Cells and Microscopes

prokaryotic cell

A cell that does not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

eukaryotic cell

A cell that has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells do.

What are examples of prokaryotic organisms?

Bacteria and archaea.

What are examples of eukaryotic organisms?

Animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

What type of cell is usually smaller and simpler?

Prokaryotic cell

What type of cell is usually larger and more complex?

Eukaryotic cell.

What is one major difference between plant and animal cells?

Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, while animal cells do not.

What organelle gives plant cells their rigid shape and support?

Cell wall.

What organelle allows plants to perform photosynthesis?

Chloroplast.

What is the function of the nucleus?

Controls cell activities and stores DNA.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

What is the function of the cytoplasm?

Jelly-like substance that holds organelles and is where many chemical reactions occur.

What is the function of mitochondria?

Produces energy (ATP) for the cell.

What is the function of ribosomes?

Makes proteins for the cell.

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Helps make and transport proteins and lipids.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Modifies, sorts, packages, and ships proteins and other materials.

What is the function of lysosomes?

Breaks down waste, food particles, and worn-out cell parts.

What is the function of vacuoles?

Stores water, nutrients, and waste.

What is the function of chloroplasts?

Uses sunlight to make food through photosynthesis.

Cell Wall

Provides protection, support, and structure.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton?

Helps the cell maintain its shape and allows movement inside the cell.

Why do muscle cells contain many mitochondria?

They need lots of energy to help muscles contract.

Why do cells that make many proteins have many ribosomes?

Ribosomes produce the proteins those cells need.

Why do plant cells need chloroplasts?

To capture sunlight and make glucose through photosynthesis.

What organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria.

What is the correct way to carry a microscope?

Use two hands, one holding the arm and the other supporting the base.

What part of the microscope do you look through?

Eyepiece (ocular lens).

What does the objective lens do?

Magnifies the specimen at different powers.

What microscope part controls how much light passes through the specimen?

Diaphragm.

What is the stage of a microscope?

The flat platform where the slide is placed.