Specialized Cells and Microscopy Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering the specializations of neurons, egg cells, sperm cells, and ciliated cells, as well as the fundamentals and calculations of light microscopy.

What are the tiny branches of a neuron called that receive electrical impulses?

Dendrites.

What is the name of the long insulated fiber in a neuron and what is its function?

The axon, which helps transmit electrical signals for long distances.

What substance forms the insulation of the myelin sheath in a neuron?

Lipids.

What special change occurs to the egg cell membrane after fertilization?

It changes to prevent any more sperm from entering the egg.

What is the purpose of the egg cell having a haploid nucleus?

It contains half the number of chromosomes to provide DNA when combined with the sperm cell.

What is the role of the nutrients found in the cytoplasm of an egg cell?

To help support the growing embryo.

Why do sperm cells have "lots" or "many" mitochondria?

To provide energy for swimming to the egg.

What is the function of cilia in specialized cells?

They are hairs that beat to move mucus, which traps dirt or pathogens, toward the nose and mouth.

How do specialized cells differ from the basic structure of animal or plant cells?

They may have structures in different numbers, sizes, or shapes, and may possess extra structures to help carry out their specific function.

What is the primary reason for using a microscope?

To magnify images, making structures on living material like cells appear bigger than they actually are so the human eye can see them.

What is the formula used to calculate the magnification of a microscope?

$$\text{magnification} = \frac{\text{image size}}{\text{actual size}}$$

What is the maximum magnification level for seeing detail with an optical light microscope, and what can be seen at that level?

About $1,500$ times, which allows one to see the nuclei and just about see mitochondria.

Which cell structure is specifically mentioned as being too small to be seen with a light microscope?

Ribosomes.