Microscopy, cell theory and microbial reproduction

• Nucleus


  The control center of the cell responsible for producing mRNA and proteins. It contains the genetic material of the cell in the form of DNA and chromosomes.
• Nucleoplasm


  The fluid inside the nucleus that surrounds the chromosomes and provides a medium for cellular processes.
• Nuclear Envelope


  A double membrane that separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm, controlling the movement of molecules in and out of the nucleus through nuclear pores.
• Chromatin


  The complex of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes. It plays a role in gene regulation and DNA packaging.
• Nucleolus


  A dense region within the nucleus where ribosomes are produced, essential for protein synthesis.
• Chloroplasts

  Organelles found in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy.
• Chloroplast Envelope


  A double membrane that surrounds the chloroplast, controlling the movement of molecules in and out of the organelle.
• Stroma


  The fluid-filled space inside the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle, a series of reactions in photosynthesis, takes place.
• Grana


  Stacks of thylakoid membranes in the chloroplast where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur, capturing energy from sunlight.
• Starch Grains


  Storage form of glucose in plant cells, primarily found in chloroplasts. It serves as an energy reserve.
• Mitochondrion


  The powerhouse of the cell responsible for cellular respiration, converting nutrients into ATP, the cell's energy currency.
• Cristae


  Folded inner membrane of the mitochondrion that increases the surface area for ATP production, enhancing energy generation.
• Matrix


  The fluid-filled space inside the mitochondrion where the Krebs cycle, a key step in cellular respiration, takes place.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)


  A network of membranes involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids, essential for cellular processes.
• Rough ER (RER)


  ER with ribosomes attached, involved in protein synthesis, modification, and transport within the cell.
• Smooth ER (SER)


  ER involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification of drugs and toxins, contributing to cellular homeostasis.
• Cisternae


  Flattened sacs or tubules that make up the endoplasmic reticulum, providing a large surface area for cellular processes.
• Ribosomes

  Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis, composed of proteins and RNA. They translate genetic information into functional proteins.
• Golgi Apparatus

  An organelle involved in the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins for transport to their final destinations within or outside the cell.
• Lysosomes


  Membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes for intracellular digestion and waste removal, maintaining cellular cleanliness.
• Cilia


  Hair-like structures on the cell surface involved in movement or the movement of fluid over the cell, aiding in cellular locomotion and sensory functions.
• Basal Body


  A structure at the base of cilia or flagella that anchors them to the cell membrane, providing stability during movement.
• Centrioles

  Paired cylindrical structures involved in cell division, specifically in the organization of microtubules during mitosis and meiosis in animal cells.
• Cellulose Cell Wall


  A rigid structure surrounding plant cells, providing support, protection, and maintaining cell shape.
• Plasmodesmata


  Channels that pass through the cell wall, allowing communication and transport of molecules between adjacent plant cells, facilitating cell-to-cell communication.
• Glycogen Granules


  Storage form of glucose in animal cells, serving as an energy reserve for cellular processes.
• Multicellular


  Organisms composed of multiple cells
• Unicellular


  Organisms consisting of a single cell
• Metabolic processes


  Chemical reactions occurring within cells to sustain life
• Cell division


  Process by which new cells are formed from existing cells
• Genetic material


  DNA passed from parent cells to daughter cells during cell division
• Cell


  Smallest independent unit of an organism capable of survival
• Objective lens

  Lens in a microscope used to magnify the specimen
• Stage


  Platform where the slide with the specimen is placed on a microscope
• Coarse focus


  Adjustment knob on a microscope used to bring the specimen into view
• Fine focus


  Adjustment knob on a microscope used to bring the specimen into sharp focus
• Illumination


  Light source used to illuminate the specimen on a microscope
• Microscopes through history

  Evolution and development of microscopes over time
• Temporary mounts


  Slides used for viewing specimens that are discarded after use
• Glass cover-slip

  Thin glass sheet placed over the specimen on a microscope slide