Cell biologyLesson 1 of 6 in the course Cell Structure

Cell Observation, Cell Theory, and Biological Organization

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Cells are usually too small to see without assistance. In this lesson, you will learn how microscopes help scientists observe cells and how different microscopes reveal different kinds of detail.

A cell is the smallest unit of a living thing, but most individual cells are too small to see with the naked eye. Scientists use a microscope, an instrument that magnifies an object, to examine cells. Images made using a microscope are called micrographs.

All flashcards

What is a microscope?
An instrument that magnifies an object so that details too small to see unaided can be examined.
How are magnification and resolving power different?
Magnification makes an object appear larger. Resolving power is the ability to distinguish two nearby structures as separate.
What does a scanning electron microscope show?
An SEM scans a specimen's surface and reveals its surface characteristics.
What does a transmission electron microscope show?
A TEM sends electrons through a specimen to reveal its internal structures.
What are the three central ideas of cell theory?
Living things consist of cells; cells are life's basic units; new cells arise from existing cells.

Quiz questions

  1. What is a micrograph?Answer: An image produced using a microscope.
  2. What does resolving power describe?Answer: A microscope's ability to distinguish two nearby structures as separate.
  3. Why may a cell viewed with a light microscope need staining?Answer: Many cell structures are transparent and difficult to distinguish without added contrast.
  4. Which microscope is most suitable for examining the surface features of a prepared cell?Answer: A scanning electron microscope.
  5. Which professional examines cells for abnormalities and consults a pathologist about concerning changes?Answer: A cytotechnologist.

Based on Biology 2e by Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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