General Zoology Laboratory Reviewer

These vocabulary flashcards cover the essentials of General Zoology, including microscope parts and care, cell theory, organelle functions, transport mechanisms like diffusion and osmosis, and metric system terminology.

Microscope

An instrument used to magnify objects that are too small to be seen clearly with the naked eye.

Microscopy

The science of investigating small objects using a microscope.

Simple Microscope

A type of microscope that uses one lens.

Compound Light Microscope

A type of microscope that uses multiple lenses and visible light.

Base (Mechanical Part)

The part of the microscope that supports the entire instrument.

Arm (Mechanical Part)

The part that connects the body to the base; used for carrying the microscope.

Body Tube/Head

The component that holds the eyepiece and the objective lenses.

Revolving Nosepiece

The part of the microscope that holds the objective lenses.

Stage

The platform where the slide is placed for observation.

Stage Clips

Fasteners used to hold the slide in place on the stage.

Mechanical Stage

A mechanism that moves the slide precisely on the stage.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

A knob used to move the stage rapidly for rough focus; used only under low power.

Fine Adjustment Knob

A knob used to sharpen the image; used under high power.

Eyepiece (Ocular Lens)

The lens you look through, usually with a $\text{10}\times$ magnification.

Scanner (Objective)

An objective lens with a magnification of $\text{4}\times$.

Low Power (Objective)

An objective lens with a magnification of $\text{10}\times$.

High Power (Objective)

An objective lens with a magnification of $\text{40}\times$.

Oil Immersion (Objective)

An objective lens with a magnification of $\text{100}\times$.

Condenser

An optical part that focuses light onto the specimen.

Iris Diaphragm

An optical part used to control the intensity of light.

Illuminator

The light source of the microscope.

Total Magnification Formula

$$\text{Total Magnification} = \text{Eyepiece} \times \text{Objective Lens}$$

Cell Theory

Contains three principles: 1. All living organisms are made of cells; 2. The cell is the basic unit of life; 3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Nucleus

The organelle that controls cell activities.

Nucleolus

The structure within the nucleus that produces ribosomes.

Nuclear Membrane/Envelope

Helps maintain the shape of the nucleus and assists in regulating the flow of molecules through nuclear pores.

Nucleoplasm

A substance that supports and protects inner parts of the nucleus, provides space for chemical reactions, and helps move vital materials.

Ribosomes

Organelles responsible for protein synthesis.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Organelle involved in protein transport.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Organelle involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi Body / Complex / Apparatus or Dictyosomes

Organelle that packages and modifies proteins.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell that produces ATP.

Lysosomes

Organelles that digest wastes and old organelles.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances.

Vacuoles

Organelles used for storage.

Vesicles

Small structures used to transport materials.

Cytoskeleton

Maintains cell shape.

Centrioles

Organize microtubules, help form mitotic spindles, and act as basal bodies for cilia and flagella.

Centrosome

The primary microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) in animal cells; separates chromosomes and determines cell polarity.

Cytoplasm

The medium for chemical reactions within the cell.

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable barrier.

Diffusion

Passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration until equilibrium.

Osmosis

Passive movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from low solute to high solute concentration.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with lower solute concentration; water enters the cell, causing it to swell or burst (lysis).

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with higher solute concentration; water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink (crenation or plasmolysis).

Isotonic Solution

A solution with equal solute concentration; no net water movement occurs.

Metric System

A measurement system based on the decimal (base 10) number system.

Kilo (k)

Prefix with a multiplier of $\text{1,000}$ and scientific notation of $10^3$.

Micro (\text{\mu})

Prefix with a multiplier of $\text{0.000001}$ and scientific notation of $10^{-6}$.

Nano (n)

Prefix with a scientific notation of $10^{-9}$.