Cell Biology

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering microscopy, cell specialisation, plant and animal cell structures, and bacterial cells based on cell biology revision notes.

Light microscope

A microscope that uses light and lenses to form an image, having lower magnification and resolution than an electron microscope.

Electron microscope

A microscope that uses electrons to form an image, providing much higher magnification and resolution than a light microscope.

Magnification formula

$$\text{Magnification} = \frac{\text{Image size}}{\text{Real size}}$$

$1\,\text{mm}$ in micrometers

$$1000\,\mu\text{m}$$

$1\,\mu\text{m}$ in nanometers

$$1000\,\text{nm}$$

Differentiation

The process by which cells develop specialized structures and functions, becoming adapted for a particular job.

Sperm cell

A specialized cell adapted with a flagellum for movement and many mitochondria to provide energy.

Root hair cell

A specialized cell featuring a large surface area adapted for absorption.

Nerve cell

A specialized cell featuring a long axon adapted for transmitting impulses.

Chloroplasts

Plant cell structures where photosynthesis takes place.

Cell wall

A structure present in plant and bacterial cells that provides support and structure.

Permanent vacuole

A plant cell organelle containing cell sap that helps maintain internal pressure.

Nucleus

The organelle that contains genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activity.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside a cell where chemical reactions occur.

Cell membrane

The semipermeable barrier surrounding a cell that controls what substances enter and exit.

Mitochondria

Organelles in eukaryotic cells responsible for cellular respiration to release energy.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis.

Bacterial DNA

Genetic material in bacteria that is not enclosed in a nucleus and is found free in the cytoplasm.

Plasmids

Small loops of DNA found in bacterial cells.

Flagellum (bacteria)

A tail-like structure that bacterial cells may possess for movement.