Microscopy and cells Flashcards
What is the equation for magnification?
Maginfcation=size of image/actual size of object
Define magnification
The magnification of a microscope refers to how many times larger the image is compared to the object
Define resolution
The resolution of a microscope is the minimum distant between two objects which they can still be viewed as seperate.
Light microscope resolution
Limited to 0.2um and 200nm
Light microscope advantages
Can see living specimens.
Easier specimen preparation.
Variety of coloured stains.
Light microscope disadvantages
Low resolution so organelle detail / smaller components not visible.
TEM electron microscope resolution
0.1 nm but not always achieved as difficult specimen prep. / high energy beam can destroy specimen.
TEM electron microscope advantages
Very high resolution at high magnification.
Detailed organelle / sub-organelle structure.
TEM electron microscope disadvantages
Specimens are not alive i.e. in a vacuum.
Difficult prep. e.g. very thin specimens / complex staining.
Black and white image.
Artefacts can spoil image.
SES microscope resolution
20nm
SES microscope advantages
3D images show structural formation.
Totally sic pics.
SES microscopes disadvantages
Specimens are not alive.
Difficult prep.
Vacuum.
Black and white image.
Describe the structure of a nucleus
Surrounded by a nuclear envelope, a semi-permeable double membrane
nuclear pores allow substance to exit/entry
Dense nucelous made of RNA and proteins assemble ribosomones
Functions of the nucleus
Acts as the control centre of the cell - controls the cell’s activities
Controls synthesis of proteins
Contains the organism’s genetic material (in the form of DNA)
Manufactures ribosomes from ribosomal RNA
Structure of a mitochondria
Double membrane - controls the entry and exit of material
Inner membrane is highly folded to form cristae - this is where respiration (oxidative phosphorylation) takes place and the folds provide a large surface area for increased respirations
Fluid matrix contains mitochondrial DNA, enzymes, lipid and proteins
Usually rod-shaped and around 1-10 micrometers long
Function of mitochondria
Site of aerobic respiration
Produce the energy-carrier molecule ATP during respiration
Therefore, cells with a high level of metabolic activity that require a lot of ATP (muscle cells) have lots of large mitochondria with many cristae
Structure of chloroplasts
Vesicular plastids with double membrane
Thylakoids flattered discs stack to form grana; contains photosytems with chlorophyll
Intergranal lamellae, tubes attach thlyakoids in adjacent grana
stroma- fulid-filled matrix
Functions of chloroplast
Functions:
Carries out photosynthesis (converts light energy to chemical energy)