Basic Microscopy SA/MC

Which of the highlighted structures in the image bellow is the nucleus?

2

CONCLUSIONS: What are at least two major differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and one major similarity between the two?

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic are similar in which they have a plasma membrane and cytoplasm; meaning all cells have plasma membrane surrounding them. A difference between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic is that eukaryotic have organelles, for example, a nucleus. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus. Another difference between single celled and multi-celled organisms is that eukaryotic cells have organelles in them called chloroplasts. the chloroplast contain chlorophyll which is used for photosynthesis.

Refer to your observations of the shapes of the organisms that do and do not have cell walls. What effect does the cell wall have on the shape of the organism?

It restricts the cell shape. The Spirogyra cells are fairly uniform rectangles. Animal and Amoeba cells had more variable shapes

Describe the shape of the Spirogyra cells. Which cellular structure gives rise to this shape?

On the lowest objective of the microscope the shape of the Spirogyra looked like tangled mess of sting. But as zoomed with the objectives that tangled mess began to have some shape and structure. When using the x10 objective you could that those "Strings" looked like a long train of connected rectangles. The cell wall is what gives most of the shape. When looking at the spirogyra it restricts the shape to look rectangular. Whereas the amoeba looked more like a blob and had hardly any structured shape to it.

CONCLUSIONS: Compare the shape and structure of the Amoeba to the Spirogyra. Explain how the differences allow each type of cell to survive. Think about how they get their energy.

The spirogyra has more structured shape, whereas the amoeba has hardly any structure shape to it. The amoeba has pseudopodium which helps it change it shape often. When looking at the amoeba under the microscope it had protrusions coming out of it, the pseudopodium, that helps in shape changing. The Spirogyra do NOT have pseudopodium, meaning it doesn't change its shape. The amoeba is single celled (eukaryotic) whereas the spirogyra are multicellular (prokaryotic). The spirogyra have a chloroplast which conducts photosynthesis. the spirogyra doesn't need the pseudopodium to move around and change change shape to find energy because the chloroplast can get its energy through photosynthesis.

Of the four cell types that you observed in the lab, which was the largest? Remember the total magnification notes on your images.

amoeba cell

Which labeled cellular structure on your cardiac muscle image separates and protects the cell from the environment?

cell membrane

Which cellular structures that you observed using the microscope are common to all eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

cell membrane, cytoplasm

Which cellular structure did you observe in the Spirogyra, but not in the other cells?

chloroplast

Which choice describes the characteristics of the Amoeba you observed using the microscope?

irregular shaped pink color

Which structure did you see in the eukaryotic cells that is absent in the prokaryotes?

nucleus

Fill in the table below with the function of the different structures and which organisms or tissue types the structures were found in during the lab.

plasma membrane *Function- selective permeable membrane that surrounds both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. the membrane allows movement in/out of cell. *organism/tissue type- prokaryotic/eukaryotic (all cells) cytoplasm *function- thick substance that's enclosed by the plasma membrane. it contains molecules vital to keep the cell alive. *organsim/tissue type- prokaryotic/eukaryotic (all cells) nucleus *Function- membrane bound organelle. Contains genetic material of the cell. Kind of like the brain. *organism/tissue type- Eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic DO NOT have a nucleus. chloroplast *Function- membrane bound organelle that's function is to obtain energy for the cell through photosynthesis. *organism/tissue type- eukaryotic cells (for example plants) cell wall *Function- Layer that surrounds the plasma membrane. it is more stiff than the plasma membrane. The cell wall gives the cell a more structured shape and strength. *organisms/tissue type- protists, bacteria, all plants and fungi

You were asked to label the cytoplasm on your Spirogyra image. What is the function of the cytoplasm?

to contain all the substances needed to keep the cell alive