Cells

• What are the key organelles found in eukaryotic cells?

  Nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, ribosomes, vacuoles, chloroplasts, cell wall
• What is the function of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell?

  It is where DNA replication and transcription occur, and it contains the genetic code
• What are the key structures within the nucleus?

  Nuclear envelope, nuclear pores, nucleoplasm, chromosomes, nucleolus
• What is the function of the nucleolus?

  It is the site of rRNA production and ribosome assembly
• What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

  Rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

  It is the site of protein synthesis due to the ribosomes attached to its surface
• What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

  It is where the synthesis of lipids and carbohydrates occurs, and where they are stored
• What is the structure of the Golgi apparatus?

  It is a folded membrane system with cisternal compartments
• What are the functions of the Golgi apparatus?

  It modifies, packages, and distributes proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids
• What is the structure of a mitochondrion?

  It has an outer membrane and an inner membrane with cristae
• What is the function of mitochondria?

  They are the site of aerobic respiration and ATP production
• What are the two sizes of ribosomes found in cells?

  80S ribosomes in eukaryotic cells and 70S ribosomes in prokaryotic cells and organelles
• What is the function of ribosomes?

  They are the site of protein synthesis in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
• What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?

  They help provide structural support and store substances like sugars and amino acids
• What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

  They are the site of photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll and thylakoid membranes
• What is the function of the cell wall in plant and fungal cells?

  It provides structural support and prevents the cell from bursting due to osmosis
• What is the function of the plasma membrane?

  It controls what can enter and exit the cell
• What are the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles, have a single circular DNA loop, and have 70S ribosomes
• What are the key structural components of a virus particle?

  Genetic material (DNA or RNA), capsid, and attachment/envelope proteins
• How do viruses replicate?

  Viruses replicate by injecting their genetic material into a host cell and using the host's machinery
• What are the three main types of microscopes used to study cells?

  Optical (light) microscopes, transmission electron microscopes, and scanning electron microscopes
• How do optical and electron microscopes differ in their resolution and magnification?

  Electron microscopes have higher resolution and magnification than optical microscopes
• How can you measure the size of a specimen using an eyepiece graticule in an optical microscope?

  You need to calibrate the eyepiece graticule by measuring a stage micrometer at each objective lens magnification
• What are the key steps in cell fractionation?

  Homogenization to break open cells, followed by differential centrifugation to isolate organelles
• Why must the homogenization solution be cold, isotonic, and buffered?

  To prevent enzyme activity, osmotic damage, and pH changes that could harm the organelles
• What are the key stages of the eukaryotic cell cycle?

  Interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase)
• What is the purpose of the cell cycle checkpoints in G1 and G2?

  They allow the cell to check for errors in DNA replication before proceeding to the next stage
• What are the key differences between mitosis and meiosis?

  Mitosis produces genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces haploid gametes
• What are the four main stages of mitosis?

  Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase
• What is the key difference between mitosis and binary fission in prokaryotes?

  Mitosis produces genetically identical diploid cells, while binary fission produces genetically identical haploid cells
• How do viruses replicate, since they are not living organisms?

  Viruses replicate by injecting their genetic material into a host cell and using the host's machinery
• What are the key differences between optical and electron microscopes?

  • Optical microscopes use light, while electron microscopes use a beam of electrons
  • Optical microscopes have lower resolution and magnification than electron microscopes
  • Optical microscopes can view living specimens, while electron microscopes require a vacuum and can only view fixed, dried samples
  • Optical microscopes produce color images, while electron microscopes produce black and white images
• How does the process of cell fractionation work to isolate organelles?

  • Cells are broken open (homogenized) in a cold, isotonic, buffered solution
  • The homogenate is filtered to remove large debris
  • The filtrate is then subjected to differential centrifugation at increasing speeds
  • This causes the organelles to separate into pellets based on their density
  • The pellets containing the different organelles can then be collected and studied
• What are the key differences between mitosis and meiosis?

  • Mitosis produces genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces haploid gametes
  • Mitosis involves a single cell division, while meiosis involves two successive cell divisions
  • Mitosis occurs in somatic cells, while meiosis occurs in reproductive cells
  • The purpose of mitosis is growth, repair, and asexual reproduction, while the purpose of meiosis is sexual reproduction
• How do viruses replicate if they are not living organisms?

  • Viruses do not undergo cell division or replication on their own
  • Instead, they inject their genetic material (DNA or RNA) into a host cell
  • The host cell's machinery is then used to replicate the viral genetic material and assemble new virus particles
  • The new virus particles are then released from the host cell, often by causing the host cell to lyse or burst open
• What are the strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research methods?

  Qualitative methods:

  • Strengths: Provide in-depth, rich data; flexible and adaptable; capture complex phenomena
  • Limitations: Time-consuming; potential for researcher bias; limited generalizability; difficult to replicate

  
  

  Quantitative methods:

  • Strengths: Objective data; statistical analysis; ability to generalize findings
  • Limitations: May oversimplify complex phenomena; unable to capture nuances; reliance on numerical data
• What does the host cell use to replicate the virus particle?

  Genetic material
• What are the key stages of the eukaryotic cell cycle?

  Interphase, mitosis, cytokinesis
• What is the longest stage of the cell cycle?

  Interphase
• What occurs during the G1 phase of interphase?

  Cell increases in size and organelles double