Cell Theory and Microscopy

Robert Hooke's discovery in 1665, observed compartments in cork bark resembling monk's cells, leading to the term "cell" for these structures.

A simple microscope using a single lens to magnify objects. Developed by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, it allowed him to discover microscopic life forms like bacteria and protozoa.

A theory based on the fundamental nature of living organisms: 1. Organisms are composed of one or more cells. 2. Cells are the basic structural unit of all living organisms. 3. New cells arise from existing cells (except viruses).

Microscopes that use light passing through lenses to magnify objects, including compound and dissecting microscopes. These can also observe fluorescent compounds by exciting them with light.

Microscopes that utilize a beam of electrons to visualize samples at extremely high magnification. Transmission electron microscopes (TEM) require thin specimens, while scanning electron microscopes (SEM) can observe the surface of thicker samples.

The group of green algae that is currently thought to be the closest relative of land plants.

A type of cell division that occurs in plants and some green algae, characterized by the formation of a phragmoplast and cell plate.

The process of converting light energy into chemical energy, used by plants and some algae to produce their own food.

A protective layer that forms on the outside of land plants, reducing water loss and preventing damage from UV radiation.

A type of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic organisms, during which the nucleus of a cell divides into two nuclei, each containing a complete set of chromosomes.

A type of pigment found in plants and algae that absorbs excess light energy, acting as a sunscreen to protect against UV radiation.

A symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae, where the fungus provides a protective layer and anchor, while the algae performs photosynthesis.

A process where organisms combine their genetic material, resulting in offspring with new combinations of genes.

The process of creating new gene combinations through the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

The process of combining the genetic material from two different sources.

A type of fruit characterized by a thin skin and a fleshy interior, containing seeds centrally attached to a central axis.

A type of fruit with a thick rind, like a pumpkin or cucumber, with seeds attached to the walls of the ovary.

A type of fruit with a leathery skin, filled with oils, like oranges and lemons.

A type of fruit formed from a single flower, where the fleshy part comes from the hypanthium (swollen base) and the core is the endocarp surrounding the seeds.

A type of fruit formed from a single flower, with multiple tiny drupe ovaries on a swollen receptacle, resulting in fleshy fruit with many seeds.

A type of fruit formed from multiple flowers, where individual drupes from different flowers merge to form a single fruit, like mulberries and pineapples.

Fruits with a dry mesocarp at maturity, which do not split open to release seeds.

Fruits with a dry mesocarp at maturity, which split open to release seeds.

A cell structure that provides support and helps with cell movement.

Thin filaments made of protein that help with cell movement and shape.

Strong, rope-like structures inside cells that provide support and help with cell organization.

The ability of an organism to produce its own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

The green pigment found in plants that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.

Tiny structures in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.

A type of prokaryote that can photosynthesize, commonly called blue-green algae.

A theory that suggests that eukaryotic cells evolved by engulfing prokaryotic cells and forming a symbiotic relationship.

A diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that often have simple structures and can be unicellular or multicellular.

The study of algae.

A group of algae that includes yellow-green algae, golden brown algae, diatoms, and brown algae.

A type of algae that includes red algae, which can live in deep waters.

A group of algae that includes green algae, which are closely related to land plants.

A type of green algae that is closely related to land plants.

Grasses, such as wheat, rice, and sugar cane, are wind-pollinated and have evolved to rely less on insects. They have tiny scales instead of showy flowers and exposed feathery stigmas for wind dispersal.

The location of nectar glands in a flower determines which pollinators it attracts. Plants that attract beetles have surface-level glands, while bees require glands closer to the flower's surface due to their short tongues.

Beetles were among the first pollinators and are attracted to strong-smelling, white or yellow flowers with exposed stigma and anthers. These flowers often have primitive features.

Bees are very efficient pollinators and are attracted to flowers based on color, smell, and electric fields. Bee-pollinated flowers are fragrant, brightly colored (except red), and have nectar glands near the surface.

Flies and mosquitoes, while less efficient pollinators, can pollinate flowers. They are attracted to pale or dark flowers with a strong odor of decay, dung, or blood.

Butterflies are diurnal pollinators with long tongues (proboscis) that allow them to access nectar deep inside flowers. They are attracted to fragrant, brightly colored flowers, including red.

Moths are nocturnal pollinators and are attracted to white or yellow flowers with a sweet scent. They can see colors in low light.

Hummingbirds and sunbirds have narrow beaks for extracting nectar from long, tubular flowers. They are attracted to bright red or yellow flowers with copious amounts of nectar and little odor.

Bats are nocturnal pollinators that rely on their hairy bodies to carry pollen. They are attracted to large, open flowers that produce substantial amounts of nectar.

Fruit is the ripened ovary of a flower that encloses the seeds. Its primary function is seed dispersal, not providing nourishment for the seeds.

The process by which homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during meiosis I, resulting in increased genetic diversity in offspring.

The random assortment of chromosomes into daughter cells during meiosis I, further increasing genetic diversity.

A structure formed during cell division in plant cells, composed of microtubules, actin filaments, and endoplasmic reticulum.

A process by which plants reproduce asexually from parts of their body, generating genetically identical offspring.

The dominant life form in algae, characterized by having only one copy of each chromosome.

A group of nonvascular plants that include liverworts, mosses, and hornworts. They are typically found in moist environments.

A flattened, leafy structure found in bryophytes, resembling leaves or stems but lacking true vascular tissue.

A type of root-like structure found in bryophytes that helps anchor the plant to the substrate and absorb water.

The dominant life form in bryophytes. It is characterized by the production of gametes, which are reproductive cells.

The stage in a bryophyte's life cycle that develops after fertilization and produces spores.

A filamentous structure that develops from a bryophyte spore and can give rise to new gametophytes.

A specialized structure in bryophytes that contains archegonia, which are female reproductive organs containing eggs, and paraphyses, which are protective structures.

A specialized structure in bryophytes that contains antheridia, which are male reproductive organs containing sperm, and paraphyses, which are protective structures.

A cap that covers the developing sporophyte in bryophytes, protecting it from external factors.