Cells and Microscopy

• What are the two main types of organisms based on cell structure?

  Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes
• What distinguishes Eukaryotic cells from Prokaryotic cells?

  Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while Prokaryotic cells do not
• What is the genetic material found in the nucleus of Eukaryotic cells?

  DNA in the form of chromosomes
• What is the function of the cytoplasm in a cell?

  It is the gel-like substance where most chemical reactions happen
• What is the role of mitochondria in a cell?

  They are the site of cellular respiration
• What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

  They are where photosynthesis occurs
• What do ribosomes do in a cell?

  They are where proteins are made
• What is the function of the cell membrane?

  It holds the cell together and controls what goes in and out
• What is the composition of the rigid cell wall in plant cells?

  It is made of cellulose
• What is chromosomal DNA in Prokaryotic cells?

  It is one long circular chromosome that controls the cell's activities
• What are plasmids in Prokaryotic cells?

  Small loops of extra DNA that aren't part of the chromosome
• What is the role of the cell membrane in Prokaryotic cells?

  It controls what goes in and out of the cell
• What is the primary function of microscopes?

  To magnify images
• What does resolution in microscopy refer to?

  How well a microscope distinguishes between two points that are close together
• When were light microscopes invented?

  In the 1590s
• What can light microscopes allow us to see?

  Structures like nuclei and chloroplasts
• When were electron microscopes invented?

  In the 1930s
• What is a key advantage of electron microscopes over light microscopes?

  They allow us to see much smaller things in more detail
• How do Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs) differ from light microscopes?

  TEMs have higher magnification and resolution but are not portable
• What is a limitation of using TEMs?

  They cannot be used to look at living tissue
• What are the main structures within Eukaryotic cells and their functions?

  • Nucleus: contains DNA and controls cell activities
  • Cytoplasm: gel-like substance for chemical reactions
  • Mitochondria: site of cellular respiration
  • Ribosomes: where proteins are made
  • Cell Membrane: controls entry and exit of substances
  • Chloroplasts (in plant cells): site of photosynthesis
  • Rigid Cell Wall (in plant cells): provides support
• What are the main structures within Prokaryotic cells and their functions?

  • Chromosomal DNA: controls cell activities and replication
  • Plasmids: small loops of extra DNA for traits like drug resistance
  • Cell Membrane: controls entry and exit of substances
  • Cell Wall: provides support
• What are the differences between light microscopes and electron microscopes?

  • Light Microscopes:
  • Invented in the 1590s
  • Can see structures like nuclei and chloroplasts
  • Portable and can be used on living tissue

  
  

  • Electron Microscopes:
  • Invented in the 1930s
  • Can see much smaller structures in detail
  • Not portable and cannot be used on living tissue