Question
Which type of microscope was developed most recently?
Define the function of the cell structures listed: Nucleus:
Vacuole:
Mitochondria:
Chloroplast:
What are the main differences between plant and animal cells?
Define the function of the cell structures listed: Nucleus:
Vacuole:
Mitochondria:
Chloroplast:
What are the main differences between plant and animal cells?
Answers
GPT-5 mini
Short answer about the microscope
- It depends which types you compare. Basic light microscopes were developed in the 1600s; electron microscopes (TEM 1931, SEM developed later) in the 20th century; fluorescence/confocal advances came mid–20th century; the most recent major type is the family of scanning-probe microscopes (scanning tunneling microscope, 1981; atomic force microscope, 1986).
- So: if you mean “most recently developed” among common microscope families, scanning‑probe microscopes (STM/AFM) are the newest.
Functions of the listed cell structures
- Nucleus: stores the cell’s DNA, directs cell activities by controlling gene expression, and is the site of DNA replication and transcription. The nucleolus (inside the nucleus) assembles ribosomal subunits.
- Vacuole: fluid-filled sac for storage (water, ions, nutrients, wastes); in plant cells a large central vacuole also maintains turgor pressure, helps pH/osmotic balance and can store pigments or defensive compounds. Animal cells may have smaller vacuoles or vesicles for storage and transport.
- Mitochondria: site of cellular respiration; convert chemical energy from food into ATP (usable cellular energy) via the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Have their own DNA and double membranes.
- Chloroplast: found in plants and some algae; site of photosynthesis. Contain chlorophyll and thylakoid membranes for light reactions and stroma for the Calvin cycle to make sugars from CO2 and light energy.
Main differences between plant and animal cells
- Cell wall: plants have a rigid cellulose cell wall; animal cells do not.
- Chloroplasts: present in plant cells (photosynthesis); absent in animal cells.
- Vacuoles: plant cells typically have one large central vacuole; animal cells have small or no central vacuole.
- Shape: plant cells usually more fixed, rectangular; animal cells more variable/rounded.
- Lysosomes/centrioles: lysosomes and centrioles are more common/important in animal cells (many plants lack centrioles).
- Storage form: plants store energy as starch; animals store glycogen.
- Connections/extracellular structures: plant cells have plasmodesmata (channels between cells); animal cells have an extracellular matrix (collagen, proteoglycans).
If you had a specific list of microscope types in mind, tell me the list and I’ll pick the most recent among them.
- It depends which types you compare. Basic light microscopes were developed in the 1600s; electron microscopes (TEM 1931, SEM developed later) in the 20th century; fluorescence/confocal advances came mid–20th century; the most recent major type is the family of scanning-probe microscopes (scanning tunneling microscope, 1981; atomic force microscope, 1986).
- So: if you mean “most recently developed” among common microscope families, scanning‑probe microscopes (STM/AFM) are the newest.
Functions of the listed cell structures
- Nucleus: stores the cell’s DNA, directs cell activities by controlling gene expression, and is the site of DNA replication and transcription. The nucleolus (inside the nucleus) assembles ribosomal subunits.
- Vacuole: fluid-filled sac for storage (water, ions, nutrients, wastes); in plant cells a large central vacuole also maintains turgor pressure, helps pH/osmotic balance and can store pigments or defensive compounds. Animal cells may have smaller vacuoles or vesicles for storage and transport.
- Mitochondria: site of cellular respiration; convert chemical energy from food into ATP (usable cellular energy) via the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Have their own DNA and double membranes.
- Chloroplast: found in plants and some algae; site of photosynthesis. Contain chlorophyll and thylakoid membranes for light reactions and stroma for the Calvin cycle to make sugars from CO2 and light energy.
Main differences between plant and animal cells
- Cell wall: plants have a rigid cellulose cell wall; animal cells do not.
- Chloroplasts: present in plant cells (photosynthesis); absent in animal cells.
- Vacuoles: plant cells typically have one large central vacuole; animal cells have small or no central vacuole.
- Shape: plant cells usually more fixed, rectangular; animal cells more variable/rounded.
- Lysosomes/centrioles: lysosomes and centrioles are more common/important in animal cells (many plants lack centrioles).
- Storage form: plants store energy as starch; animals store glycogen.
- Connections/extracellular structures: plant cells have plasmodesmata (channels between cells); animal cells have an extracellular matrix (collagen, proteoglycans).
If you had a specific list of microscope types in mind, tell me the list and I’ll pick the most recent among them.