Introduction to Cells

Notes on the Web - Unit Four - Part 1

Introduction to Cells

Bruce G. Stewart

General Objectives and Study Guide

Your objectives for these Notes on the Web and associated readings and exercises are:

To describe the main points of the cell theory;
To list three main types of microscopes (one light and two electron) and state the capabilities and limitations of each;
To identify the parts of a light microscope, describe their functions, and use the microscope according to procedures taught in a laboratory setting;
To define cell organelle;
To name, define, and summarize the structure, function, and location of each typical cell organelle;
To recognize, identify, and name cell organelles, selected cell examples, and major tissue types visible through light microscopes in a laboratory practical;
To define and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and to give examples of each;
To define the endosymbiotic hypothesis for the evolution of the eukaryotic cell and explain at least three examples of evidence that supports this hypothesis.

Textbook Readings:

For General Biology (BIO 1114) only - Johnson and Losos (2008) Chapter 5
For General Zoology (ZOO 1114) only- Hickman, et al. (2004) Chapter 3 plus appropriate lab book readings (see lab reading assignments in syllabus)

Study your textbook readings and other assigned materials for this material (Unit Two Part 1: Introduction to Cells). You will have the opportunity to hear lecture discussion and/or to participate in Internet threaded discussions regarding this material. It will be up to you to study hard and then ask questions. One item to know in detail for general biology students is Table 5.2 in your textbook. Also for general biology students, the "Self Test" and other questions at the end of the chapter would be useful to review. Many other detailed questions will be on the lecture exam, however.

Related Links with Optional Study Resources

The following link provides graphics and text on cell topics similar to our lectures and textbook readings. It is not required, but would definitely be useful for you as an additional study resource. Note that the Chapter 3 heading at the start of the web site is not related to our textbook chapter numbers.

Virtual Cell (Overview of Organelles with Animations)

Links Related Specifically to Microscopes

Microscopy-UK has a nice, brief history of the microscope and many microscope related materials at the following link: Microscope Primer. This link will open in a new window, so you will need to close the window to get back to here. A good starting point once your go to this page is the "Beginners" link on their table of contents.
Nanoworld is the great web site of the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis at The University of Queensland. Here is are direct links to their web pages on Scanning Electron Microscopes and the exciting new Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope. Here is another link for information on the Transmission Electron Microscope.
Click on the graphic below to visit Nanoworld's image gallery page where you can visit galleries of scanning electron micrographs, transmission electron micrographs, light microscope images, and other types of microscopy images.

Visit the following link (click on the image) of the Boston Museum of Science and view several of the Scanning Electron Microscope images there.

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