MICROSCOPES

1. What is the size of an eukaryotic cell?

Cells vary in shape from about 5 µm to 120 µm.
2. Compare the light microscope and the electron microscope in terms of their
magnifying power.
Light microscopes can magnify objects about 1,500 times (1,500 x), while electron
microscopes can magnify objects by 1 million times (1,000,000 x).
3. Based on their magnifying power how tall would you look if a life-sized image of
you was observed through a light microscope? And an electron microscope?
To work this out, you must multiply your height by the magnification, which is 1500
for a light microscope and 106 for an electron microscope. For example, if your height
is 1.65m, with the light microscope it will be: 1.65 m x 1,500 = 2,475 m and with the
electron microscope: 1.65 m x 106 = 1,650,000 m (1,650 km)
4. The real diameter of a cell is 0.03 mm. When represented in a picture its
diameter is 90 mm. What degree of magnification must have been used to obtain
the image in the picture?
The image in the picture is 90 mm in diameter. To calculate the magnification, you
should perform the following operation: 90 / 0.03 = magnification of 3,000 x

SPECIALIZED CELLS
5. What are the characteristics of a specialized cell?
- It performs a specific task
- It has a characteristic appearance
- Its cytoplasm is modified. These modifications are related to the specific activities
of the various organelles within the cell.
6. How are stem cells different from specialized cells?
Most specialized cells lose their ability to reproduce. Stem cells or unspecialized cells
handle this task when the need arises.
7. Describe the two basic types of stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells: Can differentiate into any cell type in the organism
Adult stem cells: Are more limited and can only differentiate into certain cell types in
order to repair or regenerate certain tissues.
HOMEOSTASIS
8. Define homeostasis
Homeostasis a property by which our body reacts to environmental changes and is
constantly working to maintain internal conditions within the ranges that best suits
life.
9. Watch the video “A cell´s external environment” and tell four mechanisms to
maintain homeostasis in our body.
Thermoregulation – negative feedback, shiver, sweat
Contractions – positive feedback
Fever positive to get your body work better
Excretory system – negative feedback
Immune system – negative feedback
Respiration – Negative feedback .