The Cell

Topic Objectives

By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:

• Define the cell;
• State the purpose of a light microscope;
• Identify the parts of a light microscope and state their functions;
• Use and care for the light microscope and state the magnification;
• Identify the components of a cell as seen under the light and electron microscopes and relate their structure to functions;
• Compare plant and animal;
• Mount and stain temporary slides of plant cells;
• Describe animal cells as observed from permanent;
• Estimate cell size;
• State the differences between cells, tissues, organs and organ systems.