
Introduction to cells and Basic Cell Structures and biological macromolecules
Introduction to cells and Basic Cell Structures and biological macromolecules
Key Terms:
Cell- The smallest living unit of life
Cell theory- The explanation of the relationship between cells and all living organisms
Microscope- Instrument used to magnify objects too small to be seen with the naked eye
Simple light microscope- Microscopy tool that uses visible light and one lens to magnify an object
Compound light microscope- Microscopy tool that uses visible light and multiple lens to magnify an object
Electron microscope- Microscopy tool that uses a beam of electrons to create a magnified image
Cell discovery and cell theory:
Early 1600s - Robert Hooke discovered dead cells using early microscope
Late 1600s - Anton von Leewenhoek developed a more powerful microscope that allow him to see living cells like bacteria
Early 1800s - Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann conclude that all living organisms are made of cells, and that cells can be produced from other cells
Mid 1800s - Rudolf Virchow confirms that all cells must come from pre-existing cells. (There is some evidence that this idea was stolen from Polish scientist Robert Remark)
These events gave away to the modern cell theory, which states:
All living things are composed of one or more cells
The cell is the basic unit of life
New cells arise from pre-existing cells
Comparing light microscopes and electron microscopes:
Light microscopes
Uses visible light
Lower resolution and magnification
Cells can be alive or dead
Inexpensive, relatively small
Electron microscope
Uses beam of electrons
Higher resolution and magnification
Cells must be dead
Expensive, very large
Key terms:
Cell - Basic unit of living things
Organelle - Specialized cell structure that performs a special function
Common cell organelles:
Cell membrane
Function: Supports/protects cell; controls movement of substances from its environment
Found in all cells
Cell wall
Stiff, rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane to support/protect the cell
NOT found in all cells
Cytoplasm
Clear, thick, jelly like substance inside the cell membrane that contains the other organelles
Found in all cells
Ribosome
Small bodies in cytoplasm (or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum) that make proteins
Found in all cells
Cell movement structures
Flagella - Whip/tail-like structure that helps propel the cell forward
Cilia - Short, hair-like structure that surround the cell and help it move
Pseudopodia - Extension of cytoplasm into the cell membrane that allows the cell to “crawl”
Key Terms:
Biological macromolecule - a large, organic molecule such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
Monomer - A molecule that is a building block for larger molecules (polymers). For example, an amino acid acts as the building blocks for proteins
Polymer - A large molecule made of repeating subunits (monomers). For example, a carbohydrate is a polymer that is made of repeating monosaccharides.
Types of biological macromolecules:
Carbohydrates
-building block: Monosaccharides (simple sugars)
-functions: provides cells with quick/short-term energy, source of dietary fiber
-Ex.: Glucose, sucrose, starch, cellulose, chitin
Lipids
-building block: Fatty acids and glycerol
-functions: Provide cell with long term energy, make up biological membranes
-Ex.: Fats, phospholipids, waxes, oils, grease, steroids
Proteins
-Building block: Amino acids
-functions: Provide cell structure, send chemical signals, speed up chemical reaction, etc.
-Ex.: Keratin (found in hair and nails), hormones, enzymes, antibodies
Nucleic Acids
-building block: Nucleotides
-functions: store and pass on genetic information
-Ex.: RNA, DNA
Introduction to cells and Basic Cell Structures and biological macromolecules
Key Terms:
Cell- The smallest living unit of life
Cell theory- The explanation of the relationship between cells and all living organisms
Microscope- Instrument used to magnify objects too small to be seen with the naked eye
Simple light microscope- Microscopy tool that uses visible light and one lens to magnify an object
Compound light microscope- Microscopy tool that uses visible light and multiple lens to magnify an object
Electron microscope- Microscopy tool that uses a beam of electrons to create a magnified image
Cell discovery and cell theory:
Early 1600s - Robert Hooke discovered dead cells using early microscope
Late 1600s - Anton von Leewenhoek developed a more powerful microscope that allow him to see living cells like bacteria
Early 1800s - Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann conclude that all living organisms are made of cells, and that cells can be produced from other cells
Mid 1800s - Rudolf Virchow confirms that all cells must come from pre-existing cells. (There is some evidence that this idea was stolen from Polish scientist Robert Remark)
These events gave away to the modern cell theory, which states:
All living things are composed of one or more cells
The cell is the basic unit of life
New cells arise from pre-existing cells
Comparing light microscopes and electron microscopes:
Light microscopes
Uses visible light
Lower resolution and magnification
Cells can be alive or dead
Inexpensive, relatively small
Electron microscope
Uses beam of electrons
Higher resolution and magnification
Cells must be dead
Expensive, very large
Key terms:
Cell - Basic unit of living things
Organelle - Specialized cell structure that performs a special function
Common cell organelles:
Cell membrane
Function: Supports/protects cell; controls movement of substances from its environment
Found in all cells
Cell wall
Stiff, rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane to support/protect the cell
NOT found in all cells
Cytoplasm
Clear, thick, jelly like substance inside the cell membrane that contains the other organelles
Found in all cells
Ribosome
Small bodies in cytoplasm (or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum) that make proteins
Found in all cells
Cell movement structures
Flagella - Whip/tail-like structure that helps propel the cell forward
Cilia - Short, hair-like structure that surround the cell and help it move
Pseudopodia - Extension of cytoplasm into the cell membrane that allows the cell to “crawl”
Key Terms:
Biological macromolecule - a large, organic molecule such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
Monomer - A molecule that is a building block for larger molecules (polymers). For example, an amino acid acts as the building blocks for proteins
Polymer - A large molecule made of repeating subunits (monomers). For example, a carbohydrate is a polymer that is made of repeating monosaccharides.
Types of biological macromolecules:
Carbohydrates
-building block: Monosaccharides (simple sugars)
-functions: provides cells with quick/short-term energy, source of dietary fiber
-Ex.: Glucose, sucrose, starch, cellulose, chitin
Lipids
-building block: Fatty acids and glycerol
-functions: Provide cell with long term energy, make up biological membranes
-Ex.: Fats, phospholipids, waxes, oils, grease, steroids
Proteins
-Building block: Amino acids
-functions: Provide cell structure, send chemical signals, speed up chemical reaction, etc.
-Ex.: Keratin (found in hair and nails), hormones, enzymes, antibodies
Nucleic Acids
-building block: Nucleotides
-functions: store and pass on genetic information
-Ex.: RNA, DNA