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Module 2: Foundations in Biology > Cell structure > Flashcards

Cell structure Flashcards

1
Q

what are microscopes used for

A

to produce magnified images of objects

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2
Q

describe how light microscopes work

A

use visible light beam (wave length 400nm - 700nm) to produce a 2D photomicrograph

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3
Q

what’s the resolution in light microscopes and what are the limitations of this?

A
  • 50-200nm
  • ribosomes (20nm) aren’t distinguishable
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4
Q

what are the advantages of using light microscope

A
  • cheap
  • easy to use
  • portable
  • able to view living specimens
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5
Q

equation for total magnification

A

total magnification = objective lens magnification x eyepiece lens magnification

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6
Q

describe how laser scanning microscopes work

A

specimen is treated with a flourescent dye and a laser beam scans images point by point causing the dye to be seen

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7
Q

what are the advantages of using laser scanning microscopes

A
  • high-resolution, high contrast computer image is formed from pixels
  • depth selectivity allows the microscope to view specimens at different depths
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8
Q

what can laser scanning microscopes be used for

A
  • **to look at an object at a certain depth within a cell **
  • can be used to swiftly diagnose conditions
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9
Q

describe how electron microscopes work

A
  • use a beam of electrons with a wavelength 0.004nm to produce much higher resolution images
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10
Q

what is a disadvantage of electron microscopes?

A
  • samples must be placed in a vacuum so living organisms can’t be viewed
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11
Q

how are specimens prepared in TEMs ( transmission electron microscopes)

A

specimen dehydrated and stained

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12
Q

what role do electrons play in TEMs

A

pass through the specimen

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13
Q

what’s the product of TEMs

A

2D black and white micrograph

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14
Q

what’s the magnification and resolution of TEMs

A
  • 500’000x magnification
  • 0.5-1nm resolution
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15
Q

how are specimens prepared in SEMs ( transmission electron microscopes)

A

dead specimen placed in a vaccume and coated with metal film

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16
Q

what role do electrons play in SEMs

A

scan the surface of a specimen, bounce off and the refelected beam if viewed

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17
Q

what’s the product of SEMs

A

3D image formed, B+w but can have false colour added

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18
Q

what’s the magnification and resolution of SEMs

A
  • 100,000x magnification
  • 0.2nm resolution
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19
Q

why are specimens stained

A

allows the specimen to become visible, identify different organelles, and increase contrast

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20
Q

what’s differential staining

A

when different stains bind to specific structures in the cell

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21
Q

steps in specimen preparation

A
  1. dehydration
  2. embedded in wax, preventing distortion
  3. slicing into thin selections
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22
Q

name 4 stains

A
  • acetic orcein
  • eosin
  • iodine in KI
  • sudan black
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23
Q

what’s the function of acetic orcein

A

binds to DNA, stains chromosomes dark red in colour

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24
Q

what’s the function of eosin

A

stains the cytoplasm pink

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25
what's the function KI stain
stains cellulose yellow, starch grains blue-black
26
what are eyepiece graticules used for
to measure object sizes in eyepiece units (epu)
27
what are stage micrometer used for
used to calibrate the eyepiece graticule
28
how do you measure specimen size
1. fit eyepiece (10x) and stage graticules focus with objective lens for a given magnification 2. work out what length each epu represents. Stage graticule measures in microns 3. measure object epu and multiply by this value
29
define magnification
the number of times larger an image appears compared to the real specimen
30
define resolution
the ability to distinguish two points that are close together clearly as two seperate entities
31
why do electrons microscopes have better resolution
they use electron beams with smaller wavelengths
32
equation for image size
Image size = object size x magnification I A x M
33
What's the difference between organelles in eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells
membrane bound organelles in eukaryotic cells
34
function of nucleus
- stores chromatin made of DNA and histones - contains nucleolus, which makes ribosomes
35
structure of nucleus
- has double membrane and nuclear pores
36
function of ribosomes
- synthesises polypeptides using RNA - free floating or attached to rough ER
37
structure of ribosomes
- are 20nm in diameter - made up of two subunits ( 60s and 40s), ech cpntaining roughly eual ratios of rRNA and protein
38
function of mitochondria
- site of aerobic respiration - found in animal and plant cells - produces ATP from ADP + Pi
39
structure of mitochondria
- double membrane, inner membrane highly folded into cristae - spherical/rod/branched (2-5um)
40
function of chloroplasts
- site of photosynthesis - produces glucose and oxygen
41
where are mitochondria found
- found in animal and plant cells
42
where are chloroplast found
- found in plant and algae cells only
43
structure of chloroplasts
- double membrane, starch grains and DNA loop - inner membrane is continuous with stacks of flattened DISKS called THYLAKOIDS - 4 - 10 um in length
44
structure of rough ER
contains membranes called cisternae that provide a large SA for ribosomes to attach
45
function of rough ER
- site of protein synthesis and helps move substances around the cell
46
structure of smooth ER
- contains membranes called cisternae that provide large SA - has no ribosomes attached to it
47
function of smooth ER
- is a site of carbohydrate and lipid synthesis, storage and transport
48
structure of Golgi apparatus
- has membranes called cisternae - secretory vesicles bring materials to and from Golgi apparatus
49
function of Golgi apparatus
- creates lysosomes; vesicles come to and from the Golgi - adds carbohydrates, packages and transports proteins in vesicles - transports, modifies and stores lipids
50
function of lysosomes
- contain hydrolytic enzymes known as lysozymes - hydrolyse and break down cells in apoptosis, or phagocytosed bodies
51
structure of lysozymes
- vesicles of membrane
52
what are lysosomes created by
Golgi apparatus
53
function of vacuole
- supports the cell when turgid - acts as a store of fluid, sugars, amino acids and pigments
54
where are large permanent vacuoles found
plant cells
55
structure of vacuole
vacuole surrounded by a membrane called the tonoplast, and contains fluid
56
in which cells are cell walls found in
- plants - fungi
57
what are plant cell walls made of
cellulose
58
what are cell wall in fungi made of
chitin
59
what are membranes
partially permeable barriers
60
what's the cytoskeleton
a complex network of proteins found throughout the cell
61
what are centrioles
bundles of microtubules arranged into two cylinders that are at right angles to each other
62
what's the cytoskeleton made of
- made of microfilaments (actin), microtubules and intermediate filaments
63
what's the function of the cytoskeleton
- helps anchor organelles and provide cell shape andprovides mechanical strength - moves organelles around cell
64
what are centrioles made of
- tubulin subunits, forms spindle fibres
65
function of centrioles
spindles move chromosomes in nuclear division via motor proteins
66
what do centrioles form
cilia and undulipodia
67
what are cilia, undulipodia and flagellum
projections of cell membrane formed from centrioles, and which contain microtubules
68
features of cilia
- multiple protrusions - eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells - example - ciliated epithelium in airways moves mucus upwards
69
features of undulipodia/ flagellum
- single protrusion - called undulipodia in eukaryotes and flagellum in prokaryotes - example - bacterial flagellum for motility & undulipodia in human sperm
70
how are proteins synthesised, transported and secreted
1. Transcribed mRNA leaves nucleus via nuclear pores and attaches to ribosomes at the RER 2. Ribosomes translate into polypeptide, which enters RER 3. Vesicles from cisternae take protein to Golgi apparatus 4. Golgi apparatus and packages protein and release it into vesicle bound for destination, such as exocytosis
71
features of prokaryotic cells
- smaller than eukaryotic cells - no membrane bound organelles - smaller (70s) ribosomes
72
process by which prokaryotic cells divide
binary fission
73
process by which yeast cells divide
budding
74
what's the function of capsule in prokaryotic cells
waxy, surrounds cell wall for protection
75
what's the function of flagella in prokaryotic cells
long project for movement
76
what's the function of pili in prokaryotic cells
small projections for adhesion

Module 2: Foundations in Biology (6 decks)

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