Module 1 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Differentiate rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
Rough
Ribosome Attachment: The RER has ribosomes attached to its surface, giving it a “rough” appearance under a microscope. These ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis.
Protein Processing: Primarily involved in the synthesis and folding of proteins, especially those destined for secretion, membranes, or lysosomes.
Proximity to Nucleus: Typically located closer to the nucleus and connected to the nuclear envelope, facilitating the transport of genetic information for protein synthesis.
Smooth
Lack of Ribosomes: The SER lacks ribosomes, giving it a “smooth” appearance under a microscope. This makes it specialized for non-protein-related functions.
Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism: Involved in the synthesis of lipids (e.g., phospholipids, steroids) and metabolism of carbohydrates, as well as detoxification of drugs and toxins.
Calcium Storage: Plays a critical role in calcium ion storage and release, particularly in muscle cells for contraction processes.
What are the subunits of macromolecules called?
Monomers
Bonds between amino acids
peptide bonds (covalent)
Gram positive will be shown as what colour? What about Gram negative?
positive: purple/blue (thick peptidoglycan in their cell walls)
negative: red/pink
Which organelle is responsible for sorting, tagging and distribution of lipids and proteins?
Golgi apparatus
A structure with hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts is called…
amphipathic
What is the main role of carbohydrates in a cell?
Provides energy for the cell
What kind of reaction happens when two sugar monomers are linked together?
condensation, water is removed
Can live cells be viewed using an electron microscope?
No
Put these in order from deep to superficial in a prokaryotic cell: cell wall, plasma membrane, outer membrane.
plasma membrane, cell wall, outer membrane
What gives RNA and DNA their negative charge?
Phosphate group
which sub-cellular organelle carry out redox reactions that break down fatty and amino acids?
peroxisomes
what is the role of lysosomes
Involved in breaking down macromolecules, cellular debris, and pathogens via hydrolytic enzymes
What are the three most abundant elements in the human body?
CHO
what is a dissecting microscope
Magnification: Low (typically 10x to 50x)
Resolution: Low; suitable for larger, 3D specimens.
3D Capability: Yes, provides a stereoscopic (3D) view.
Kills Specimen? No, it works with living specimens or larger objects.
what is a light microscope
Magnification: Moderate to high (up to 1000x with oil immersion lenses).
Resolution: Moderate; limited by the wavelength of visible light (~200 nm).
3D Capability: No, provides a 2D view of thin specimens.
Kills Specimen? Sometimes. Specimens often need to be fixed, stained, or sectioned, which kills them, but live cells can be observed with special techniques (e.g., phase contrast).
what is a scanning microscope
Magnification: Very high (up to 10,000x to 100,000x or more).
Resolution: High; up to ~10 nm (much better than light microscopes).
3D Capability: Yes, provides detailed 3D images of the specimen’s surface.
Kills Specimen? Yes. Specimens must be coated in a conductive material (like gold or carbon) and placed in a vacuum, which kills them.
what is a confocal microscope
Magnification: High (typically up to 1000x or more, depending on the system used).
Resolution: High (~200 nm laterally, ~500 nm axially), limited by the wavelength of light but sharper than traditional light microscopes due to its optical sectioning capability.
3D Capability: Yes, provides a 3D reconstruction by capturing optical sections (thin slices) of the specimen.
Kills Specimen? Sometimes.
Live specimens can be imaged with appropriate fluorescent dyes or proteins.
However, many samples are fixed, stained, and mounted, which kills the specimen.
Primary Use: Imaging fluorescently labeled cells and tissues with high resolution and 3D reconstruction. It’s widely used in biological research to study cell structures, proteins, and dynamic processes.
what s an electron microscope
