How cells are studied, Biology

Assignment Help:

How cells are studied

We learnt about the evolution of the cell and a historical account of the growth of cell biology. In this section, you will study about the various tools and techniques used to study the cell.

Cells, due to their minute size, cannot be observed by the naked eye. Lenses can magnify minute objects only upto a limited extent. Therefore, many lenses were combined together to form an instrument known as the microscope (Gr mikros-small, skopein-to see). Subsequently, many new tools and techniques were invented by cell biologists about which you will study in detail in this section.

We begin the section with light microscope (LM). Here, you will know about the difference between resolving power and magnification and various cytochemical techniques which are used to study the chemical components and structural organisation of the cell. Phase contrast microscopy; an important technique for viewing the live cells is described. You will also learn about electron microscopy (EM), the best known method for the study of the ultrastructure of the cell and an important technique called 'freeze fracturing' which is used to study the internal structure of membrane in the cell.

Use of radioisotopes, antibodies, and fluorescence microscopy for localisation of various cell components are discussed in this Unit. You will also learn about cell culture and cinemicrography, the other important techniques used to study live cells. While going through this unit, it would be useful to recall and apply your knowledge of elementary chemistry, physics and mathematics, such as radioisotopes, refractive index and simple mathematical calculations. The study of this Unit assumes that you are familiar with the optical laws and princi~leso n which a microscope works.


Related Discussions:- How cells are studied

Why does the urinary volume increase, Why does the urinary volume increase ...

Why does the urinary volume increase when alcoholic beverages are ingested? Alcohol inhibits the ADH (antidiuretic hormone) secretion by the hypophysis. Low ADH decreases the t

Explain sodium, Explain Sodium Sodium (Nu)  :  In  sodium-restricted di...

Explain Sodium Sodium (Nu)  :  In  sodium-restricted diets, no salt  is added to the diet which still provides approximately 50 mmoL Na. Foods containing high Na content must b

Collection of blood, Collection of Blood It is a procedure done rout...

Collection of Blood It is a procedure done routinely for diagnosis. It can be done in various ways. 1) Capillary Sampling  The heel is the most useful area i

Define functions of copper, Define Functions of Copper? Copper serves a...

Define Functions of Copper? Copper serves as a co-factor, as well as, an allosteric component of enzymes. In many enzymes copper functions as an intermediate in electrno transf

Explain pericardial effusion, Q.Explain Pericardial Effusion? The confi...

Q.Explain Pericardial Effusion? The configuration of the heart in pericardial effusion depends on the volume of fluid and its distribution. It may have a globular or non-speci

Filariasis, F i l a r i a s i s Animal filariasis is an import...

F i l a r i a s i s Animal filariasis is an important helminthic infection caused by large number of parasites. In bovines, it is caused by setaria, stephanofilaria, p

What is meant by post-translational modification, What is meant by "post-tr...

What is meant by "post-translational modification"? Give examples of post-translational modifications of the following amino acids: a. Serine b. Lysine C. Choose a third amino acid

Nitrogen cycle, Nitrogen Cycle The nitrogen is an essential constituen...

Nitrogen Cycle The nitrogen is an essential constituent of protein - the building block of all living cells. It is also a major constituent of the atmosphere (79 per cent). Al

Find the biosynthesis of acetylcholine, On the overall process of cell-to-c...

On the overall process of cell-to-cell communication within the nervous system, what role does the Ca2+ play in the synapse? A) contributes in the biosynthesis of acetylcholine B)

Illustrate homologous chromosomes, Q. In which period of meiosis does the p...

Q. In which period of meiosis does the pairing of homologous chromosomes occur? The pairing of homologous chromosomes is a very important step for meiosis because the rightness

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd