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Questions and Answers
What is the biggest advantage of an electron microscope?
Why do scientists question the usefulness of electron microscope images?
What is required to operate an electron microscope?
Why are electron microscopes typically kept in a separate room?
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What is a limitation of electron microscopes in terms of access?
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Why must specimens be examined in a vacuum in an electron microscope?
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Study Notes
Electron Microscope: Advantages
- Provides higher magnification and resolution than a light microscope, allowing for more detailed observation
- Enables discovery of new structures inside cells and cell organelles, enhancing understanding of their function
- Reveals complicated structures within cell organelles
Electron Microscope: Disadvantages
- Requires specimens to be examined in a vacuum, making it impossible to observe living material
- Specimens must be dead, sliced thinly, treated with strong chemicals, and placed in a vacuum before examination, questioning image validity
- Very expensive to purchase and maintain
- Requires a large, dedicated space with controlled temperature, pressure, and internal vacuum
- Needs a constant electricity supply
- Limited accessibility for most biologists, as they are typically only available in top research laboratories
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Description
Discover the benefits and drawbacks of using electron microscopes in biology, including higher magnification and resolution, and their role in understanding cell structures and functions.
