleus
2. Cytoplasm
3. Ribosomes
4. Plasma (Cell) Membrane