Biology Chapter: Glycolysis and Microscopy

The process where RNA is used to create proteins. It's essential for creating all the building blocks needed for a cell.

The first simple cell, likely consisting of only self-replicating RNA and the proteins it encoded.

A metabolic process that breaks down glucose without oxygen, producing lactic acid. It's a less efficient energy source than oxidative metabolism.

The process of using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose, releasing oxygen (O2) as a byproduct.

A metabolic process that uses oxygen to break down glucose into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). It produces much more energy than glycolysis.

Robert Hooke's drawing of cells in cork was a significant discovery, as it provided the first observation of the basic building blocks of living organisms. This led to the eventual development of the cell theory.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek is credited with making significant advances in microscopy by discovering and describing various microscopic organisms, including bacteria, protozoa, sperm, and blood cells, which he called 'animalcules'.

The cell theory is a foundational principle in biology that states: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells; the cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms; and cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic cells are simple, single-celled organisms characterized by the absence of a nucleus and other internal membrane-bound organelles. They include bacteria and archaebacteria.

Eukaryotic cells are complex, highly organized cells that contain a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They make up all other living organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

The idea of spontaneous generation, which proposed that life could arise from non-living matter, was refuted by the cell theory.

Life emerged on Earth approximately 3.8 billion years ago, representing a significant milestone in the history of our planet and the beginning of biological evolution.

The forms and structures of living organisms we observe today are the result of billions of years of evolution, highlighting the historical nature of biology.

Single-celled organisms with chloroplasts, capable of photosynthesis. Examples are Chlamydomonas and Volvox.

Unicellular or multicellular organisms that contain chloroplasts and are capable of photosynthesis. These are often called green algae.

The evolution of multicellular organisms from single-celled eukaryotes is theorized to have occurred between 1000-2000 million years ago. This led to the development of complex organisms with specialized cells.

Animal cells are more diverse and specialized than plant cells. They form tissues that have specific functions in the body.

A type of tissue that forms sheets covering the surface of the body and lining internal organs. They have various functions, such as protection, absorption, and secretion.

A type of tissue that includes bone, cartilage, and adipose tissue. They are responsible for structural support and energy storage.

Fibroblasts are key components of loose connective tissue, which is found between organs and tissues. They play a critical role in maintaining the structure and integrity of the body.

Specialized cells that make up bone tissue. They are responsible for forming and maintaining the bone matrix.

A technique in microscopy that uses electrons to create images. It's used to see the surface details of biological samples in 3D.

Areas in a SEM image that appear dark due to the obstruction of electron passage by dense materials like heavy metals. These areas are often associated with structures having higher affinity for these metals.

Areas in a SEM image that appear light due to the easy passage of electrons. These areas often correspond to structures with less affinity for heavy metals.

A process that preserves the structural integrity and chemical composition of biological samples. It prevents cell degradation after death and enables further manipulation.

A technique that involves freezing biological samples at extremely low temperatures, typically below -70°C, to quickly halt biological processes.

A method of preparing biological samples for microscopy by removing water and replacing it with a solid embedding medium, allowing for thin sectioning.

A technique that involves cutting thin sections of biological samples for microscopic examination. This is done after embedding the tissue in a solid medium.

A process that involves applying dyes or stains to biological samples to highlight specific structures or components for microscopic visualization.

A type of microscopy that uses visible light to illuminate and view a sample. The contrast between different cell parts depends on the absorption of light by cellular components. Requires staining and fixation to increase contrast.

A type of microscopy that enhances contrast by manipulating light waves to make structures more visible. Uses a special condenser to manipulate light, allowing for observation of live cells without staining.

A type of microscopy that enhances contrast by using polarized light and prisms that convert phase delays into intensity changes (contrast). Provides pseudo 3D images with high sensitivity to thin cellular material.

A type of microscopy that uses fluorescent dyes to visualize specific structures or molecules within cells. Works by absorbing light at one wavelength and emitting light at a longer wavelength.

A type of fluorescence microscopy that uses a laser beam to scan a specimen, creating high-resolution images of specific planes within the sample.

A type of microscopy that uses two photons of light to excite the fluorophore, allowing for deeper penetration into the sample and reduced photodamage.

A process where biological samples, such as tissues, are prepared for microscopic examination. It involves a series of steps to preserve the structure and make it easier to view under the microscope.

The process of removing water from a tissue sample using increasing concentrations of alcohol, a crucial step in preparing tissue for embedding in paraffin or resin.

A method used to solidify tissues during tissue preparation. It involves embedding tissues in materials such as paraffin, which is used for light microscopy, or resins, which are used for electron microscopy. This step helps to support the tissue and enable thin sections to be cut.

A type of wax used for solidification in light microscopy. Its melting point of 50°C allows the tissue to be embedded and then sliced into thin, clear sections. This is essential for examining tissues under a microscope.

A more rigid material used for solidification in electron microscopy. Resins are harder than paraffin, allowing for finer cuts, perfect for the magnification of electron microscopy.

One of the most common staining techniques in histology that uses hematoxylin, a basic dye that stains nuclei blue, and eosin, an acidic dye that stains the cytoplasm pink. This combination provides clear contrast and highlights important features of the tissue.