Questions and Answers
What is the simplest collection of matter that can live?
What does a light microscope magnify, and what are its limitations?
It magnifies effectively but has resolution issues and is limited by the shortest wavelength of light.
Define magnification in relation to microscopy.
Ratio of the object's image size to its real size.
What is resolution in microscopy?
Signup and view all the answers
What does an electron microscope focus?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of a scanning electron microscope?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary use of a transmission electron microscope?
Signup and view all the answers
What does cell fractionation do?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of a centrifuge in a laboratory?
Signup and view all the answers
What is cytosol?
Signup and view all the answers
List two characteristics of prokaryotic cells.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the nucleoid?
Signup and view all the answers
What are pili?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of a cell wall?
Signup and view all the answers
List three characteristics of eukaryotic cells.
Signup and view all the answers
What does cytoplasm refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the plasma membrane?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the fundamental structure of a membrane?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the central vacuole in plant cells?
Signup and view all the answers
What are plasmodesmata?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the nuclear envelope do?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a pore complex?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the nuclear lamina.
Signup and view all the answers
What are chromosomes made of?
Signup and view all the answers
What is ribosome's role in the cell?
Signup and view all the answers
What are free ribosomes?
Signup and view all the answers
What are bound ribosomes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of a peroxisome?
Signup and view all the answers
What role do mitochondria play in the cell?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of lysosomes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is apoptosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Cell Basics
- Cells are the simplest living units, enclosed by a plasma membrane and containing chromosomes.
- Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and consist of bacteria and archaea; they have a nucleoid region for DNA.
- Eukaryotic cells possess a true nucleus with a membrane and include protists, fungi, animals, and plants.
Microscopy
- Light microscopes magnify samples but have resolution limitations, suitable for studying live cells.
- Electron microscopes utilize electrons for imaging, offering greater detail with two types: Scanning (3D images) and Transmission (ultrastructure, non-living specimens).
Cellular Components
- Cytosol is the semi-fluid matrix within a cell's membrane.
- Cytoplasm refers to the entire region between the nucleus and plasma membrane.
- Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, found as free-floating or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.
- Mitochondria convert organic material into ATP, serving as the cell's power plant.
Organelles and Structures
- The plasma membrane acts as a selective barrier, controlling the passage of substances.
- The central vacuole in plant cells stores water, contributing to cell structure and turgor.
- Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes for breaking down waste and cellular debris.
- Peroxisomes help detoxify harmful compounds, especially hydrogen peroxide, prevalent in liver cells.
Nuclear Structure
- The nuclear envelope encloses the nucleus and features a lipid bilayer structure.
- Pore complexes within the envelope regulate the movement of macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
- The nuclear lamina supports the nucleus's shape with a net-like array of protein filaments.
Genetic Material
- Chromosomes carry genetic information and are composed of chromatin, a combination of DNA and proteins.
- The nucleolus, situated within the nucleus, is essential for ribosome synthesis.
Additional Cell Features
- Cell walls in plants provide structure and rigidity, composed mainly of cellulose.
- Plasmodesmata are channels in plant cell walls that facilitate communication and transport of materials between cells.
- Pili on prokaryotic cells enable the exchange of genetic material and information.
Membrane Structure
- Membranes consist of a phospholipid bilayer with integrated proteins (cholesterol, glycoproteins, glycolipids) that contribute to cellular organization and functions.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of cell biology, including the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, microscopy techniques, and key cellular components. This quiz covers essential topics that are fundamental to understanding life at the cellular level.