Revision:OCR AS Biology - Cell Structure
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Microscopy
- Magnification = Size of object
- Resolution = Ability to distinguish between two separate points
- An electron microscope has a higher resolution than a light microscope therefore more cell organelles can be seen using an electron microscope
- Magnification = Image / Object
Eukaryotic Organelles
- Rough endoplasmic reticulum: Contains ribosomes which are the site of protein synthesis
- Smooth endoplasmic reticulum: 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
- DAN 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
- Columnar 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)
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