8. (a) State a function of each of the following components of a cell - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2006
Question 8
8.
(a) State a function of each of the following components of a cell.
(i) Ribosome
(ii) Cell membrane
(b) Answer the following questions in relation to the prep... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:8. (a) State a function of each of the following components of a cell - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2006
Step 1
State a function of each of the following components of a cell.
(i) Ribosome
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Answer
Ribosomes are primarily responsible for protein synthesis within the cell. They translate messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences into polypeptide chains, which subsequently fold into functional proteins.
Step 2
State a function of each of the following components of a cell.
(ii) Cell membrane
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The cell membrane functions as a selectively permeable barrier, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It is involved in communication and has receptors that allow for the detection of environmental signals.
Step 3
Answer the following questions in relation to the preparation, staining and microscopic observation of a slide of an animal cell.
(i) What type of animal cell did you use?
How did you obtain the cell?
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I used a cheek epithelial cell for the observation. The cell was obtained by gently scraping the inside of my cheek with a sterile swab.
Step 4
(ii) Name the stain that you used.
Describe how you applied the stain.
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The stain used was methylene blue. To apply the stain, I placed a few drops of the methylene blue solution onto the slide containing the cell, ensuring it covered the specimen evenly.
Step 5
(iii) After staining, a cover slip is placed on the slide. Give a reason for this.
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A cover slip is placed on the slide to prevent the specimen from drying out and to protect the lens of the microscope. It ensures that cells remain in place and are easier to view.
Step 6
(iv) How did you apply the cover slip?
Why did you apply it in this way?
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I applied the cover slip at a slight angle to allow any air bubbles to escape, preventing them from being trapped under the slip, which can obstruct the view.
Step 7
(v) Describe the difference in colour or depth of colour, if any, between the nucleus and cytoplasm when the stained cell was viewed under the microscope.
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When viewed under the microscope, the cytoplasm appeared paler compared to the nucleus, which was stained a deeper blue due to the preferential binding of the methylene blue to the DNA within the nucleus.
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