Unit 4: Cells and Basic Concepts of Life Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is biological science?
The branch of science that focuses on the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments
What is a microscope?
An instrument used to magnify objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye
What does resolution refer to in microscopy?
The ability of a microscope to distinguish two points as separate
What is magnification?
The ability to enlarge an object so it can be observed in greater detail
Who invented the compound microscope?
Zacharias Jansen around 1590
Which scientist coined the term ‘cell’?
Robert Hooke in 1665
Who was the first to observe single-celled organisms?
Anton van Leeuwenhoek in the 1670s
What is a light microscope?
An optical instrument that uses visible light and lenses to magnify small objects, typically up to 1000x magnification
What are the two types of light microscopes?
- Simple light microscope
- Compound light microscope
What is an electron microscope?
A microscope that uses electron beams instead of visible light to magnify specimens, allowing for much higher magnification and resolution
What are the three major parts of a cell?
- Cell membrane
- Nucleus
- Cytoplasm
What is the function of the cell membrane?
To control what enters and exits the cell
What is the control center of a eukaryotic cell?
Nucleus
What is the function of mitochondria?
To convert nutrients into energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration
What are ribosomes responsible for?
Protein synthesis
What is a vacuole?
A membrane-bound organelle that stores water, nutrients, and waste products
What do chloroplasts do?
Carry out photosynthesis, converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen
What is the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms?
Unicellular organisms are made of one cell, while multicellular organisms are made of more than one cell with specialized functions
What is cellular respiration?
The process by which cells break down glucose and release energy in the form of ATP
What is the chemical equation for cellular respiration?
Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy (ATP)
Where does ATP synthesis primarily occur?
In the mitochondria
What is aerobic respiration?
The process of producing energy in cells using oxygen
What is anaerobic respiration?
The process of producing energy without using oxygen
What is fermentation?
Anaerobic respiration carried out by yeast to produce energy, often resulting in alcohol or other by-products
