Bio SL - 1

cells

Brightfield Microscopy

A type of light microscopy where the specimen is illuminated directly, often requiring staining for better visualization.

Cell Specialization

The process by which generic cells develop into specific types with unique functions.

Cell Theory

The principle that all living organisms are composed of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure surrounding the cells of plants, fungi, and some prokaryotes, providing support and protection.

Chloroplast

An organelle in plants and some protists where photosynthesis occurs.

Compartmentalization

The division of the cell into distinct regions (organelles) to optimize efficiency and maintain specific environments for reactions.

Condenser

A lens system in a microscope that focuses light onto the specimen to improve illumination.

Contrast

The ability to distinguish differences in intensity or color between structures in a specimen, enhanced by staining or phase contrast.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within the plasma membrane that contains organelles and is the site of many cellular processes.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments that provides structural support, aids in intracellular transport, and enables cell movement.

Darkfield Microscopy

A technique in which the specimen appears bright against a dark background, useful for observing unstained, living specimens.

Differentiation

The process by which a stem cell develops into a specialized cell with a specific function.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes involved in protein (rough ER) and lipid synthesis (smooth ER).

Ethics of Stem Cell Research

The moral considerations related to the use of embryonic stem cells and their implications for society.

Field of Vision

The observable area visible through the microscope eyepiece at a specific magnification.

Fluorescence Microscopy

A technique that uses fluorescent dyes to label specific molecules in a specimen, viewed under specific wavelengths of light.

Freeze-Fracture Cryogenic Electron Microscopy

A technique used to visualize the internal structures of membranes by freezing and fracturing the specimen.

Golgi Apparatus

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

Light Microscopy

A technique that uses visible light to magnify small structures, typically up to 1000x magnification.

Lysosome

A vesicle containing digestive enzymes to break down cellular waste and macromolecules.

Magnification

The degree to which the size of an image is larger than the object itself.

Microscopy

The use of microscopes to observe structures too small to be seen by the naked eye.

Mitochondrion

The powerhouse of the cell, where aerobic respiration and energy (ATP) production occur.

Multipotent Stem Cell

A stem cell that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types within a particular tissue or organ.

Nuclear Envelope

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus, containing pores to regulate molecule exchange.

Nucleoid Region

The area in a prokaryotic cell where the DNA is located, not enclosed by a membrane.

Nucleus

The organelle that houses DNA and controls cellular activities.

Organ

A structure composed of multiple tissues working together to perform specific biological functions.

Organelle

A specialized subunit within a cell with a specific function, usually membrane-bound.

Peroxisome

A small organelle involved in lipid metabolism and the detoxification of harmful substances.

Phase-Contrast Microscopy

A technique that enhances contrast in transparent specimens, such as live cells, without staining.

Plasma Membrane

The selectively permeable membrane surrounding the cell, composed of a phospholipid bilayer.

Pluripotent Stem Cell

A type of stem cell that can differentiate into almost any cell type in the body.

Prokaryotic Cell

A cell without a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic Features

Includes a cell wall, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleoid region, ribosomes, and sometimes a flagellum or pili.

Regenerative Medicine

A field of medicine focused on repairing or replacing damaged tissues using stem cells or tissue engineering.

Resolution

The ability of a microscope to distinguish two close points as separate.

Ribosome

A small structure that synthesizes proteins, found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

A type of electron microscopy that provides detailed three-dimensional-like images of the surface of a specimen.

Stem Cell

An undifferentiated cell capable of dividing and differentiating into various specialized cell types.

TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)

A type of electron microscopy that provides high-resolution images of internal structures.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

Totipotent Stem Cell

A type of stem cell that can differentiate into all cell types, including embryonic and placental cells.

Vesicle

A small membrane-bound sac that transports substances within or between cells.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.