cells and membranes Flashcards
magnification and resolution of a light microscope
x1500
200nm
compare magnification and resolution of a TEM and an SEM
TEM: mag-x500,00
res-0.1nm
SEM:mag-x100,000
res-20nm
define magnification
the degree to which the size of an image is larger than the object itself
define resolution
the shortest distance between two points that can be distinguished clearly
two ways specimen are prepared for light microscopes
sectioning- embedded in wax, thin sections are cut out without distorting structure
staining- chemicals bind on or in specimen. some structures take up more stain, this shows contrast
what stains DNA dark red?
acetic orcein
what stains bacterial cell walls?
gentian violet
what are and explain the conditions of the solution the tissue is placed in before cell fractionation?
ice cold- reduces enzyme activity that might digest the organelles.
same water potential as tissue- prevents cell lysis or bursting due to osmosis
buffered- so pH does not fluctuate. any change could alter the structure of the organelles or affect functioning of enzymes by denaturing proteins
what are the 2 steps of cell fractionation?
1.homogenistation
2.ultracentrifugation
describe the steps of homogenisation
-cells are broken up by a homogeniser (blender)
-this breaks the plasma membranes and releases the organelles from the cell
-the resultant fluid (homogenate) is filtered to remove any complete cells or debris through a gauze
define ultracentrifugation
process by which fragments in the filtered homogenate are separated in a centrifuge
rubes of homogenate are spun at very high speeds creating a centrifugal force towards the bottom of the tube
describe the steps of ultracentrifugation
-tube of filtrate is placed in centrifuge, spun relatively sow speed
-nuclei most dense, travel to bottom and form a pellet
- the fluid at the top (supernatant) is removed and transferred to another tube and spun faster and longer
-mitochondria separated next
what is the order of density of organelles?
nucleus
chloroplasts
mitochondria
lysosomes
rough ER
smooth ER
golgi
ribosomes
what is needed in order for a centrifuge to work?
tubes must be balanced with another tube opposite
how does an optical microscope work?
-visible light passes through the lens system to enable the user to see the specimen
- most cells are transparent so will need staining
-this kills the cells
advantages of light microscopes?
-can include living organism (e.g. daphnia and euglena)
-easy to use and affordable
-no radiation risk
-low voltage needed
limitations of light microscopes?
-cant use for ultrastructures
-cant distinguish two points closer than 200nm
-lower magnification and resolution
why do light microscopes have a lower resolution than electron microscopes?
light has longer wavelengths than electrons so images have a lower resolution
what can we use images for?
-to find the magnification of images
- to find actual size of image
how do electron microscopes work?
uses beams of electrons which are focused by magnets
how does a TEM work?
-electron beams pass through very thin section of sample
-sample is prepared by dipping in a heavy metal eg lead (this slows electrons down)
- some structures absorb more so appear dark. some allow electrons to pass, appearing brighter
-2D
-black and white
how does an SEM work?
-electron beam directed on to the surface of the sample
-electrons bounce off sample and are detected by several sensors
-3D
-black and white
-image of surface detail
what can the final image on the screen to photographed to give?
a photomicrograph
what are the limitations of electron microscopes?
-whole system must be in a vacuum so cant be living
-complex staining process
-image may contain artefacts from the preparation and staining.
what are artefacts?
things that result from the way the specimen is prepared
what is the eyepiece graticule?
a glass disc with a scale etched on.
how is an eyepiece graticule calibrated for the objected lens?
line up the eyepiece graticule and stage micrometer
define uncertainty
amount of error your measurements may have
how to reduce uncertainty?
use instruments with smaller scale
formula for percentage error?
(uncertainty/reading)x100
define organelles
compartments within a cell with specific functions
define eukaryotic cell
-have a distinct nucleus
-have membrane bound organelles
differences of plant cells to animal cells
-starch grain
-chloroplasts
-cellulose cell wall
structure and function of the components of the nucleus:
nuclear envelope: S-double membrane with fluid between that contains nuclear pores
F- controls entry and exit of materials in and out of the nucleus
nuclear pores: S- gaps within the nuclear membrane
F- allows the passage of large molecules such as messenger RNA (3000 approx. pores)
nucleoplasm: S-jelly like material
F- makes up the bulk of the nucleus
chromosomes S- linear DNA and histone proteins
F- codes for proteins
nucleolus: S- small dense spherical region within the nucleoplasm
F- makes rRNA and ribosomes
structure of endoplasmic reticulum
series of flattened membrane sacs called cristae
structure and function of RER?
S- studded with ribosomes
-large SA
F- synthesis of proteins and glycoproteins
- pathway for the transport of protein
structure and function if the SER?
S- no ribosomes so appears smooth
-cisternae are tubular
F- synthesise, store, transport lipids also ions
what type of cells need an extensive endoplasmic reticulum?
examples?
cells that manufacture and store large quantities of carbs, proteins and lipids
e.g. liver cells and epithelial cells that line the intestines
structure and function of mitochondria?
Site of AEROBIC respiration
Produces ATP (releases energy)
Contains short, circular DNA (not associated with proteins)
Has a double membrane. The inner membrane is folded forming cristae.
Contains smaller (70S) ribosomes (thought to have evolved from prokaryotic cells.)
what type of cells need lots of mitochondria? why?
metabolically active cells like
muscle, epithelial cells
require lots of ATP
mitochondria synthesise ATP in aerobic respiration, requires oxygen
Golgi apparatus structure and function?
S- stack of membrane bound flattened sacs called cisternae with small, rounded, hollow structures called vesicles
Modifies proteins (e.g. by adding carbohydrate groups to form a glycoprotein or lipid groups to make a lipoprotein)
Stores proteins
Packages proteins into vesicles
Transport vesicles to cell surface
where is the golgi well developed?
secretory cells such as epithelial cells that line the intestines
chloroplast structures and functions
Chlorophyll absorb light for photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates
Has a double membrane. Inside there are thylakoid membranes which can form a stack called a granum (pl. grana). The grana are linked by lamellae.
Contain starch grains
lysosomes structure and function
A vesicle that contains hydrolytic enzymes (lysozymes) which are used to digest molecules
give an example of a lysosome
white blood cell lysosomes help to hydrolyse engulfed pathogens
vesicles structure and functions
S-membrane bound sacs
F-used to transport diff substances around cells.
-vesicles fuse with the cell surface membrane when substances are secreted by cell
-requires ATP for movement
ribosomes structure and function
S- no membrane
-two subunits one small, one large
-each contain ribosomal RNA and protein
F-site of protein synthesis
permanent vacuole in plants structure and function
Tonoplast – a membrane surrounding the vacuole
When the vacuole is full of fluid the cell becomes turgid.
Temporary food store containing sugars and amino acids
Contains pigments (colour petals)
whats the cell wall made of in plants, fungi and bacteria and functions
S-plants-cellulose
fungi-chitin
bacteria-peptidoglycan/murein
F- strong wall for support and strength
-prevent cell bursting
cytoskeleton structure and function
S-network of protein fibres
F-support, shape
-holds organelles in place or allows them to move through cytoplasm
-movement of chloroplasts in cell division
-changing shape of cell surface membrane during endo/exocytosis
what are the steps of division of labour?
1) info for protein on gene in DNA, makes copy of gene on mRNA by transcription
2) mRNA passes out nucleus via nuclear pore in envelope
3) mRNA binds to ribosome on RER, begins production of a protein-translation
4) RER packages protein into vesicle
5)vesicle fuses w/ the membrane of Golgi transporting protein into Golgi
6) Golgi modifies protein through addition of carbs
7)Golgi packages modified protein into a vesicle, transports protein towards plasma membrane
8)The vesicle fuses w/ plasma membrane ready to release outside of cell
9) protein is secreted from cell by exocytosis
function of flagellum?
locomotion
slime capsule structure and function?
S-polysaccharide outermost layer
F- prevents detection in a host body
-prevents desiccation (drying out, dehydrated)
what’s the plasmids role in antibiotic resistance?
can be passed from one bacteria to another containing the gene
differences of prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
pro-no distinct nucleus, only on DNA
euk- distinct nucleus with a nuclear membrane
pro- DNA no histone proteins
pro-circular DNA in plasmids
euk- linear DNA
pro- no membrane bound organelles
euk- membrane bound orgs e.g. vesicles and lysosomes
pro-smaller 70s ribosomes
euk-larger 80s ribosomes