Chapter 4
Schwann, Schleiden and Virchow are credited with coming up with the basics of the cell theory 3 components: ◦ 1.All living organisms are made up of cells ◦ 2.Cells are the basic units of structure and function in living organisms. ◦ 3.All cells come from cells that existed before them by cellular reproduction.
Every cell has the following main characteristics: ◦ Cell membrane ◦ Cytoplasm ◦ DNA ◦ Ribosomes
Antone von Leeuwenhoek assembled the first microscope that was useful for scientific research. Compound light microscopes reflect light through a set of lenses and the specimen to magnify the specimen. See handout for the parts of the microscope – you must know it.
Two important characteristics that determine the quality of a light microscope: ◦ Magnification – an increase in the apparent size of an object. We calculate magnification by the following: Magnification of eyepiece x magnification of objective lens = total magnifying power Resolution – the measure of clarity of an image. As the magnification increases, the resolution of the image decreases.
Some microscopes use beams of electrons for magnification instead of light – electron microscopes Scanning electron microscope (SEM) – used to study the detailed architecture of the surface of the object. Forms a 3D image, but does not show the inside of the object. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) – used to provide a detailed 2D image of the inside structure of the object that is viewed.
Cells are microscopic, they are visible only with light microscopes. Most of their size ranges from µm. Cells are small, because they have to be able to carry materials from one side of the cell to the next in a short period of time. Cells must have a large enough surface area to be able to take in nutrients and oxygen and release waste quickly.
Prokaryotic cells – ◦ small cells (about 1-10 µm) that do not have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles ◦ Found in bacteria and archaebacteria
Prokaryotic Cell Organelles: ◦ Nucleoid region – part of the prokaryotic cell where the DNA is found ◦ Cell membrane – innermost covering of the cell ◦ Cell wall – outside of cell membrane, made up of a special mix of polysaccharides and proteins (antibiotics break it down) ◦ Capsule – outside of the cell wall, protective covering (not all bacteria have it) ◦ Flagella (sing. Flagellum) – long, whiplike structure that moves bacteria ◦ Pili – short, hair-like projection used to stick to other surfaces and for conjugation (exchange of genetic materials between bacteria) ◦ Cytoplasm – jelly-like fluid that dissolves substances and holds organelles ◦ Ribosomes – organelles that make proteins in the cytoplasm
Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals Have nucleus and membrane-bound organelles Much larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells. Reproduce sexually and asexually
Nucleus ◦ Control center of cell; contains most of the cell’s DNA Nucleolus ◦ Location where ribosomes are synthesized Nuclear pore ◦ Allows RNA to move in and out of nucleus
Ribosomes ◦ Protein synthesis Rough ER ◦ Comprised of a network of tubes and flattened sacs. ◦ Continuous with plasma membrane and nuclear membrane ◦ Site of protein synthesis (consists of ribosomes)
Smooth ER ◦ Site of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism ◦ No ribosomes Golgi Apparatus ◦ Connected with ER; flattened disc-shaped sacs, stacked one on top of the other ◦ Modification, storage, and packaging of proteins. ◦ “tags” proteins so they go to the correct destination.
Lysosomes (in animal cells and some protists) ◦ Digestion of nutrients, bacteria, and damaged organelles; destruction of certain cells during embryonic development Peroxisomes ◦ Diverse metabolic processes with breakdown of H 2 O 2 by-product Vacuoles ◦ Digestion (like lysosomes); storage of chemicals, cell enlargement; water balance
Chloroplasts ◦ Conversion of light energy to chemical energy of sugars (site of photosynthesis) Mitochondria ◦ Conversion of chemical energy of food to chemical energy of ATP ◦ “Power House” of cell ◦ Bound by double membrane
Cytoskeleton (including cilia, flagella, and centrioles in animal cells) ◦ Maintenance of cell shape; anchorage for organelles; movement of organelles within cells; cell movement; mechanical transmission of signals from exterior of cell to interior. Cell walls (in plants, fungi, and protists) ◦ Maintenance of cell shape and skeletal support; surface protection; binding of cells in tissues