Cells Flashcards
What are the three things that cell theory states?
Both plant and animal tissue is composed of cells
Cells are basic units of all cells
Cells only develop from existing cells
How does a compound light microscope work?
The objective lens is placed near the object and originally magnifies the image, the eyepiece lens then magnifies the image further
What are the pros of having an objective and eyepiece lens?
Allows for increased magnification
Reduced chromatic abberation
Describe the process of ‘sectioning’
Solid specimens are cut into very thin slices with a sharp blade
Describe preparation of a ‘dry mount’?
Solid samples cut into thin samples, specimen placed on centre of slide, cover slip placed over the top
Describe preparation of a ‘wet mount’
Sample placed in a suspension of liquid, coverslip placed on the slide at an angle
Describe preparation of ‘squash slide’
Wet mount prepared, lens tissue used to gently press down coverslip, done between two microscope slides to prevent cracking
Describe preparation of ‘smear slide’
Edge of slide used to smear sample to create one thin layer, microscope slide placed on the top
How does contrast in staining occur?
Different components take up different levels of stain so they appear different colours, making it more easily visible
Give 2 examples of positively charged dyes and explain how they work
Crystal violet and Methylene Blue
Attracted to negatively charged components which stains them
Give 2 examples of negatively charged dyes and explain how they work
Nigrosin or Congo Red
The dyes stay outside the cell so causes cell to be unstained which means it stands out against the background stained colour
Define magnification
How many times larger the image being viewed is than the actual image
Define resolution
The ability to see two objects as separate entities
How can resolution be increased?
By using a beam of electrons which has a wavelength thousands of times less than light
What is the equation for calculating magnification?
Size of Image/ Size of actual object
What is the limiting factor in light microscopy?
Resolution
What is an artefact?
A structure that is produced during the preparation of a slide
What is transmission electron microscopy?
A beam of electrons transmitted through a specimen and focused to produce an image
What is the resolution of a transmission electron microscope?
0.5nm
What is scanning electron microscopy?
A beam of electrons being sent across the surface of a specimen and reflected electrons are collected
What is the resolution of a scanning electron microscope?
3-10nm
What is fluorescence?
The absorption and reradiation of light
Explain how laser scanning confocal microscopy works
Single spot of focused light moved across the specimen
Fluorescence occurs from components with a dye
The emitted light is passed through a pinhole
Light in the plane of pinhole detected and creates an image
What is laser scanning confocal microscopy used in?
Diseases of the eye and aims to be used in endoscopic procedures
What does the nucleus contain?
Genetic information in the form of DNA molecules
What is the and what is the role of the nuclear envelope?
Double membrane to protect DNA from damage in the cytoplasm