topic 1.2- ultrastructure of cells Flashcards
what is the maximum resolution of a light microscope?
0.2 micrometers (μm)
what is the maximum resolution of an electron microscope?
0.001 micrometers (μm)
why does an electron have a much higher resolution than a light microscope?
beams of electrons have a much shorter wavelength.
explain how light microscopes work
light passes through the specimen, which filters out certain wavelengths of light
explain how an electron microscope works
electrons pass through the specimen and get absorbed.
define resolution
making the separate parts of an object distinguishable
state the two main differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- prokaryotes have a simple cell structure that is not compartmentalised; eukaryotes have a compartmentalised cell structure
- eukaryotes have a nucleus bounded by a nuclear envelope consisting of a double membrane; prokaryotes do not have a nucleus
what do prokaryotes always have that eukaryotes only sometimes have?
a cell wall
give the three functions of a cell wall
- protects cell
- maintains cell shape
- prevents cell from bursting
in prokaryotes, the cell wall contains ——–
peptidoglycan
what is the size of prokaryotic ribosomes?
70S
what does the unit ‘S’ stand for?
Svedberg units
why does the DNA (or nucleoid) in prokaryotes appear lighter on electron micrographs?
it is not associated with proteins
list all the features of a prokaryotic cell that should be drawn.
- cell wall
- cytoplasm
- pili
- flagella
- plasma membrane
- 70S ribosomes
- nucleoid (with naked DNA)
what is the function of the flagella and pili?
- flagella are mainly responsible for motility (sensitive to temperature, chemicals and metals)
- pili are mainly responsible for attachment during conjugation and motility