This document provides information about cell ultrastructure from an IB Biology textbook. It defines key terms like prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It explains that electron microscopes have much higher resolution than light microscopes, allowing visualization of cell organelles. Prokaryotic cells are described as having no nucleus or organelles, reproducing through binary fission. Eukaryotic cells are more complex with organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts. Specific cell types like pancreas and leaf cells are discussed in terms of their specialized functions and organelles. Electron micrographs of different cell types are presented to identify organelles.

1. IB Biology Chapter 1 Notes: The Ultrastructure of Cells (1.2) NAME:
Word Definition
Prokaryotic Simple smaller cells, commonly called bacteria
Eukaryotic Larger, more complex cells
Cell Wall The outer most layer of certain cells that helps them maintain their structure
Cell membrane
(plasma membrane)
The barrier that separates the cell from the extracellular environment. It controls
what enters and exits the cell
Capsule The outer most layer of certain bacteria
Nucleoid area The area of bacteria that has the DNA
DNA Genetic material; has information to make proteins
Ribosomes Part of the cell where proteins are made
Flagella Part of the cell that is tail-like and helps to move it
Cilia Short hairs off the side of a bacteria that help it to move
Pili Short projections off the side of a bacteria that helps it to stick to surfaces and
exchange DNA with other bacteria
Plasmid Short circular pieces of DNA in bacteria
Binary Fission The method of reproduction in bacteria
Golgi apparatus An organelle that modified and packages proteins for secretion (release) from the
cell
Endoplasmic
reticulum (rough and
smooth)
An organelles that is a series of tubes. Smooth ER makes lipids and rough ER is the
location of protein production for proteins that are released out of the cell.
Mitochondria An organelle that creates cellular energy (ATP) from nutrients (mainly sugar)
Lysosome An organelle that breaks down toxins or old cell parts
Chloroplast An organelle found only in plant cells that uses the energy in light to create chemical
energy in organic compounds
Centriole An organelle used in cell division in animal cells
Vacuoles Larger sac like organelles that store materials. Large ones in plants store mainly
water and control water pressure in the cell
Vesicles Small sacs that store and transport materials around the cell
Nucleus An organelle that stores and protects the DNA.
Chitin The material in the cell wall of fungi
Cellulose The material in the cell wall of plants

2. 1.2.4 Electron
microscopes have a much
higher resolution than
light microscopes.
1.2.1 Prokaryotes have a
simple cell structure
without compartments
1.2.3 Prokaryotes divide
by binary fission.
1.2.7 Draw the
ultrastructure of
prokaryotic cells based on
electron micrographs.
1.2.2 Eukaryotes have a
compartmentalized cell
structure.
Describe how an electron microscope works and how it differs from a light microscope:
Resolution
Millimeters (mm) Micrometers (μm) Nanometers (nm)
Naked eye 0.1
Light microscope
Electron microscope
Describe the structure of prokaryotic cells:
Draw and label a prokaryotic cell:
Organelle name /
sketch
Description of function
Nucleus
Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum (rER)
Golgi Apparatus

3. 1.2.8 Draw the
ultrastructure of
eukaryotic cells based on
electron micrographs.
Organelle name /
sketch
Description of function
Lysosome
Mitochondrion
Ribosomes
Chloroplast
Vacuoles and
vesicles
Microtubules and
centrioles
Cilia and flagella
Draw and label a eukaryotic cell:

4. 1.2.5 The structure and
function of organelles
within the exocrine gland
cells of the pancreas.
1.2.6 The structure and
function of organelles
within palisade mesophyll
cells of the leaf.
1.2.9 Interpret electron
micrographs to identify
organelles and deduce the
function of specialized
cells.
What is the function of an exocrine gland cell in the pancreas?
What organelles, in particular, aid in this function?
What is the function of a palisade mesophyll cell in a plant leaf?
What organelles, in particular, aid in this function?
Label the organelles in the micrographs shown below:
Animal cell (eukaryotic)
Plant cell (eukaryotic) Bacterial cell (prokaryotic)