Midterm 1

Question 1

Who invented the microscope and when?

Answer 1

Robert Hooke (1865)

Question 2

What are the three parts on the cell theory?

Answer 2

1. All organisms are composed of one or more cells
2. The cell is the structural unit of life
3. Cells arise only by division from a pre-existing cell

Question 3

What are some basic properties of cells?

Answer 3

• Cells are highly complex and organized
• Cells possess a genetic program and the means to use it (encoded in collection of genes)
• Cells are capable of producing more of themselves (mitosis/meiosis)
• Cells acquire and utilize energy to develop and maintain complexity
• Cells carry out many chemical reactions (the sum total of chemical reactions is also known as the metabolism)
• Cells engage in numerous mechanical activities
• Cells are able to respond to stimuli
• Cell are capable of self regulation

Question 4

What are characteristics of genes?

Answer 4

• Store information
• Constitute the blueprints for constructing cellular structures, the directions for running cellular activities and the program for making more of themselves

Question 5

What are some mechanical activities of cells?

Answer 5

• transport materials
• assemble and disassemble structures
• move itself from one site to another

Question 6

What are motor proteins?

Answer 6

• just one of many types of molecular “machines” used for mechanical activities