Characterize the structural similarities of all cells (i.e., the common features).
All cells have: a(n enclosing) plasma membrane, (semifluid) cytoplasm, chromosomes (centrally located DNA material) and ribosomes
Describe the role of the plasma membrane in all cells.
The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that allows oxygen, nutrients and waste in and out of the cell
Define the function of cytoplasm
The fluid that fills the inside of the cell. Its like the medium or “host” for chemical reaction that happen in the cell
Describe the organization of prokaryotic cells.
- No membrane bound organelles
- DNA is in Nucleoid region
- cytoplasm
Discuss the cell theory. (a unifying foundation of cell biology)
- all organisms are composed of one or more cells, and the life processes of metabolism and heredity occur within these cells
- cells are the smallest living things, the basic units of organization of all organisms
- cells arise only by division of a previously existing cell
Describe the factors that limit cell size.
Diffusion of substances into and out of cells
As cell size increases, diffusion becomes inefficient
Describe the advantage of a relatively small cell size.
A smaller cell has a better surface area-to-volume ratio so diffusion is most efficient.
Differentiate the types of microscopy.
• Light microscopy
-lowest magnification
• scanning electron microscopy
• transmission electron microscopy
-highest magnification
Define the function of ribosomes
Protein synthesis
Define the function of chromosomes
Genetic information necessary for the function of the cell
compare the organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic
- Prokaryotic cells:
No nucleus- DNA in an unbound region called the nucleiod
No membrane bound organelles
Cytoplasm is bound by plasma membrane
Has ribosomes - Eukaryotic Cells:
DNA in Nucleus bound by a membranous nuclear envelope
Membrane bound organelles
Cytoplasm between plasma membrane and nucleus
Generally larger that prokaryotic cells
