Biology Cells and Microscopy

Cell Basics

• Cells are the fundamental units that compose all organisms.
• All living organisms consist of cells; they arise from pre-existing cells.

Microscopes

• Microscopes are used to observe cells and simple organisms.
• Types of microscopes include:
  • Light Microscope: Uses light beams for visualization.
  • Electron Microscope: Utilizes electron beams, magnification up to 1,000,000 times.
    • Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): Evaluates cell surface, similar to a light microscope but uses oil to enhance magnification (up to 2000 times).

Magnification Calculation

• Total magnification = Magnifying power of objective lens x Magnifying power of ocular lens.
• Example: Eye lens power of 10 and objective lens power of 100 results in a magnification of 1000 times.

Cell Types

• Prokaryotic Cells:

  • Size: Less than 10 µm.
  • Includes only bacteria and archaea.
  • Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
  • Possess smaller ribosomes and a single circular chromosome.

• Eukaryotic Cells:

  • Include animals, plants, protists, and fungi.

Nucleus Functions

• Controls cell activities including cell reproduction and heredity.

Cytoplasm Function

• Acts as a medium to transport cell organelles.

Mitochondria Functions

• Contain enzymes for cellular respiration.
• Responsible for ATP production and energy storage.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

• Transports materials within the cell.
• Types of ER:
  • Rough ER: Contains ribosomes attached for protein synthesis.
  • Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes.

Ribosomes Function

• Serve as the site for protein synthesis and are composed of RNA.
• Aggregation of ribosomes is known as polysome.

Lysosomes Function

• Contain digestive enzymes that remove damaged organelles and foreign objects.
• Involved in apoptosis (programmed cell death) which is essential for multicellular organism development.

Golgi Complex Function

• Packages proteins and waste into vesicles for excretion.

Cell Basics

• Cells are the fundamental units that compose all organisms.
• All living organisms consist of cells; they arise from pre-existing cells.

Microscopes

• Microscopes are used to observe cells and simple organisms.
• Types of microscopes include:
  • Light Microscope: Uses light beams for visualization.
  • Electron Microscope: Utilizes electron beams, magnification up to 1,000,000 times.
    • Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): Evaluates cell surface, similar to a light microscope but uses oil to enhance magnification (up to 2000 times).

Magnification Calculation

• Total magnification = Magnifying power of objective lens x Magnifying power of ocular lens.
• Example: Eye lens power of 10 and objective lens power of 100 results in a magnification of 1000 times.

Cell Types

• Prokaryotic Cells:

  • Size: Less than 10 µm.
  • Includes only bacteria and archaea.
  • Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
  • Possess smaller ribosomes and a single circular chromosome.

• Eukaryotic Cells:

  • Include animals, plants, protists, and fungi.

Nucleus Functions

• Controls cell activities including cell reproduction and heredity.

Cytoplasm Function

• Acts as a medium to transport cell organelles.

Mitochondria Functions

• Contain enzymes for cellular respiration.
• Responsible for ATP production and energy storage.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

• Transports materials within the cell.
• Types of ER:
  • Rough ER: Contains ribosomes attached for protein synthesis.
  • Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes.

Ribosomes Function

• Serve as the site for protein synthesis and are composed of RNA.
• Aggregation of ribosomes is known as polysome.

Lysosomes Function

• Contain digestive enzymes that remove damaged organelles and foreign objects.
• Involved in apoptosis (programmed cell death) which is essential for multicellular organism development.

Golgi Complex Function

• Packages proteins and waste into vesicles for excretion.

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of cells as the basic unit of life and the various types of microscopes used to study them. It covers the origins of cells and details about light and electron microscopes. Perfect for students wanting to strengthen their understanding of cellular biology.