Cell Structure and Function Study Guide

Front

The basic unit of life - the smallest part of a living thing that can carry out all life processes is called a _______.

Back

cell

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'cell' because it is the basic unit of life that can perform all life processes. An atom is a smaller unit, while tissue and organ are made up of cells.

Front

Tiny structures inside cells that have specific jobs (like organs in your body) are called _______.

Back

organelles

Answer explanation

Tiny structures inside cells that perform specific functions are called organelles. They are analogous to organs in the body, each with distinct roles, unlike chromosomes, tissues, or enzymes.

Front

Simple cells WITHOUT a nucleus (like bacteria) are called _______ cells.

Back

prokaryotic

Answer explanation

Simple cells without a nucleus, like bacteria, are classified as prokaryotic cells. In contrast, eukaryotic cells have a nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is prokaryotic.

Front

Complex cells WITH a nucleus (like plant and animal cells) are called _______ cells.

Back

eukaryotic

Answer explanation

Complex cells with a nucleus, such as plant and animal cells, are classified as eukaryotic cells. In contrast, prokaryotic cells, like bacteria and archaea, lack a nucleus.

Front

A tool that makes tiny objects look much bigger so we can see them is called a _______.

Back

microscope

Answer explanation

A microscope is a tool specifically designed to magnify tiny objects, allowing us to see details that are not visible to the naked eye. In contrast, a telescope is used for distant objects, while a thermometer and barometer measure temperature and pressure, respectively.

Front

How many times bigger does something appear under a microscope is called _______.

Back

magnification

Answer explanation

The term that describes how many times bigger something appears under a microscope is called 'magnification'. It refers to the enlargement of an object's appearance, distinguishing it from other terms like resolution or illumination.

Front

What is the function of the Eyepiece (Ocular Lens) in a light microscope?

Back

The lens you look through (usually 10x magnification)

Answer explanation

The eyepiece, or ocular lens, is the part of the microscope you look through, typically providing 10x magnification. It allows you to see the magnified image of the specimen.

Front

What is the function of the Objective Lenses in a light microscope?

Back

Different magnification lenses (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x)

Answer explanation

The objective lenses in a light microscope serve to provide different magnifications (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x), allowing users to view specimens at varying levels of detail.

Front

What is the function of the Stage in a light microscope?

Back

The platform where you place the slide

Answer explanation

The stage in a light microscope is the platform where you place the slide containing the specimen. It supports the slide and allows for precise positioning under the objective lens for viewing.

Front

What is the function of the Light Source in a light microscope?

Back

Provides light to see through the specimen

Answer explanation

The Light Source in a light microscope provides the necessary illumination to see through the specimen. Without it, the details of the specimen would not be visible, making this function essential for observation.