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Cytology Notes

Cytology is the study of cells, encompassing their structure, function, and chemistry, with historical contributions from scientists like Hooke and Leeuwenhoek. It differentiates between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, details organelles and their functions, and discusses cell division and microscopy techniques. The field has significant applications in medical diagnostics, research, forensics, and agriculture, highlighting its importance in biology and medicine.

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Diing Deng
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2K views3 pages

Cytology Notes

Cytology is the study of cells, encompassing their structure, function, and chemistry, with historical contributions from scientists like Hooke and Leeuwenhoek. It differentiates between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, details organelles and their functions, and discusses cell division and microscopy techniques. The field has significant applications in medical diagnostics, research, forensics, and agriculture, highlighting its importance in biology and medicine.

Uploaded by

Diing Deng
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Cytology: The Study of Cells

1. Introduction to Cytology
Cytology is the branch of biology that studies the structure, function, and chemistry of cells.
Historical background:
- Robert Hooke (1665): First observed cells in cork.
- Anton van Leeuwenhoek: Observed living cells (bacteria, protozoa).
- Cell Theory: Developed by Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow.

2. Cell Types
Prokaryotic Cells:
- No nucleus, DNA floats in cytoplasm
- Simple structure (e.g., bacteria)

Eukaryotic Cells:
- True nucleus enclosed in membrane
- Complex structure with organelles (e.g., plant and animal cells)

Diagram: Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cell

3. Cell Structure and Organelles


Organelle Function

Cell membrane Semi-permeable barrier, controls transport

Nucleus Contains DNA, controls activities

Cytoplasm Gel-like fluid, site for reactions

Mitochondria Powerhouse, produces ATP

Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER/SER) Protein (RER) and lipid (SER) synthesis

Golgi apparatus Packaging and transport

Lysosomes Digestion and waste removal

Ribosomes Protein synthesis

Centrioles Cell division (animal cells)

Chloroplasts Photosynthesis (plants)


Cell wall Structure (plants, fungi, bacteria)

Vacuole Storage of substances

Diagram: Labeled Diagram of Animal and Plant Cell

4. Cell Membrane Structure


Fluid Mosaic Model:
- Composed of:
- Phospholipid bilayer
- Proteins (transport, receptor)
- Carbohydrates (signaling)

Diagram: Fluid Mosaic Model with Labels

5. Cell Division
Mitosis: Produces identical cells (growth, repair)
Meiosis: Produces gametes (reduction division)

Diagram: Stages of Mitosis and Meiosis

6. Microscopy in Cytology
Light Microscope: Live cells, limited resolution
Electron Microscope: High resolution (TEM, SEM)

Diagram: Light vs Electron Microscope Comparison

7. Techniques in Cytology
- Cell culture: Growing cells in lab
- Staining: Highlights structures (e.g., iodine, methylene blue)
- Fluorescence microscopy: Uses dyes to view specific organelles
- Flow cytometry: Analyzes physical/chemical properties

8. Applications of Cytology
- Medical diagnostics: e.g., Pap smear, cancer detection
- Research: Gene expression, drug testing
- Forensics: DNA from cells
- Agriculture: GMO development
9. Conclusion
Cytology forms the foundation of biology and medicine by helping us understand the
fundamental unit of life—the cell. Through technological advancements, cytology continues
to open new frontiers in health, genetics, and biotechnology.

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