Cell Structure, Microscopy, and Microbiology Flashcards

Flashcards covering cell biology concepts including eukaryotes vs prokaryotes, cell specialization, microscopy, and aseptic culturing techniques for bacteria.

What are the 2 main differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus containing genetic material, while prokaryotes do not.

How is DNA stored in a prokaryotic cell?

single strand of DNA and small rings of DNA called plasmids

What are plasmids?

Small rings of DNA .

What is a centimetre?

1 × 10⁻² m or 1/100 th of a metre

List the five subcellular structures found in both plant and animal cells.

Nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, and ribosomes.

What is the function of the cytoplasm?

jelly like substance where chemical reactions take place

What is the function of the cell membrane?

It controls the substances that enter and leave the cell

What is the function of the mitochondria?

site of aerobic respiration where energy is released for the cell

What is the function of the ribosomes?

site of protein synthesis

What is the function of the plant cell wall?

made of cellulose which strengthens the plant

How are sperm cells adapted to their function?

How are nerve cells adapted to their function?

A long axon transmits electrical impulses from the central nervous system; dendrites receive impulses from other cells; and a myelin sheath insulates the axon to speed up transmission.

How are muscle cells adapted to their function?

Protein filaments slide over each other for contraction; mitochondria provide energy; and merged cells in skeletal muscle allow fibers to contract in unison.

How are root hair cells adapted to their function?

They possess a large surface area to absorb nutrients and water, and thin walls that do not restrict water absorption.

How are xylem cells adapted to their function?

They have no upper or lower margins to provide a continuous route for water flow, and thick, woody side walls to prevent collapse.

what is magnification?

The number of times bigger an image appears compared to the size of the real object.

How does a light microscope work?

It passes a beam of light through a specimen which travels through the eyepiece lens for observation.

What is the formula for calculating the magnification of an image?

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