LAB 1: CHARACTERISATION OF CELL COMPONENTS
All living organisms are composed of cells. They are the basic unit of life. Each cell
contains smaller structures called organelles which vary in number, size and types
between different types of cells.
When you look at drawings of a “typical plant and animal cell” in any Biology
textbook, you get a glimpse of the challenge awaiting anyone wishing to perform a
detailed study of some small component of one of these cells. A eukaryotic cell is a
very complex mixture of various types of macromolecules, some of which are found
in the cytosol while others are enclosed within a variety of organelles, and basic light
microscopy doesn’t allow us to see every single component. That is why this lab will
examine different cell visualisation techniques to help you better understand the cell.
Objectives:
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To identify external components of cells
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To identify internal components of cells
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To identify different visualization methods for viewing cell components
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To understand the limitations of different microscope techniques
Materials
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Powerpoint slides
Paper
Pen
Method
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Examine different light, fluorescent, scanning electron and transmission
electron micrographs to identify different cell components.