Cell Biology, Microscopy, and Biochemistry Review
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Comprehensive review flashcards covering Cell Theory, microscope technology, cell types and organisms, organelle anatomy, biochemistry, and cellular processes.
64 Terms
Which scientist first observed cells in 1665 and coined the term "cell"?
Robert Hooke
Which scientist improved microscope lenses and was the first to observe living single-celled organisms in pond water?
Anton van Leeuwenhoek
What major conclusion did botanist Matthias Schleiden contribute to the foundation of Cell Theory?
He concluded that all plants are composed of cells.
What major conclusion did zoologist Theodor Schwann contribute to Cell Theory?
He concluded that all animals are composed of cells.
What fundamental principle did Rudolf Virchow contribute to Cell Theory?
He proposed that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Which ancient Greek philosopher was historically associated with early ideas regarding the origin of life, including spontaneous generation?
Aristotle
What was the historical concept of spontaneous generation?
The belief that living organisms could arise spontaneously from non-living matter.
What name did Anton van Leeuwenhoek give to the microscopic living organisms he discovered?
Animalcules
What are the three core principles of Cell Theory?
- All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. 2. The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. 3. All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
What plant specimen did Robert Hooke examine under his microscope when he discovered cells?
Cork
Why did Robert Hooke choose the word "cells" to describe the microscopic structures in cork?
The empty spaces in the cork reminded him of "tiny boxes" or the small rooms inhabited by monks.
What is the literal translation and meaning of the word "microscope"?
"To view the tiny"
What is a simple microscope?
A microscope that utilizes only a single lens to magnify an object.
What is a compound light microscope?
A microscope that uses visible light and a combination of multiple lenses to illuminate and magnify specimens.
What is an electron microscope?
A powerful microscope that uses beams of electrons instead of light to create highly magnified, high-resolution images.
What is the primary function of a lens or lenses in microscopy?
To refract (bend) and focus light rays to produce an enlarged image of a specimen.
What are the objective lenses on a compound light microscope?
A set of lenses located on the revolving nosepiece closest to the specimen that provide different magnification powers.
What is the eye piece (ocular lens) on a compound microscope?
The upper cylinder containing the ocular lens through which the user looks, typically providing 10× magnification.
What is the function of the stage on a microscope?
The flat platform where the microscope slide containing the specimen is placed for viewing.
What is the function of the stage clips on a microscope?
Metal clips attached to the stage that secure the microscope slide firmly in position.
What is the function of the diaphragm on a microscope?
A rotating disk beneath the stage that regulates the intensity and amount of light passing through the specimen.
What is the function of the microscope arm?
The structural backbone that connects the upper body to the base, used as a handle to carry the microscope.
What is the base of a microscope?
The bottom support structure upon which the microscope rests and maintains stability.
What is the function of the coarse adjustment knob on a microscope?
A large knob that moves the stage in large increments to quickly bring the specimen into general focus, typically used under low power.
What is the function of the fine adjustment knob on a microscope?
A small knob that makes minute movements to sharpen image resolution and focus fine details, especially under high power.
What is the purpose of the light or light source on a compound microscope?
An illuminator or mirror that directs light upward through the stage and specimen.
What is the purpose of a slide box in a microscopy laboratory?
A specialized protective container used to organize, store, and protect glass microscope slides.
What does the term magnification mean in microscopy?
The measure of how much larger an image appears relative to the actual physical size of the specimen.
How is total magnification calculated on a compound light microscope?
By multiplying the magnification power of the ocular lens by the magnification power of the objective lens.
What does the symbol "X" represent when indicating microscope lens power (e.g., 10×, 40×)?
The magnification factor or power indicating how many times larger the specimen appears.
What does the term "view" (or field of view) refer to in microscopy?
The visible circular area observed when looking through the eyepiece of the microscope.
What subatomic particles are utilized in electron microscopy to visualize specimens?
Electrons
What is a prokaryote (or prokaryotic cell)?
A simple organism whose single cell lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
What is a eukaryote (or eukaryotic cell)?
An organism whose cells contain a distinct membrane-bound nucleus and specialized membrane-bound organelles.
What type of cellular organization characterizes bacteria?
Unicellular prokaryotes
What defines a fungus in terms of cell type and nutrition?
A eukaryotic heterotroph (unicellular like yeast or multicellular like molds and mushrooms) with cell walls that absorbs nutrients from its environment.
What defines a plant in terms of cellular classification and autotrophic nutrition?
A multicellular eukaryotic autotroph with cell walls composed of cellulose that synthesizes organic nutrients through photosynthesis.
What is a protist?
A diverse group of mostly single-celled eukaryotic organisms that do not fit into the kingdoms of plants, animals, or fungi.
What defines an animal in cellular biology?
A multicellular eukaryotic heterotroph whose cells lack cell walls.
What are the distinguishing structural characteristics of an animal cell?
A eukaryotic cell that lacks a cell wall and chloroplasts, and typically contains small vacuoles.
What are the distinguishing structural characteristics of a plant cell?
A eukaryotic cell containing a rigid cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and a large central vacuole.
What is the distinction between unicellular and multicellular organisms?
Unicellular organisms consist of a single cell that performs all life activities, whereas multicellular organisms are composed of many specialized cells working cooperatively.
What is the fundamental biological definition of a cell?
The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms.
What is the literal translation of "organelles" and what are they?
"Little organs"; specialized membrane-bound structures within eukaryotic cells that perform distinct physiological functions.
What is the function of the cell nucleus?
The membrane-bound organelle that stores genetic material (DNA) and directs cellular activities.
What is the function of the nucleolus?
A dense region inside the nucleus responsible for producing ribosomal RNA and assembling ribosomes.
What is the nuclear membrane (nuclear envelope)?
A double-layered porous membrane that encloses the nucleus, regulating molecular traffic between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
What is the primary role of the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?
The "powerhouse of the cell" where cellular respiration occurs to produce ATP (energy) from glucose and oxygen.
What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?
Organelles containing chlorophyll that capture sunlight energy to carry out photosynthesis, synthesizing glucose.
What is the function of ribosomes?
Cellular structures composed of RNA and proteins that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.
What is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?
A continuous network of membranous tubules and flattened sacs involved in the synthesis, folding, and transport of proteins and lipids.
What is the role of Golgi bodies (Golgi apparatus)?
A series of flattened membranous sacs that receive, modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for transport or secretion.
What is the primary function of a lysosome?
A membrane-bound organelle containing digestive hydrolytic enzymes that breaks down cellular waste, foreign materials, and worn-out organelles.
What is the function of a vacuole?
A membrane-bound organelle that stores water, nutrients, and waste products; in plant cells, the large central vacuole maintains turgor pressure.
What is cytoplasm?
The semifluid cytosol and suspended cellular structures located between the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane.
What is the cell membrane (plasma membrane)?
A selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer surrounding the cell that controls what enters and exits the cytoplasm.
What is the cell wall and where is it found?
A rigid outer layer located outside the cell membrane in plants, fungi, and bacteria that provides structural support and protection.
What are carbohydrates and what is their primary biological role?
Biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that serve as the cell's primary source of quick energy and provide structural components.
What are lipids and what functions do they serve in living systems?
Hydrophobic biomolecules that function in long-term energy storage, thermal insulation, and the formation of biological membranes.
What are proteins and what roles do they perform in cells?
Biomolecules made of amino acid chains that build cellular structures, transport substances, and act as enzymes to catalyze biochemical reactions.
What is the primary role of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)?
Biomolecules that store, transmit, and express genetic instructions necessary for life and protein synthesis.
What is cellulose and what is its role in plant biology?
A complex carbohydrate (structural polysaccharide) that forms the tough fibrous framework of plant cell walls.
What is cellular respiration?
The metabolic process in which cells break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release usable chemical energy in the form of ATP.
What is photosynthesis?
The biological process in which plants and other photoautotrophs convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into chemical energy in the form of glucose and oxygen.