Science
Parts of a microscope and their functions
Magnifiying parts – used to adjust and support the parts
Eyepiece – where you look through to see the specimen, can magnify up to 5X to 15X.
Objectives – present on the bottom side of the nosepiece just above the stage.
a. Low Power Objective (LPO) – gives the lowest magnification, usually 10X.
b. High Power Objective (HPO) – gives higher magnification, usually 40X to 43X.
Body Tube – connects the eyepiece to the nosepiece.
Mechanical Parts – Used to enlarge the specimen
Nosepiece – facilitates the changing of objectives.
Coarse Adjustment – raises or lowers the body tube to bring in focus; LPO.
Fine Adjustment – used to focus more; HPO.
Arm – supports the body tube.
Base – supports the entire microscope.
Stage – supports the slide
Stage clips – holds the slide firmly.
Illuminating Parts – Used to provide the light
Mirror – used to gather light.
Diaphragm – regulates the amount of light.
Parts of cell
Nucleus - the control center of the cell
Ribosomes – read the RNA an translate it into proteins by sticking together amino acids in the
order the RNA defines.
Mitochondria (singular; Mitochondrion) - the ‘powerhouse’ of cells
Golgi Apparatus - once the ER processes the molecules. They travel to the Golgi Apparatus. (also
known as “the post office" of the cell)
Plasma Membrane - to ensure that each cell remains separate from its neighbor a special
membrane known as the plasma membrane.
Cytoplasm -is the interior of the cell that surrounds the nucleus. It includes the organelles and a
jelly-like fluid called the cytosol
Cytoskeleton - forms the scaffolding within the cytoplasm of human cell. It helps the cell maintain
its shape. However, unlike regular scaffolding, the cytoskeleton is flexible. The cytoskeleton also
helps the cell signaling through the uptake of materials from endocytosis, or the area outside the
cell, and moving materials within the cells.
Mitosis and Meiosis
Both types of cell division.
Mitosis is how new body cells are produced
Meiosis is used to produce gametes (i.e. sperm and egg cells)
Mitosis – diploid parent cell (cell with two sets of chromosomes) makes a complete copy of its
DNA before splitting in two, produces two genetically identical daughter cells.
Meiosis - used to produce only one type of cell, and those are the gametes. During meiosis, a
diploid cell divides to produce four, non-identical haploid daughter cells, each containing a single
set of chromosomes. In humans, these are sperm and egg cells.; involves two rounds of cell
division. These happen across two stages: Meiosis I, and Meiosis II. Each stage of meiosis can be
further divided into five phases: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Meiosis II is very similar to the process of mitosis, except it involves two
haploid daughter cells rather than one diploid cell.
Cell phases
Prophase – the cell’s chromosomes condense and become visible under a light microscope.
Nucleolus (the part of nucleus where ribosomes are made) disappears, and the mitotic spindle (a
cell structure made of microtubules) begins to form.
Prometaphase - The nuclear membrane breaks down. The microtubules attach themselves to the
chromosomes and begin to move them around.
Metaphase - The microtubules move the chromosomes until they are lined up along the middle of
the cell. This line of chromosomes is called the metaphase plate.
Anaphase - the chromosomes are pulled apart by the microtubules. Each chromosome is
separated into two, genetically identical sister chromatids, which are pulled to opposite ends of
the cell.
Telophase - the sister chromatids arrive at opposite ends of the cell. A new nuclear membrane
begins to form around each set of chromosomes. The chromosomes decondense, so they are no
longer visible under a light microscope. The nucleolus reappears, and the mitotic spindle
disappears.
the cytoplasm of the cell splits, and two new, genetically identical daughter cells are formed. This
process is called cytokinesis and usually takes place during telophase.
Cell theory
Cell theory states that:
1. All living organisms are made up of cells.
2. Cells are the basic structural and organizational unit of all organisms.
3. All cells come from pre-existing cells through cell division
Eukaryotic cells and Prokaryotic cells
Prokaryotes and eukaryotes are both types of cells; in fact, they’re the only two cell types on
Earth. Prokaryotic organisms are always unicellular and may be bacteria or archaea. Eukaryotic
organisms, however, may be unicellular or multicellular and include plants, animals, fungi, and
protists.