Cell Division, Transport, and Microscopy
Mitosis is how your body grows and repairs itself by creating identical copies of cells. During the cell cycle, DNA replicates, chromosomes double, then split to opposite ends before the cell divides into two identical daughter cells. It's like cellular photocopying!
Stem cells are the ultimate shape-shifters. Embryonic stem cells can become almost any type of cell, making them incredibly valuable for treating diseases like diabetes and paralysis. Adult stem cells are more limited but still useful for replacing blood cells and other tissues.
Transport across membranes happens in three main ways. Diffusion moves particles from crowded to less crowded areas (like perfume spreading across a room). Osmosis is specifically water moving through membranes. Active transport uses energy to move substances uphill against the natural flow.
Microscopes let us see the invisible world of cells. Light microscopes are great for basic viewing (up to 1500x magnification), but electron microscopes can zoom in up to 500,000 times with incredible detail. Remember: magnification = image size ÷ real object size.
Exam Tip: Surface area, temperature, and concentration gradients all affect how fast diffusion happens - the bigger the difference, the faster the movement!