CH4


Describe Cell theory

Cell theory is the underlying principle of biology that states that cells are the basic units of life, all living organisms are made of cells, and all cells come from pre-existing cells

Describe Magnification, resolution, refractive index, and contrast as they relate to microscopy.

Magnification -> the process of enlarging an object in appearance

Contrast -> the ability to distinguish the specimen from the background

Refractive index -> the bending of light

Resolution -> the ability to distinguish 2 adjacent structures as separate; the higher the resolution the clearer it is

Compare and contrast bright field and electron microscopy

Both magnify specimens.

Bright-field: lower magnification and resolution, bends visible light to provide magnification, and can view living cells

Electron: has a higher magnification and resolution, uses beams of electrons that show fine detail, and usually requires a dead/non-living organism

List the four components common to all cells

1.) plasma membrane that encloses the cell and separates its interior from the environment

2.) cytoplasm made of cytosol in which other components of the cell are found

3.) DNA, the genetic material of the cell

4.) Ribosomes make proteins

List the basic characteristics of a prokaryotic cell

  • no nucleus or other membrane-bound components

  • Most have cell walls made of peptidoglycan

  • similar to earliest cells

  • Found in domains bacteria and archaea

Describe the surface-to-volume ratio of a cell

As cells get bigger, volume increases faster than surface area.

Explain its importance to proper cellular function

This is important because a high surface-to-volume ratio allows materials to move in and out of the cell more efficiently

Describe the basic functions of the following

Plasma Membrane - responsible for moving materials in and out of the cell

Cytoplasm- supports the cell's components and is where many important cell reactions occur.

Nucleus - holds DNA

Nuclear envelope - regulates what goes in and out of the nucleus (form of protection)

nucleolus- where we make ribosomal RNAs

Free ribosomes - make proteins inside the cell

Mitochondria - regenerate ATP, energy production

Peroxisomes - break down fat so we can use it for energy or get rid of toxins

Lysosomes - "recycling center", breaks down materials we no longer need back to monomer units so we can reuse them

Rough ER - makes protiens that work on the outside of the cell or are part of other organelles

Smooth ER- makes lipids and breaks down toxins

Golgi apparatus- modifies proteins and lipids and distributes them to where they need to go

Cytoskeleton - helps maintain the shape of the cell

Microfilaments- help the cell change shape and move

Microtubules- help the movement of materials within a cell

Intermediate filaments - holds organelles in position

Cilia - moves materials through digestive system (shorter & numerous)

flagella - move materials through digestive system (longer & few)

plasmodesmata - channels between touching plant cells that allow them to communicate and exchange materials.

tight junctions - create watertight cells that prevent materials from leaking

desmosomes - protein structures that hold cells tightly together, helping keep tissues and organs intact.

centrosome - separates DNA during cell division

cell wall - provides structure to the plasma membrane

chloroplast - makes sugar

central vacuole - stores water

extracellular matrix - network of proteins and other materials outside cells that supports, holds, and organizes cells together.

Describe the similarities and list the differences between plant and animal cells

Both have microtubule-organizing centers

Animal cells have a centrosome and lysosomes, which plant cells do not

Plant cells have cell walls, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, which animal cells do not

Describe the two major differences between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, membrane bound organelles

Prokaryotic cells don't have a nucleus and don't have membrane-bound organelles