Cell Theory and Cell Structure

1.​ What are the three main points of cell theory?

-​ All living things are made of cells

2.​ Describe the structure and function of a cell membrane.

The cell membrane function is too keep all organelles in place and protect them, it the outline of
a cell

The cell membrane surrounds the cell, protecting it and organizing cell structures. It regulates
what enters and exits the cell.

3.​ What role does the cytoplasm play in a cell?

The cytoplasm protects the cell and makes sure nothing gets in or out of the cell

The cytoplasm holds the cell's components in place, protects them from damage, and is the site
where many cellular activities occur.

Microscope Techniques and Development

4.​ What is the purpose of staining when preparing temporary mounts?

The purpose of staining when preparing temporary mounts is to make sure that no unwanted
organisms make it onto the slide

Staining enhances visibility of cellular structures, making it easier to observe specific details
under a microscope.
 5.​ How do electron microscopes differ from the first microscopes developed by Robert
Hooke?

Electron microscopes have an electron beam, the electron microscope allows scientists to attain
a more detailed view of organism

Electron microscopes, developed in 1931, use electron beams for very high detail and allow
scientists to see cell structures not visible with earlier light microscopes, such as those used by
Hooke in 1665.

6.​ Describe the steps to make and stain a temporary mount of cells and tissues.

Place a thin tissue slice or cell suspension on a clean slide, add a drop of water or saline, and
cover with a cover slip. Apply a drop of stain, such as methylene blue or iodine, to one side of
the cover slip, and use blotting paper on the other side to draw the stain through.

Measuring Specimens with Microscopy

7.​ How do you use an eyepiece graticule and stage micrometer to measure a specimen?

The eyepiece graticule, a scale in the microscope eyepiece, is used to measure the specimen's
size. It is calibrated with a stage micrometer, which has a scale with known measurements,
allowing for accurate measurement of the specimen’s dimensions.

8.​ If you know the image size and magnification, how do you calculate the actual size of a
specimen?

Image size divided by the magnification

Use the formula:

Actual size = Image size / Magnification

Applications of Electron Microscopy and Microscopy Techniques

9.​ What are some applications of electron microscopy in cell studies?

Electron microscopy is used to observe highly detailed cell structures, such as organelles,
viruses, and molecular complexes, which are too small to be seen with a light microscope.
 10.​Describe the main uses of each microscopy technique: Brightfield, Phase-Contrast,
Fluorescence, Confocal, and Electron Microscopy.

Brightfield: Standard light microscopy for viewing stained samples.

Phase-Contrast: Adds contrast to see clear, live cells without staining.

Fluorescence: Uses fluorescent dyes to highlight specific parts of cells.

Confocal: Uses focused lasers for sharp, 3D images.

Electron Microscopy: Provides very high detail, ideal for observing tiny internal structures.

Organelles and Their Functions

11.​What is the function of the nucleus, and what are nuclear pores?

The function of the nucleus is to control everything that goes on in the cell. Nuclear pores are
little hole that allows ribosomes to exit the nucleus once created

The nucleus houses genetic material, controls cell activities, and makes ribosomes. Nuclear
pores allow substances to move in and out of the nucleus

12.​Where are ribosomes located, and what is their main function?

Ribosomes are located and created in the nucleolus, they then leave to other parts of the cell
such as the rough endoplasmic reticulum, their function is to synthesize proteins

Ribosomes are found in the cytoplasm or on the rough endoplasmic reticulum. They synthesize
proteins from amino acids.

13.​How does the Golgi apparatus modify and transport proteins?

The golgi apparatus modifies proteins by folding them, they then transport them in vesicles

The Golgi apparatus modifies proteins (sometimes adding sugars), then packages them into
vesicles for transport to various parts of the cell or to the cell membrane for secretion
 14.​Explain the role of lysosomes in cellular waste breakdown.

The role of lysosomes is to break down nuclear waste

Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris, recycling
them or disposing of them.

15.​What are the main functions of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

The rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum is to synthesize proteins

Rough ER: Involved in protein synthesis; has ribosomes attached.

Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids, produces sex hormones, detoxifies drugs, and releases
glucose in the liver.

Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic Cell Structure

16.​Compare the structure and function of the cell wall in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

The cell wall is only located in Eukaryotic cells and only in plant cells, their job is to keep
everything in place and protect the organelles

In prokaryotes, the cell wall provides structure and protection. In eukaryotes, a cell wall is
present only in plant and fungal cells, where it provides rigidity and support.

17.​What is the nucleoid, and how does it differ from a nucleus?

The nucleoid is a region in prokaryotic cells where the main DNA is located, without a
surrounding membrane. A nucleus, found in eukaryotes, is membrane-bound and contains the
cell’s DNA.

18.​Describe the role of plasmids in prokaryotic cells.

Plasmids are extra DNA with useful genes, such as those for antibiotic resistance, allowing the
cell to adapt to its environment
 19.​List three major structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic

Eukaryotic cells contain of animal and plant cells while prokaryotic cell contain of bacteria

Eukaryotic cells do not have a nucleus

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus,

have a simpler cell structure,

and contain plasmids;

eukaryotes have a nucleus,

complex organelles,

and no plasmids.

Life Processes in Unicellular Organisms

20.​How do unicellular organisms obtain nutrients?

They either photosynthesize (if capable) or absorb nutrients from their surroundings.

21.​What structures do unicellular organisms use for movement?

flagella

They move using cilia or flagella.

22.​Describe how unicellular organisms grow and reproduce.

Unicellular organisms grow by increasing in cell size and reproduce mainly by asexual methods
like binary fission.
 23.​How do unicellular organisms carry out excretion and gas exchange?

Through pores

Waste and gasses are exchanged directly through the cell membrane.

Plant, Animal, and Fungal Cells

24.​What are the structural differences between plant, animal, and fungal cells?

Plant cells have cell walls and chloroplasts for photosynthesis

animal cells lack cell walls

and fungal cells have cell walls but no chloroplasts.

25.​Give examples of specialized eukaryotic cells with atypical structures, and describe their
unique functions.

Hyphae

Examples include red blood cells (no nucleus to carry more oxygen), sperm cells (have tails for
movement), and muscle cells (contain many mitochondria for energy).