Module 2 Definitions (so far)

Question 1

Resolution

Answer 1

The ability to be able to distinguish between two objects which are close together

Question 2

Magnification

Answer 2

The degree to which the size of an image is larger than the object itself

Question 3

Staining

Answer 3

The process which helps reveal or distinguish different features

Question 4

Cytoskeleton

Answer 4

The network of protein fibres found within cells that gives structure and shape to the cell

Question 5

Organelle

Answer 5

A particular structure of a cell which has a specialised/specific function

Question 6

Phospholipid bilayer

Answer 6

The basic structural components of plasma/cell surface membranes, consisting of two layers of phospholipids

Question 7

Fluid mosaic model

Answer 7

Model of cell surface/plasma membrane structure

Question 8

Cell signalling

Answer 8

Cells communicate with one another by signals e.g. hormones to help them work together to coordinate their actions

Question 9

Diffusion

Answer 9

The net movement of molecules from a region of high concentration of that molecule to a region of lower concentration of that molecule down a concentration gradient. This is a passive process.

Question 10

Facilitated diffusion

Answer 10

The net movement of molecules from a region of high concentration of that molecule to a region of lower concentration of that molecule down a concentration gradient through carrier proteins (large molecules) or channel proteins (ions). This is a passive process.

Question 11

Active transport

Answer 11

The movement of molecules or ions across a membrane from a region of low concentration to a region of higher concentration of that molecule, against the concentration gradient. This process uses ATP to drive the protein “pumps” within the membrane.

Question 12

Osmosis

Answer 12

The net movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential, down the water potential gradient across a partially permeable membrane. This is a passive process.

Question 13

Solute

Answer 13

A solid that dissolves in a liquid

Question 14

Solvent

Answer 14

A liquid that dissolves solids

Question 15

Solution

Answer 15

A liquid containing dissolved solids

Question 16

Cell cycle

Answer 16

Describes the events that take place as one parent cell divides to produce two new daughter cells which then each grow to full size

Question 17

Mitosis

Answer 17

The process of nuclear division where two genetically identical nuclei are formed from one parent cell nucleus

Question 18

Clones

Answer 18

Genetically identical cells or organisms derived from one parent

Question 19

Differentiation

Answer 19

The changes occurring in cells of a multicellular organism so that each different type of cell becomes specialised to perform a specific function

Question 20

Tissue

Answer 20

A group of similar, specialised cells of more than one type working together to perform a common specific function

Question 21

Organ

Answer 21

A collection of tissues that work together to carry out a common specific function

Question 22

Stem cells

Answer 22

Cells that are not differentiated and are capable of mitosis and differentiation to become other cell types