Comprehensive Study Guide: Cell Biology, Microscopy, and Transport

Mitochondria

The organelle where aerobic respiration occurs, providing energy for the cell.

Ribosomes

The site of protein synthesis within the cell, located in the cytoplasm.

Cell Membrane

A structure that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell, found in both plant and animal cells.

Nucleus

Contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell and controls the cell’s activities.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like substance where most chemical processes and reactions take place.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer made of cellulose in plants that provides structural support; not found in animal cells.

Vacuole

A large sac filled with cell sap that helps keep the plant cell rigid and maintain its shape.

Chloroplasts

Green organelles containing chlorophyll which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis to make glucose for the plant.

Aerobic Respiration Word Equation

$$\text{Glucose} + \text{Oxygen} \rightarrow \text{Carbon Dioxide} + \text{Water} + \text{Energy}$$

Aerobic Respiration Balanced Symbol Equation

$$\text{C}<em>6\text{H}</em>{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O}$$

Photosynthesis Word Equation

$$\text{Carbon Dioxide} + \text{Water} \xrightarrow{\text{Light/Chlorophyll}} \text{Glucose} + \text{Oxygen}$$

Photosynthesis Balanced Symbol Equation

$$6\text{CO}<em>2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}</em>{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2$$

Levels of Organisation

Hierarchy from organelles to organisms: Organelles, Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, Organism.

Historial Context of Microscopy

Cells were unknown until 1665 when the microscope allowed scientists to see them.

Eyepiece Lens

The lens at the top of the microscope that you look through, magnifying the image.

Objective Lens

Enhances the magnification of the eyepiece lens in a microscope.

Light Microscope

Uses light and lenses to magnify; can view living samples, max magnification: $\times 1500$.

Electron Microscope

Uses electrons for higher resolution; only views dead samples, max magnification: $\times 1,000,000$.

Magnification

The number of times larger an image is compared to the real object.

Resolution

The clarity or detail of an image and ability to distinguish two close objects.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which a cell develops to become a specialized cell with a specific shape and function.

Red Blood Cells

Biconcave shape to increase surface area for oxygen absorption; no nucleus for more hemoglobin.

Osmosis Definition

Movement of water across a partially permeable membrane from high to low water potential.

Hypotonic Solution

Water potential outside the cell is higher; water enters the cell, may cause lysis in animal cells.

Hypertonic Solution

Water potential outside the cell is lower; water leaves the cell, may cause crenation in animal cells.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against a concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Diffusion

Passive movement of particles from high to low concentration until evenly distributed.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

As cells increase in size, their SA:V ratio decreases, limiting cell size.

Measurement Units

Conversions: $1\text{cm} = 10\text{mm}, 1\text{mm} = 1000\mu m, 1\mu m = 1000\text{nm}$.

Magnification Formula

$\text{Magnification} = \frac{\text{size of image}}{\text{size of real object}}$.