Cell components and Microscopy

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary function of electron microscopy in cell biology?

  • To measure the electrical activity of cells
  • To observe living cells in real-time
  • To identify the chemical composition of cellular components
  • To visualize cellular ultrastructure at high resolution (correct)

Which cellular component is typically NOT visible using light microscopy without specific staining or treatments?

  • Nucleus
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes (correct)
  • Cell membrane

What is the role of chromatin in the nucleus?

  • To produce ribosomes
  • To generate energy for the cell
  • To synthesize proteins
  • To package DNA and regulate gene expression (correct)

Which of the following is a function of the cell membrane?

<p>Regulating the passage of materials into and out of the cell (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Euchromatin differs from heterochromatin in that euchromatin is:

<p>Loosely packed and transcriptionally active (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT directly involved in protein synthesis?

<p>Golgi apparatus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of microscopy is most suitable for observing the 3D surface structure of a cell?

<p>Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What property of lipids allows them to spontaneously form bilayers in water?

<p>Their amphipathic nature (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A cell with a high density of ribosomes is most likely specialized for:

<p>Protein synthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which unit of measurement is most appropriate for describing the size of a typical ribosome?

<p>Nanometers (nm) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional significance of nuclear pores?

<p>They regulate the movement of substances between the nucleus and cytoplasm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following most accurately describes the appearance of the cell membrane under TEM?

<p>A trilaminar structure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) support its function?

<p>Its association with ribosomes facilitates protein synthesis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a cell that is actively secreting large quantities of proteins. Which organelle would you expect to be particularly prominent in this cell?

<p>Rough endoplasmic reticulum (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nucleolus?

<p>Ribosome biogenesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)?

<p>TEM provides information about the internal structure of cells, while SEM provides information about the surface topography. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher is studying the dynamic movements of proteins within the cell membrane, which technique would be most appropriate?

<p>Fluorescence microscopy with tagged proteins (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A cell is observed to have an unusually large amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). This likely indicates that the cell is specialized for:

<p>Steroid hormone synthesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural relationship between the nuclear envelope and the endoplasmic reticulum?

<p>The nuclear envelope is directly continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct order of steps involved in preparing a sample for transmission electron microscopy?

<p>Fixation → Embedding → Sectioning → Staining (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which property primarily defines the 'electron-dense' regions seen in a transmission electron micrograph?

<p>Regions that strongly attract electrons, resulting in less electron transmission (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be the effect on a cell if its nuclear pores were non-functional?

<p>The cell would be unable to transport mRNA into the cytoplasm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under a light microscope, a tissue sample stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) shows cells with intensely basophilic nuclei. What does this suggest about the cells?

<p>They are actively synthesizing proteins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a cell's membrane suddenly became permeable to large ions, which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

<p>Establishment of resting membrane potential (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the interaction between a transmembrane protein and the extracellular matrix. Which microscopic technique would provide the MOST direct visualization of this interaction?

<p>Confocal microscopy with fluorescently labeled antibodies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional consequence of having glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface?

<p>Cell-cell recognition and interaction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains why electron microscopes have a much higher resolution than light microscopes?

<p>Electrons have a much shorter wavelength than visible light. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A cell is exposed to a toxin that disrupts the function of the Golgi apparatus. Which of the following cellular processes would be most directly affected?

<p>Protein folding and transport (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most likely to be observed in cells specialized for detoxification?

<p>Extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells can nerve cells be up to 100µm in diameter?

<p>Neuron cell body (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which processes take place in the cytoplasm?

<p>Translation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Protein synthesis takes place in the

<p>Cytoplasm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

1000 nanometers = ?

<p>1.0 micrometer (µm) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be seen using light and electron microscopy?

<p>The cell membrane (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the nucleus?

<p>Mitochondria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which microscope does not require a lens?

<p>Scaning electron microscope (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

<p>Modifying and packaging proteins (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When viewing a cell under a light microscope, which of the following structures provides the most important clue to the cell's overall shape and function?

<p>Nucleus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these microscopes uses electrons?

<p>Transmission electron microscope (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell modification is cell to cell attachments?

<p>Modifications to the cell membrane (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which property does not belong to a cell?

<p>Electrons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the cell membrane under the light microscope (LM) is most accurate?

<p>The resolution of the LM is insufficient to clearly visualize the cell membrane without specific stains. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes transmission electron microscopy (TEM) from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in terms of sample preparation?

<p>TEM requires ultra-thin sections of the sample, while SEM examines the surface of the sample. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher notices that a particular cell type has a nucleus with a very irregular shape and a high proportion of heterochromatin. What can the researcher infer about cells with this type of nucleus?

<p>The cells are generally less transcriptionally active. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Electron Microscopy

A technique that uses electrons to create a magnified image of a specimen, revealing ultrastructure.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

A type of microscopy where electrons pass through a specimen to form an image.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

A type of microscopy where electrons scan the surface of a specimen to create an image.

Cell Membrane

Cell component that separates the cell's interior from the outside environment.

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Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments providing structure and shape to the cell.

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Nucleus

Cell's control center containing genetic material.

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Mitochondria

Organelle that generates energy (ATP) for the cell.

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Golgi Apparatus

Organelle responsible for processing and packaging proteins.

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Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

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Ribosomes

Site of protein synthesis.

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Vesicles

Small, membrane-bound sacs that transport materials within the cell.

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Microvilli

Small projections of the cell membrane that increase surface area.

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Cilia

Hair-like structures on the cell surface that help with movement.

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Nuclear Envelope

A double-layered structure surrounding the nucleus.

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Chromatin

The material within the nucleus, consisting of DNA and proteins.

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Nucleolus

A distinct structure within the nucleus where ribosomes are assembled.

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Nanometer (nm)

A unit of length equal to one billionth of a meter.

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Micrometer (µm)

A unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter.

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Millimeter (mm)

A unit of length equal to one thousandth of a meter.

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Lipid Bilayer

A protein and lipid layer that surrounds a cell, regulating what enters and exits.

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Amphipathic

Having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts.

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Integral Membrane Proteins

Proteins embedded in the cell membrane.

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Peripheral Membrane Proteins

Proteins associated with the cell membrane but not embedded in it.

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Glycoproteins

Proteins with carbohydrate chains attached.

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Glycolipids

Lipids with carbohydrate chains attached.

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Transmembrane Channel Protein

A channel-forming protein that spans the cell membrane, facilitating transport.

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Intracellular Space

The region inside the cell.

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Extracellular Space

Region outside the cell

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DNA

The genetic material of the cell, organized into structures called chromosomes.

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mRNA

A type of RNA molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes.

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Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

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Translation

The process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template.

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Nuclear Pores

Structures in the nuclear envelope that regulate the transport of molecules in and out of the nucleus.

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Heterochromatin

Regions in the cell's nucleus where DNA is tightly packed.

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Euchromatin

Regions in the cell's nucleus where DNA is loosely packed.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Electron Microscopy

  • Electron microscopy is explored and how to interpret electron micrographs.
  • Light and electron microscopy can visualize different cell components.
  • Part 1 describes how light and electron microscopes work in simple terms.

Cell Components

  • Key cell components include the cell membrane, cytoskeleton, and nucleus.
  • The cytoskeleton consists of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
  • The nucleus contains chromosomes as chromatin, including euchromatin and heterochromatin, and the nucleolus.
  • Other components: mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum (smooth and rough), ribosomes, and vesicles.
  • Modifications to the cell membrane include microvilli, cilia, and cell-to-cell attachments.

Microscopy

  • An electron micrograph of an eosinophil reveals details compared to a light micrograph.
  • Light microscope utilizes a lamp, condenser lens, specimen, objective lens, ocular lens, and projection lens to produce an image.
  • The transmission electron microscope uses a cathode, anode, condenser lens, scanning coil, scanning beam, electron detector, and television screen to create an image.
  • The scanning electron microscope also includes an electronic amplifier.

Transmission Electron Microscopy

  • Electrons hitting the phosphor screen glow brightly and are classified as electron lucent.
  • Areas where electrons do not hit have no glow and are classified as electron dense.

Scanning Electron Microscopy

  • Scanning electron microscopy involves an electron gun, condenser lenses, scan coils, objective lens, specimen stub, X-ray detector, and secondary electron detector.

Units of Measurement

  • Units of measurement:
    • 10 Angstroms = 1.0 nanometer (nm)
    • 1000 nanometers = 1.0 micrometer (µm)
    • 1000 micrometers (microns) = 1.0 millimeter (mm)
  • A red blood cell (RBC) is approximately 7.5 µm in diameter.
  • Neuron cell bodies can be up to 100 µm in diameter.

Electron Micrographs

  • Electron micrographs help understand what organelles exist, their appearance, individual functions, and collective function.
  • Understanding size and magnification is important for interpreting electron micrographs.

Cell Membrane

  • Part 2 focuses on histology of the cell membrane: structure, function, and composition.
  • Lipid bilayers form plasma membranes and surround cellular organelles.
  • Lipids contain a hydrophobic end and a hydrophilic end, making them "amphipathic."
  • Lipids spontaneously form lipid bilayers in water.
  • The cell membrane regulates the passage of material into and out of the cell.

Proteins/Glycoproteins within Cell Membranes

  • Proteins/Glycoproteins mean they appear eosinophilic under light microscopy and electron-dense under electron microscopy.
  • Resolution limits the ability to see membranes under light microscopy.

Histology of the Nucleus

  • Part 3 examines the histology of the nucleus, covering normal microscopic appearance, structure, and function.
  • Under normal light microscopy, you can expect to find the nucleus, chromatin (pale or densely staining basophilia), chromosomes, and nucleolus.
  • The shape of the nucleus serves as a guide to the shape of the cell under light microscopy, important when examining epithelia as a tissue.
  • LM staining patterns distinguish and indicate cell types and activities.

Nucleus Composition Under EM

  • Under normal electron microscopy, expect to find the nucleus and nuclear membrane.
  • There are also nuclear pores.
  • Chromatin, including euchromatin and heterochromatin is visible.
  • Chromosomes and the nucleolus can also be found under EM.

Nuclear Pores

  • Nuclear pores exist for transcription and translation.
  • During transcription, DNA is converted to mRNA inside the nucleus.
  • The mRNA then exits through the nuclear pores into the cytoplasm for translation.
  • During translation, the mRNA combines with ribosomes to synthesize proteins.

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