Revision:OCR AS Biology - Cell Structure - The Student Room
The Student Room

Revision:OCR AS Biology - Cell Structure

TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > Biology > OCR AS Biology - Cell Structure


Contents

Microscopy

Magnification and Resolution

Magnification: Degree to which the image is larger than the object itself Resolution: Degree to which it is possible to distinguish between two objects, the higher the resolution the greater the detail.

Microscopes

Light Microscope Maximum magnification of x1500 Maximum resolution of 200nm

Transmission Electron Microscope Maximum magnification of x500 000 Maximum resolution of 0.20nm

Scanning Electron Microscope Maximum magnification of x250 000 Maximum resolution of 0.20nm

Staining and Sectioning

Staining: Chemicals that bind on or in the specimen, making it easier to be seen under the microscope.

Sectioning: Some tissue such as Brain is embedded in wax, making it easier to cut.

Linear Magnification

It is possible to work out the magnification of a image, or the actual size of a cell with this formula A = I/M

Actual Size = Image Size over Magnification rearranging this formula can give the Image size; I = A X M

                                                    the Magnification; M = I/A

--Ieatcheeseyo 19:22, 19 November 2011 (UTC)--Ieatcheeseyo 19:22, 19 November 2011 (UTC)


Eukaryotic Organelles

  • Rough endoplasmic reticsexulum: Contains ribosomes which are the site of protein synthesis
  • Smooth endoplasmic reticulusex

m: Carries out synthesis of lipids

  • Golgi apparatus: A stack of membrane bound vesicles. Packages macromolecules for transport around the cell
  • Mitochondria: A double membrane bound organelle which is involved in aerobic respiration. Inner membrane forms folds called cristae to increase surface area of membrane. An the cristae, glucose is combined with oxygen to produce ATP.
  • Lysosomes: Contains hydrolytic enzymes which in a white blood cell, digest bacteria. Enzymes are contained in the lysosomes to prevent necrosis (cell death)
  • Chloroplasts: Contain chlorophyll. Have a double outer membrane. Within the stroma there are other membrane structures called grana where photosynthesis takes place
  • Plasma membrane: A phospholipids bilayer containing proteins. These proteins include receptors, pores and enzymes. Responsible for controlled entry of water and minerals
  • Nuclear envelope: A double membrane around the nucleus containing muclear pores which allow exchange between the nucleus and the cytoplasm
  • Centriole: A hollow cylinder about 0.4µm long formed from a ring of microtubules which are used to grow the spindle fibres used in nuclear division
  • Nucleus: Contains DNA responsible for the individual characteristics of each cell. DNA is similar in all cells but depending on which type of cell it is, some genes maybe turned on or off. Division of the nucleus proceeds cell division
  • Nucleolus: Inside the nucleus. Produces ribosomes which leave the nucleus to take positions on the rough endoplasmic reticulum
  • Cilia: Move in a co-ordinated manner, each slightly out of phase with its neighbour so substances around the cell are made to move.


Comparing prokaryotic cells with eukaryotic cells

Prokaryotes

  • Average diameter = 0.5-20µm
  • Circular DNA lies free in cytoplasm
  • Naked DNA
  • Slightly smaller ribosomes (18nm)
  • No ER
  • Very few organelles none of which are surrounded by membrane
  • Cell wall present


Eukaryotes

  • Often up to 40µm and 1000-10000 x the volume of eukaryotes
  • DNA not circular and contained in nucleus
  • DNA associated with protein forming chromosomes
  • Slightly larger ribosomes (22nm)
  • ER
  • Many organelles, many are bounded by a membrane
  • Cell wall only present in plant cells

Types of tissue

  • Squamous epithelium: Individual cells are smooth, flat and very thin. The cells fit together to provide a smooth, low-friction surface. E.g. alveoli – thinness allows rapid diffusion
  • Cilliated epithelium: A single layer of tall cells all reaching to the basement membrane. Sometimes also contains cilia. E.g. lining of bronchus

Definitions

  • Tissue: A collection of cells which is specialised to perform one or more particular functions. Cells can be all of one type (e.g. parenchyma in plants, squamous epithelium in animals) or of mixed type (e.g. xylem and phloem in plants, bone in animals)
  • Organ: Part of the body which is formed from more than one tissue and forms a structural and functional unit (e.g. leaves in plants, liver in animals)


Comments

Discussions  
Anyone else think Music Edexcel GCSE Perform.+Comp. Grade Boundaries so high in 2011?
started by: Tirrany
forum: Creative and Performance Arts and Media
replies: 10
last post: 1 Minute Ago
OCR Chemistry A F322 Chains, Energy and Resources Wed 23 May 2012
started by: kickasskaz01
forum: Chemistry Exams
replies: 1238
last post: 1 Minute Ago
OCR Biology F212 (Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health)- 21st May 2012
started by: Future_Dr
forum: Biology Exams
replies: 5746
last post: 3 Minutes Ago
WHat do you think of the idea to export prisoners
started by: Dishoom-Dishoom
forum: Society
replies: 47
last post: 3 Minutes Ago
AST section - Memory Test
started by: ewan.peckam
forum: Armed Forces
replies: 9
last post: 4 Minutes Ago
AQA CHEM2 ~ May 23rd 2012 ~ AS Chemistry
started by: Sorro10
forum: Chemistry Exams
replies: 1795
last post: 5 Minutes Ago
Do I drop out of 1st year at uni to re-do my A-levels?
started by: Ally Ally Oh....
forum: General University Discussion
replies: 8
last post: 5 Minutes Ago
The Arsenal Thread XII
started by: In2deep
forum: Football
replies: 3383
last post: 6 Minutes Ago
Triumph of Elizabeth A2 AQA June 12th Exam
started by: StanleyKowalski
forum: History
replies: 14
last post: 6 Minutes Ago
Olympic tickets
started by: barnetlad
forum: London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
replies: 3
last post: 7 Minutes Ago
A level choices and career hopes- care to share? ;)
started by: Lucy96
forum: GCSEs
replies: 43
last post: 7 Minutes Ago
Fashion design sketch book ideas!?
started by: CharCoakley95
forum: Creative and Performance Arts and Media
replies: 1
last post: 7 Minutes Ago
University of Cumbria- degree September 2012 anyone?
started by: Becks2889
forum: Nursing and Midwifery
replies: 7
last post: 8 Minutes Ago
♛ ♪♫ The Hip-Hop Society MK II ♪♫ ♛
started by: Vybz Kartel
forum: Music
replies: 4126
last post: 8 Minutes Ago
Who's all going to Aberdeen uni next year then?
started by: Alt__x
forum: Aberdeen Unis
replies: 81
last post: 8 Minutes Ago
How many Tories ****ed their pants when they heard Christine Lagarde?
started by: That Bearded Man
forum: UK Politics
replies: 5
last post: 8 Minutes Ago
OCR AS Salters Chemistry F332 - Wednesday 23rd May 2012 1:30pm
started by: EstebanK0
forum: Chemistry Exams
replies: 564
last post: 8 Minutes Ago
Your Summer Reading List
started by: Steveluis10
forum: Books, Literature & Poetry
replies: 31
last post: 8 Minutes Ago
Best Country in the World
started by: datta01
forum: International Lounge
replies: 135
last post: 8 Minutes Ago
Chemistry Unit 2 Edexcel, Exam- 23rd May 2012
started by: AmrinderRai
forum: Chemistry Exams
replies: 966
last post: 9 Minutes Ago
Article Updates Edit