AS Level
Chapter 1
Cell Structure
Chapter Outline
Part 1: Microscopy
• Magnification vs Resolution
• Light Microscope vs Electron Microscope
Part 2: Micrometry: How do we measure cells?
• Calibrating EPG using the Stage Micrometer (Practical 1)
• Magnification
Part 3: Cell Structure and Function
• Organelles
• Animal vs Plant cells
• Eukaryotes vs Prokaryotes
• Viruses
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
LIGHT
MICROSCOPY MICROSCOPES
AND ELECTRON
MICROSCOPES
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Types of Microscopes
• Electromagnetic radiation
(light / electrons)
→ Image of specimen
1. Light microscope
2. Electron microscope
a) Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM)
b) Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM)
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Magnification and Resolution
1) Magnification
• Number of times an image is enlarged,
compared with the actual size of the object
• “x” sign placed in front of number
2) Resolution
• Ability to distinguish between two points clearly as
separate
• Units in nm
Increase in magnification ≠ increase in resolution
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Magnification
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Resolution
High resolving power Low resolving power
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
What determines resolution?
• Range of electromagnetic radiations
of different wavelengths
→ Electromagnetic spectrum
• Shorter wavelength used
→ Higher resolving power
→ Wavelength of visible light is longer than of an electron
→ Ability to distinguish between two points is lower
• Max resolution is the…
→ Shortest distance between 2 separate points
→ The max resolution = ½ wavelength used
→ Shorter wavelength = higher max resolution = lower resolution
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Resolution
For example:
• Max resolution is the…
→ Shortest distance between 2 separate points
• The max resolution = ½ wavelength used
• Wavelength of visible light = 400-700nm
• Max resolution of a light microscope = 200nm
• If closer/smaller than 200nm, points cannot be distinguished
as separate
• Can a ribosome (smallest organelle) of 25nm be seen?
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Light Microscope
• Source of electromagnetic radiation: Visible light
- Wavelength = approx. 400-700nm
- Lower energy and longer wavelength than electrons
- Focused using mirrors and glass lenses
• Highest magnification: x1,500
• Max resolution : 200nm (low)
• Advantage: Live specimens can be
viewed, image can be coloured
Used for viewing structures that can be
measured in µm
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Electron Microscope
• Source of electromagnetic radiation: Free electrons
- Wavelength = approx. 1 nm
- High energy, very short wavelength
- Must be in a vacuum environment so electron can
travel in straight lines
- Use electromagnetic lenses
• Highest magnification: x250,000
• Max resolution: 0.5 nm (high)
• Disadvantage: Only dead material can
be examined in vacuum, images are black
and white
Used for viewing structures that can be
measured in nm Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Types of Electron Microscopes
a) Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM)
b) Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM)
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Transmission Electron Microscopes
• Beam of electrons
• Pass through (transmit) specimen
before being viewed
• 2D appearance
• Details inside cells
→ Internal structures
→ Membranes within internal
structures
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Scanning Electron Microscopes
• Lower resolution compared to TEM
• Scan surfaces of specimens
• 3D appearance
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Q: List the differences between a light microscope and an electron
microscope. [4]
This is how you should ALWAYS present your answer to compare/contrast
between 2 things.
Features Light Microscope Electron Microscope
E.g. Highest Lower Higher
magnification of
microscope
• 4 marks = 4 points (1 mark is for table plus 1 just in case)
• DO NOT tick or cross in the box.
• Use comparative language.
• Make your “Feature” as specific as possible.
(e.g. instead of magnification, write highest magnification of microscope)
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Q: List the differences between a light microscope and an electron
microscope. [4]
A:
Features Light Microscope Electron Microscope
Type of radiation Light Electrons
Radiation travels through Air Vacuum
Longer Shorter
Wavelength of radiation
400-700 nm 1 nm
Highest magnification of Lower Higher
microscope x1500 x250,000
Max. resolution of Lower Higher
microscope 200 nm 0.5 nm
State of specimen Live Dead
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
MICROMETRY HOW DO WE
MEASURE CELLS?
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Units
• SI unit for length → metre (m)
Suitable units for…
• Light microscope = micrometre (μm)
• Electron microscope = nanometre (nm)
Note:
• Always measure image length in mm !!!
• Present the actual diameter of structure in μm
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
How do we measure cells?
Eyepiece graticule (EPG) is
on the eyepiece lens
Stage micrometer is
placed on the stage
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
How do we measure cells?
Two components needed:
• The stage micrometer
Shows the true value of length
(Usually 10mm in length with 100 small divisions)
Appears bigger when magnification increases
• The eyepiece graticule (EPG)
Shows 100 graticule units (100 EPG) which are in arbitrary units
Appears constant no matter the magnification
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
(appears constant)
(appears larger)
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
How do we measure cells?
Two Steps:
1. Calibrate the EPG with the stage micrometer
• 1 EPG = __?___div = __?__ µm
2. Use the EPG to measure cell/structure
• 1 cell = ___?__ EPG =__?__ µm
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
1. Calibrate the EPG with the stage micrometer
1 EPG = __?___div = __?__ µm
Eyepiece Graticule
mm
Stage Micrometer
15 EPG = 10 div = 0.1 mm
1 EPG = 0.1 mm/15
= 100 μm/15
= 6.67 μm
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
2. Use the EPG to measure cell/structure
1 cell = ___?__ EPG =__?__ µm
Diameter of cell = 11 EPG
1 EPG = 6.67μm
Diameter of cell = 11 EPG * 6.67μm
= 73.37 μm
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Now you try! 1. Calibrate the EPG with the stage micrometer
1 EPG = __?___div = __?__ µm
Q: Given that 100 divisions of the stage micrometer measures 1mm,
calibrate the EPG.
Hint 1: the stage micrometer could be magnified under the microscope
Hint 2: 10 EPG is marked 1 here!
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Q: Given that 100 divisions of the stage micrometer measures 1mm,
calibrate the EPG.
A:
100div = 1mm
1div = 0.01mm
= 10µm
50 EPG = 10div
50 EPG = 10 * 10µm
= 100µm
1 EPG = 100µm / 50
= 2µm
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Magnification
• Number of times an image is enlarged,
compared with the actual size of the object
• Formula:
𝐈
𝐌=
𝐀
Remember to convert all measurements to the same units!
Pro tip:
1. Convert
2. Substitute
3. Calculate
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Exercise
Q: On an electromicrograph, a mitochondrion measures 36mm in
length.
If the magnification of the micrograph is x30,000,
what are the actual length of this organelle in µm?
M = x30,000
I = 36mm = 36*1000 μm = 36000 μm
A=I/M 1. Convert
= 36000 μm / 30 000
2. Substitute
= 1.20 µm
3. Calculate
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Exercise
Q: Given that the magnification of this electron micrograph is
x20,000, calculate the actual length of this mitochondria.
60mm
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Exercise
Q: Given that the magnification of this electron micrograph is
x200,000, calculate the actual length of this mitochondria.
M = x20,000
I = 60mm = 60 * 1000 μm
= 60,000 μm
A=I/M
= 60,000 μm / 20000
= 3 μm
1. Convert
2. Substitute
3. Calculate
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Exercise
Q: This is a micrograph taken by an electron microscope of the
egg of an Aedes mosquito.
What is the magnification of this image?
You need to physically measure the scale bar!
A = 200nm
I (measured) = 13mm = (13*1000*1000)nm
= 13000000nm
M=I/A
= 13000000 / 200
= x65,000
Magnification should always have a ‘x’
in front and expressed in whole numbers
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
CELL STRUCTURE
AND FUNCTION
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Cell Structure and Function
Organelles
• Functionally and structurally distinct part of a cell
• Surrounded by membranes
• For compartmentalization
– So that reactions do not interfere with each other
– Each has separate, specific function
Ultrastructure of cells
• Not necessarily surrounded by membranes
• Detailed structures of a cell
• Only can be seen under an electron microscope
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Two types of cells: Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
on the Tree of Life
Let’s talk about this
type of cells first!
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
List of Eukaryotic Cell Structures
Plant + Animal Cells included!
You need to:
1) Name it 2) Recognise it 3) Know its function
1. Cell surface membrane 9. Chloroplast
2. Nucleus, nuclear envelope and 10. Cell wall
nucleolus 11. Plasmodesmata
3. Ribosomes 12. Vacuole and tonoplast
4. RER 13. Centrioles
5. SER 14. Microtubules
6. Golgi body 15. Cilia
7. Lysosomes 16. Microvilli
8. Mitochondria
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Electromicrograph of a cell
You should learn to identify the main organelles visible here!
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
1. Cell Surface Membrane
• Plasma membrane
• ~7 nm thick
• Seen as three layers at x100,000
→ Trilaminar appearance
• Partially permeable
• Made of phospholipid bilayer
Function:
Controls movement of substances into
and out of the cell
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
2. Nucleus
• Largest organelle!
• Has double membranes
General Function:
• Contains genetic information
for the synthesis of proteins
• Site of transcription of genes and
production of mRNA
• DNA is protected from
degradation by enzymes
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Components:
1. Nuclear envelope
2. Nucleus
• Attached to ER
• 2 membranes
• Have nuclear pores
• Function: Controls movement of
substances between nucleus and
cytoplasm
2. Nucleolus
• Densest region
• Function: Site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis
→ Site of ribosome assembly
3. Chromatin = DNA and its associated proteins
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
3. Ribosomes
• Smallest organelle!
• Not bound by a membrane
• Made of rRNA, that is synthesized in
nucleolus + some protein
• Has 2 subunits
Function:
• Site of protein synthesis
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
3. Ribosomes
Two types:
1. 80S ribosomes are
• 25nm (rmb this!)
• Larger
• Found in cytoplasm and RER
of all eukaryotes
2. 70S ribosomes are
• 18nm
• Smaller
• Found in mitochondria and
chloroplasts of eukaryotes
• Found in all prokaryotes
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
4. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Extensive, connected system of membranes
• Made of cisternae (flattened membrane sacs)
• Continuous with the nuclear envelope
• Running through the cytoplasm
• 80S ribosomes are attached
Functions:
• Site of protein synthesis,
• protein modification
e.g. protein folding
e.g. glycosylation = addition of carbohydrate chains to protein
• protein transport to Golgi
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
5. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
• ER without ribosomes
Function:
• Site of lipid and steroid synthesis
e.g. cholesterol, steroid hormones
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
6. Golgi body
• Golgi apparatus / complex
• Made of cisternae
• Have layered appearance
• No connection between members
• Not continuous with nuclear envelope
• Swellings at end of sacs for vesicle formation
• Constantly being formed and broken down
→ Being formed by: Transport vesicles from RER on cis face
→ Broken down to form: Secretory vesicles and lysosomes on trans face
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
6. Golgi body
Functions:
• Modification of proteins and lipid
E.g. glycosylation
phosphorylation = addition of phosphate gp to proteins
cutting / folding proteins
• Packaging molecules into vesicles for transport
• Formation of secretory vesicles for release of protein out of
the cell
• Formation of lysosomes
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Production and Secretion of Proteins
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Production and Secretion of Proteins
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Production and Secretion of Proteins
List the cell structures involved in sequence:
OUT
Steps:
1. Synthesis of protein at ribosome / RER
2. Transport vesicle buds off RER and fuses with Golgi body
3. Modification of protein at Golgi body
4. Separation of a secretory vesicle from the Golgi body
5. Fusion of the vesicle with the cell surface membrane
6. Contents released / secretion of protein by exocytosis
Process also works to embed a protein at the cell membrane.
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Exercise
[CIE, June 2013, P13, Q5]
When mucus is secreted from a goblet cell in the trachea, these
events take place.
1. addition of carbohydrate to protein
2. fusion of the vesicle with the plasma membrane
3. secretion of a glycoprotein
4. separation of a vesicle from the Golgi apparatus
What is the sequence in which these events take place?
A: 1 → 4 → 2 → 3
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
7. Lysosomes
• Very, very small
• Spherical, small sacs
Function:
Contains hydrolytic enzymes / lysozymes
• Breakdown unwanted structures via hydrolysis in an acidic enviro
→ Worn out organelles or dead cells
• In WBC, lysozymes digest bacteria
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
8. Mitochondria
• Relatively large organelle
• Has double membranes
• Cristae = folded inner membrane
• Matrix = interior solution
• Contain 70S ribosomes and
small circular DNA
• Divide by binary fission
→ Have prokaryotic origin
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
8. Mitochondria
Functions:
• Site of aerobic respiration
→ synthesize ATP/produce energy
in the form of ATP
→ release energy
Please DO NOT write
“Mitochondria produces energy”
“Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell”
-.-
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
8. Mitochondria
Label the following electron micrograph of an animal cell.
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
8. Mitochondria
Q: Why are these mitochondria
shaped so differently?
A:
One is a longitudinal cross section and
the other is a transverse cross section!
Also shape may sometimes vary.
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
9. Chloroplasts
• Relatively large organelle
• Oval shaped
• Two membranes
• Contain chlorophyll
• Thylakoid = flattened
membrane sacs
• Grana = thylakoid stacks
• Stroma = interior solution
• Contains 70S ribosomes, small circular DNA and starch grains
• Divide by binary fission
→ Have prokaryotic origin
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
9. Chloroplasts
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
9. Chloroplasts
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
9. Chloroplast
Function:
• Site of photosynthesis
Two main processes in photosynthesis:
1. Light-dependent reaction (aka “light reaction”)
• Light energy absorbed and water is used to synthesise ATP
2. Light-independent reaction (aka “dark reaction”)
• ATP used to convert CO2 into glucose
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
10. Cell Wall
• Thick, rigid layer
• Made of cellulose
• Permeable
• Bcs there are spaces / gaps
between fibres
Functions:
• Provide structural support
• Prevent bursting
• Limit cell size
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
11. Plasmodesmata
• Strands of cytoplasm passing
through channels
Functions:
• Allows substances to pass
• From cell to cell
• Without passing through cell walls
E.g. water, sucrose, amino acids, minerals ions, ATP
• Allows more rapid transport of substances
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
12. Vacuoles and
Tonoplast
• Commonly found in plant cells
• Large, permanent, central
• Surrounded by a partially permeable
membrane called tonoplast
Functions:
• Store of cell sap (contains water, ions,
minerals, salts, pigments, sugars)
• Stores waste products
• Pushes chloroplasts to edge of cell
• Gives turgidity to the cell
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
12. Vacuoles and
Tonoplast
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
13. Centrioles and Centrosomes
• Centrioles are cylindrical
• Made of 9 groups of 3 microtubules
• Not found in plant cells
Functions of Centrioles:
• Involved in cell division
→ Replicates before each cell division and moves to opposite poles
→ Centrioles are found in pairs at right angles (90o) from each other
→ Forms centrosome
• Modified centrioles are also found elsewhere e.g. in flagella / cilia
→ Acts as a Microtubule Organising Centre (MTOC)
→ Organises / assembles microtubules
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
13. Centrioles and Centrosomes
Function of Centrosomes:
• It is a MTOC
• Organises / assembles microtubules
• For the formation of spindle fibres
• At opposite poles
• During cell division /mitosis
• Aid contraction of spindle
fibres to separate sister
chromatids
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
14. Microtubules
• Very small (~25nm)
• Made from tubulin
→ Form dimers
→ Dimers polymerise to form long
‘protofilaments’
→ 13 protofilaments = 1 microtubule
• Long, rigid, hollow tubes
• Formed and broken down at
Microtubule Organising Centres
(MTOCs)
• E.g. centrosomes, centrioles near
flagella/cilia Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
14. Microtubules
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
14. Microtubules
Functions:
• Make up the cytoskeleton
(together with actin filaments)
→ Provides mechanical support
→ Acts as an intracellular transport system
for movement of vesicles or other components
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-uuk4Pr2i8
→ Beating of flagella
• Makes up spindle fibres and centrioles
used in cell division
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
15. Cilia
• Only found in eukaryotes
• Smaller in diameter than microvilli
• Also not to be confused with flagella (mostly
found in prokaryotes)
• Motile / moves rhythmically
• Complicated structure made of
microtubules
Function:
• For movement / locomotion
→ E.g. ciliated epithelial cells in lungs,
Paramecium (eukaryotic microbe)
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
16. Microvilli
• Only found in animal cells
• Found on epithelial cells in the
intestines and kidneys
• Finger-like extensions of the cell
surface membrane
Functions:
Increase surface area
of the cell membrane for:
• Absorption
• Secretion of enzymes
• Digestion at the cell surface
• Excretion of waste substances
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Centrifugation
Q: What happens if we rupture
cells and spin them at high
speed?
A: The larger structures will
sediment first.
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Compare and contrast the structure of
an animal cell and a plant cell. [4]
Feature Animal cell Plant cell
Similarities:
Differences:
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Similarities between
Animal and Plant Cells
• Plasma membrane
• Nucleus
• Nucleolus
• Cytoplasm
• Other organelles
(eg: mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, lysosomes)
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Differences between
Animal and Plant Cells
Feature Animal Cells Plant Cells
Shape of cell No fixed shape Fixed shape
Presence of Cell
Absent Present
Walls
Presence of
Absent Present
plasmodesmata
Absent, if present, Present, large and
Presence of vacuoles
small, temporary permanent
Presence of
Absent Present
chloroplasts
Presence of
Present Absent
centrosomes
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Two types of cells: Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
on the Tree of Life
Now let’s talk about
this type of cells!
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
Prokaryotes
• pro = before
• karyon = nucleus
• Includes all bacteria
and archaea
Eukaryotes
• eu = true
• karyon = nucleus
• Includes plants,
animals, fungi and
other microbes
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Prokaryotic Cells: A typical bacterium
• Unicellular
• Relatively smaller (1-5µm)
• Simpler in structure
• Divides by binary fission
What all bacteria do not have:
• No membrane-bound organelles
• No nucleus
DNA lies free in cytoplasm
in the nucleoid region
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Prokaryotic Cells: A typical bacterium
What all bacteria have:
• Plasma membrane
• Cytoplasm
• Peptidoglycan cell wall
→ made of chains crossed
linked by amino acids
• 70S ribosomes
• Circular DNA
• DNA is naked
→ not associated with
proteins
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Prokaryotic Cells: A typical bacterium
What is only present in some bacteria:
1) Plasmids
• Small, circular DNA
• Codes for non-essential proteins
• Several may be present
2) Pili
• Sexual reproduction
• For attachment to other
cells/surfaces
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Prokaryotic Cells: A typical bacterium
3) Flagellum
• Locomotion
4) Capsule
• Outer coat, additional protection
• Attach to surfaces
5) Infoldings of plasma membrane
(mesosomes)
• For photosynthesis / nitrogen fixation
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Prokaryotes,
Mitochondria and Chloroplast
They have a lot in common!
Both have:
• Similar size
• Small, circular DNA
• 70S ribosomes
• Division by binary fission
But why???
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Prokaryotes,
Mitochondria and Chloroplast
A: The Endosymbiotic Theory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGnS-Xk0ZqU
P/S: This is not in syllabus!
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Compare and contrast the structure of a
eukaryotic cell and prokaryotic cell. [4]
Feature Prokaryotic cell Eukaryotic cell
Similarities:
Differences:
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Eukaryotic Cells
• Larger (~10-100µm in diameter)
• Has membrane-bound organelles
• Has nucleus
• DNA is linear
• DNA associated with proteins
• Larger 80S ribosomes
• Cellulose cell walls (plants)
• Chitin cell walls (fungi)
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Viruses
• Non-cellular structure
• ~50 times smaller than bacteria (20-300nm)
• Much simpler
• No plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes
• Only:
1. Nucleic acid core = DNA or RNA
2. Capsid = protein coat
- Protective coat
- May have one or two coats
3. Some viruses also have an
outer envelope made of phospholipids
4. Some proteins may be present
- e.g. haemagglutinin, neuraminidase
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Viruses
• All parasitic
• Can only reproduce by infecting living cells
• Uses protein synthesising machinery of
host cell to replicate
• Are they considered living?
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
List of Eukaryotic Cell Structures
Plant + Animal Cells included!
You need to:
1) Name it 2) Recognise it 3) Know its function
1. Cell surface membrane 9. Chloroplast
2. Nucleus, nuclear envelope and 10. Cell wall
nucleolus 11. Plasmodesmata
3. Ribosomes 12. Vacuole and tonoplast
4. RER 13. Centrioles
5. SER 14. Microtubules
6. Golgi body 15. Cilia
7. Lysosomes 16. Microvilli
8. Mitochondria
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Important Terms to Remember
Pay attention to those bold, highlighted red text and what’s
emphasised in class!
In addition to the list of 16 eukaryotic cell structures to remember:
Bacteria (Prokaryote) Virus
(No membrane-bound organelles) 1. DNA / RNA
1. Nucleoid region 2. Capsid (protein coat)
3. Envelope
2. Peptidoglycan cell wall
3. Circular DNA
4. 70S ribosome
5. Plasmids
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
Chapter Outline
Part 1: Microscopy
• Magnification vs Resolution
• Light Microscope vs Electron Microscope
Part 2: Micrometry: How do we measure cells?
• Calibrating EPG using the Stage Micrometer (Practical 1)
• Magnification
Part 3: Cell Structure and Function
• Organelles
• Animal vs Plant cells
• Eukaryotes vs Prokaryotes
• Viruses
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy
OK warning! All videos are for reference and
Videos entertainment only and ALWAYS contain too
much/ too little/irrelevant info.
Seeing the Invisible: van Leeuwenhoek's first glimpses of the microbial world:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePnbkNVdPio
Principles of electron microscopes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljTEG-B-kGc
Organelles involved in protein synthesis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26y1PCkWiIc
Inner Life of the Cell (3:00 onwards – it’s hard to understand what he is saying, but the 3D animations
gives you a clue on how the cytoskeleton works and how protein production relies on it too!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzcTgrxMzZk
Inside the living cell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4TJ4NY1IA0
Updated on 12/7/21 by Beh SJ @behlogy