Exam I Flashcards
(114 cards)
What is the cell theory?
- All organism are composed of cells
- Cells are the smallest living things
- Cells arise only from pre-existing cells
What type of microscope can be used to view live cells?
Light microscopes
Describe the five steps in processing nonliving tissue for microscopy.
- Fixed
- Embedded
- Sectioned
- Stained
- Mounted on a slide for microscopy
Compare the resolution capability of the naked eye to light and electron microscopes.
Naked eye:
• objects must be at least 100 micrometers apart to resolve them as two objects rather than one
Light microscopes:
• Resolve structures at least 200 nm (0.2 micrometers) apart (e.g., cells, organelles)
Electron microscopes
• Resolve structures less than 1 nm apart
What techniques would enable the visualization of transparent tissue?
Differential interference contrast microscopy
Why is it optimal for cells to be smaller rather than large?
Distinguish between protozoan and metazoan.
Protozoan:
• Single cell eukaryotes
Metazoan:
• Multicellular eukaryotes
What are three possible outcomes of mutations in DNA?
- Harmful (deleterious: disease, developmental defects)
- Advantageous
- Neutral
What properties are common among all cells?
- Plasma membrane
- Cytostol
- Ribosomes
- DNA
How can you distinguish between interphase and a mitotic nucleus using microscopy?
Interphase nucleus: chromosomes are decondensed
Where does cellular respiration take place?
Mitochondria
What kinds of cells undergo photosynthesis? Why? Which contain chloroplasts?
Photosynthetic bacteria (cyanobacteria) and plant cells
Plant cells contain chloroplasts
What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum? The Golgi?
Golgi Apparatus:
• Modifies, packages, and distributes molecules
How does the proportion of SER to RER reflect a cell’s function?
• Cells that synthesize proteins that are secreted have more RER (e.g., endocrine glands)
• Cells that carry out extensive lipid synthesis have more SER (e.g., liver, testes, intestines, brain)
How can materials enter and exit a cell?
Endocytosis and exocytosis
What are the components and respective function of the cytoskeleton? ECM?
- Actin filaments
- Microtubules
- Intermediate filaments
• Directed cell movements
• Overall cellular structure
• Movement of structures within cell (e.g., nuclear division, vesicular traffic)
What is a structural similarity between nuclei and mitochondria?
Both have a double membrane and their own DNA
Which organelles are enclosed by a double membrane?
Nucleus, mitochondria
What cells are visible to the naked eye?
Oocytes (eggs)
What does it mean to increase/decrease contrast?
• Increase the difference between light and dark parts
• Accentuates light and darker
• Decrease contrast: light and dark parts are closer together
What is the difference between cytosol and cytoplasm?
Cytosol - liquid portion of cell
Cytoplasm - liquid + all organelles minus nucleus
Where else is DNA found in cells?
Mitochondria and chloroplasts
What does membrane envelope mean?
What type of cells use endocytosis significantly?
Immune cells (e.g., macrophages)
Digestive system (taking in nutrients)