A2.2 Cell Structure Practice Flashcards

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering cell theory, microscopy techniques, cell structures, and the origins of eukaryotic cells based on the A2.2 syllabus.

Cell Theory

A group of statements serving as a tenet for life: all living things are composed of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and cells come from preexisting cells.

Inductive Reasoning

The process of using specific observations to form a general conclusion, such as developing the cell theory based on examining biological tissues.

Deductive Reasoning

The process of using a general premise to form a specific conclusion, such as predicting that a specific organism contains cells because all organisms are made of cells.

Theory (Scientific Use)

An explanation of the natural world that has been shown to be true through repeated observations and experiments, and has not yet been contradicted by evidence.

Magnification Formula

An equation used to determine size or magnification: $M = \frac{I}{A}$, where $M$ is magnification, $I$ is image size, and $A$ is actual size.

Stains

Chemicals that bind to structures within a sample to make them show more clearly when being viewed under a microscope.

Electron Microscopy

A technique utilizing electron beams instead of light to offer extremely high resolution and reveal subcellular structures in great detail.

Freeze Fracture

A microscopy development that provides a unique view of cellular membranes and internal structures by freezing and fracturing the sample.

Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM)

A technique where samples are rapidly frozen to preserve cellular structures in a near-natural state for high-resolution imaging.

Fluorescent Stains

Chemicals used for selective labeling of cellular components, providing live imaging and the ability to observe dynamic processes in real-time.

Immunofluorescence

A light microscopy technique that uses antibodies labeled with fluorescent dyes to target and localize specific proteins within a cell.

DNA

The genetic material that provides instructions for cell functioning and serves as the hereditary material passed to offspring.

Cytoplasm

A water-based jelly-like medium where the majority of cell reactions take place.

Plasma membrane

A cell structure that controls what enters and leaves the cell.

80S Ribosomes

The type of ribosomes typically found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.

70S Ribosomes

The type of ribosomes found in prokaryotic cells, as well as within mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Naked DNA

DNA that is not bound to histones, typically found in a loop in prokaryotes.

MR H GREN

An acronym for the seven processes of life in unicellular organisms: Metabolism, Response to Stimuli, Homeostasis, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions within a cell that provide energy for vital processes.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of internal stability and balance within an organism to ensure optimal cellular conditions.

Chitin

The material that composes the cell walls of fungi.

Cellulose

The material that composes the cell walls of plants.

Aseptate fungal hyphae

An example of atypical eukaryotic cell structure characterized by a lack of dividing walls, resulting in multiple nuclei.

Endosymbiosis

The theory that eukaryotic cells originated from a process where one organism lives inside another; evidenced by mitochondria and chloroplasts having their own DNA and 70S ribosomes.

Binary Fission

The method of division used by prokaryotic cells, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which cells develop into specialized tissues in multicellular organisms through the expression of specific genes.