BIOL200 Unit 1: Microscopy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Define magnification and resolution in microscopy.

Magnification refers to the enlargement of the image, while resolution is the ability to distinguish two close objects as separate.

Which factor—magnification or resolution—is more crucial for what can be seen under a microscope?

Neither! Both are equally important and work hand in hand with each other to produce good images.

How small is a typical eukaryotic cell? Which organelles/structures would you be able to see using each of the techniques we discussed in class?

A typical eukaryotic cell is smaller than 1mm, but bigger than 1µm.

Let's say you want to study a typical eukaryotic cell. What is one advantage and one disadvantage to each of the techniques we discussed in class? Give specific details.

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Why are we able to view live cells in light microscopy? What advantage does this provide?

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What type of microscopy allows for the visualization of 3D surface structures?

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allows for 3D visualization. Signup and view all the answers

What process is required for the sample preparation in transmission electron microscopy?

Samples must be cut into thin sections and coated in heavy metals. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of microscopy, what should you assess first when observing an image?

Identify what type of microscopy you think the image represents. Signup and view all the answers

What do you need to ensure when comparing what you think you see in a microscopy image?

Ensure that your observations match the characteristics of the microscopy type you believe it is. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cellular structures can you typically NOT observe with SEM?

The internal details of cells, as SEM focuses on surface structures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between transmitted light microscopy and emitted light microscopy?

Transmitted light microscopy involves light passing through a specimen, while emitted light microscopy uses colored light or lasers to excite photons emitted by the sample. Signup and view all the answers

Name two types of fluorescence microscopy that enhance resolution without altering magnification.

Confocal microscopy and Super-resolution microscopy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in microscopy?

GFP is genetically added to proteins of interest to visualize their location in live cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation when using GFP for labeling multiple proteins in cells?

The major limitation is that proteins must be individually engineered with different GFPs, making it difficult to label more than one or two at a time. Signup and view all the answers

How does immunolabeling differ from genetic engineering when locating proteins in cells?

Immunolabeling uses antibodies to locate proteins and can be faster and allow for multiple proteins to be labeled, while genetic engineering with GFP is more time-consuming. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of correlative microscopy.

Correlative microscopy involves using different imaging techniques, such as light and electron microscopy, to observe the same samples in complementary ways. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is presented by distinguishing different labeling techniques in fluorescence microscopy?

There is no definitive way to distinguish between various labeling or imaging techniques solely from a picture. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a feature of polarized light microscopy.

Polarized light microscopy enhances contrast by using light that has been filtered to vibrate in a specific direction, highlighting structures within the specimen. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four major classes of microscopy discussed in Unit 1?

The four major classes of microscopy are brightfield light microscopy, fluorescence light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between magnification and resolution in the context of microscopy.

Magnification is the increase in size of an image, whereas resolution is the ability to distinguish between two points that are close together. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of fluorescence light microscopy?

The primary advantage of fluorescence light microscopy is its ability to visualize specific cellular components using fluorescent markers. Signup and view all the answers

What limitation is associated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM)?

A major limitation of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is that it requires thin sections of samples, which can alter or damage the specimen. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of scanning electron microscopy (SEM)?

A key advantage of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is its ability to produce 3D images of the surface of specimens. Signup and view all the answers

List two major cellular organelles that can be identified using fluorescence microscopy.

Two major cellular organelles identifiable using fluorescence microscopy are mitochondria and the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

How does brightfield light microscopy work?

Brightfield light microscopy works by transmitting light through a specimen, producing a dark image against a bright background. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand the limitations of each microscopy class?

Understanding the limitations of each microscopy class is important for choosing the appropriate technique for specific research questions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Copyright and Course Administration

BIOL200 lecture materials are copyrighted and should not be shared without permission.
Team formation for the Term Project is due by September 17th; use the Perusall discussion board for team building.
Syllabus/Pre-requisite quiz and first Problem Set annotations due tomorrow.
Use tagging in Perusall for direct interactions and clarification on problem-solving discussions.

Learning Goals for Unit 1: Microscopy

Distinguish between four microscopy types: brightfield, fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Recognize advantages and limitations of each microscopy type.
Understand magnification vs. resolution, and their impact on visualization.
Identify major cellular organelles using different microscopy methods.
Select appropriate microscopy techniques based on size and functionality of cellular components.
Interpret microscopy results considering scale, magnification, resolution, and plane of section.

Microscopy Overview

Eukaryotic cells typically size ranges between 1 µm and 1 mm.
Magnification is related to image enlargement, while resolution refers to detail clarity.

Types of Light Microscopy

Brightfield: Uses transmitted light to visualize specimens; color manipulation can mislead.
Fluorescence: Uses emitted light to excite samples, effective for live cells.
Variants include dark field, phase contrast, polarized light, and differential interference-contrast.

Advanced Microscopy Techniques

Confocal and super-resolution microscopy increase resolution for detailed observations.
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) facilitates live cell tracking; it can be genetically tagged to proteins of interest.
Immunolabelling allows for antibody-based protein localization, typically requiring fixed samples.

Electron Microscopy

Transmission EM: Enables high-detail imaging of cytoplasmic structures; samples must be thin and fixed.
Scanning EM: Provides 3D imaging of surfaces; requires typically dead specimens.

Practical Application

Regular practice with microscopy images is encouraged; interrogate the microscopy type, observed features, and accuracy of interpretations.
Collaborate with peers to enhance understanding through discussion and quiz preparation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the different types of microscopy, including brightfield, fluorescence, TEM, and SEM. Understand their advantages, limitations, and how they relate to cellular visualization. This quiz will assess your ability to interpret results and choose appropriate techniques based on cellular features.