Week 1a: Cell Theory

Question 1

What are the main FIVE aspects of the cell theory?

Answer 1

1. Cells are the units of structure and function in all organisms.
2. New cells arise from pre-existing cells
3. Cells require and use energy
4. Cells contain DNA which is passed down to daughter cells (ie: contain genetic information, hereditary material)
5. Some organisms are unicellular
   (some are made of one cell, while others are multi-cellular and consist of a large number of cells of different types that have a hierarchical organisational structure)

Question 2

What are the SIX main characteristic of the cells?

Answer 2

• Complex and organised
• Take in energy
• Maintain identity
• Respond to stimuli
• Able to reproduce
• Grow and develop

Question 3

All living things are called:

Answer 3

Organisms

Question 4

What is the max. magnification of a light microscope?

Answer 4

1500x

Question 5

How does a light microscope work?

Answer 5

Light passes through thin tissue sections.

Question 6

What is the max. magnification of an electron microscope?

Answer 6

100,000x

Question 7

How does an electron microscope work?

Answer 7

Beams of electrons pass through a vacuum and then through a thin layer of tissue.

Question 8

Which type of microscope has the highest resolution?

Answer 8

Electron microscope

Question 9

Cells are measured with which unit of length?

Answer 9

Micrometre (µm)

1µm is equal to 1/1000 of a millimetre

Question 10

Organelles are measured using which unit of length?

Answer 10

Nanometre (nm)

1µm is equal to 1000 nanometres. (therefore smaller than µm)