Cytology and Microscopy Fundamentals

Vocabulary terms covering the stages of the cell cycle, components of a compound microscope, and major cellular organelles based on cytology lecture materials.

Interphase

A phase of the cell cycle that occurs before the mitotic phases.

Prophase

A phase of the cell cycle and the first stage of mitosis.

Prometaphase

A phase of the cell cycle occurring between prophase and metaphase.

Metaphase

A phase of the cell cycle where chromosomes align in the center of the cell.

Early Anaphase

The beginning stage of the anaphase phase in the cell cycle.

Late Anaphase

The concluding stage of the anaphase phase in the cell cycle.

Anaphase

A phase of the cell cycle where sister chromatids separate.

Telophase

A phase of the cell cycle following anaphase where the cell prepares to divide.

Cytokinesis

A phase of the cell cycle resulting in the production of $2$ Daughter Cells.

Daughter Cells

The two individual cells produced at the end of cytokinesis.

Ocular lenses

The part of the microscope through which the user looks, typically providing magnification.

Rotating nosepiece

A part of the microscope that holds the objective lenses and can be turned to switch between them.

Objective lens

Lenses mounted on the rotating nosepiece with varying levels of magnification.

Stage

The flat platform on a microscope where slides are placed for observation.

Stage clips

Metal clips used to hold the microscope slide securely on the stage.

Iris diaphragm

A component used to control the amount of light that reaches the specimen.

Condenser

A lens system located under the stage that focuses light onto the specimen.

Coarse adjustment knob

A large knob used for initial, rapid focusing of the specimen.

Fine adjustment knob

A smaller knob used for precise, detailed focusing of the specimen.

Light Source

The built-in illuminator at the base of the microscope that provides light for viewing.

Arm

The vertical part connecting the head of the microscope to the base, used for carrying the instrument.

Base

The bottom support structure of the microscope.

Nucleus

A large, central organelle in the cell that contains genetic material.

Mitochondrion

An organelle that serves as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for energy production.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

An organelle involved in protein synthesis, characterized by a surface studded with ribosomes.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

An organelle involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Lysosome

A membrane-bound organelle containing digestive enzymes.

Peroxisome

A small organelle containing enzymes that participate in various metabolic reactions.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures located near the nucleus that are involved in cell division.

Vesicle

A small, membrane-bound sac within the cell used for transporting substances.

Cell membrane

The outer boundary of the cell that regulates the movement of substances in and out.

Cytoplasm

The fluid-filled space inside the cell membrane that houses the organelles.