Introduction to Microscopy Techniques

A microscope that uses light to view small objects. Resolving power is limited to 0.2 μm with a theoretical magnification up to 2000x.

A microscope that uses a beam of electrons to view objects. Has high resolution and magnification compared to light microscopes. (0.2 nm, 1,000,000x)

The ability of a microscope to distinguish between two closely spaced objects.

The ability of a microscope to enlarge the apparent size of a specimen.

Optical instrument to observe microscopic objects unable to see with the naked eye.

The ability of a microscope to clearly distinguish two separate points.

Special techniques needed for electron microscopy, which include fixation, staining, and contrasting.

Slides (native or fixed) are observed in routine conditions using passing light. Lighting from above is used for fluorescence and inverted microscopes.

A microscope that uses an electron beam to view a specimen, passing through the preparation.

A microscope that uses an electron beam to scan the surface of a specimen, delivering information about its surface.

A light microscope that allows viewing a specimen in 3D by combining views from slightly different angles.

A light microscope with optical parts and light source reversed. Optics under the slide, light above.

A light microscope using UV light to illuminate specially treated samples, causing them to emit visible light.

Microscopes that use visible light to view specimens.

Particles that absorb electrons, making them visible in TEM.

The distance between the objective lens and the specimen in a microscope.

A microscope that uses polarized light to observe specimen structures, often used to study chitin, cellular fibers, and crystalline inclusions.

Methods used to precisely locate structures within the microscopic field of view, using quadrants, concentric circles, or clock face reference.

A microscopic slide preparation technique where a specimen's surface is lightly pressed onto a slide, used to examine surface cells.

A microscopic slide preparation where a cell suspension or sample is spread thinly on a slide using another glass slide for even distribution.

Microscopic slides used to observe live cells' physiological processes like movement, division, or ingestion, without intensive sample procedures.

Microscopic techniques used to visualize intracellular structures, which are not easily seen by native slide technique.

Microscopic slides of treated tissue samples used to display and examine cell morphology in detail.

Stopping biochemical processes (like cell death) in cells using physical or chemical means, used in slide preparation for preserved morphology.

A process using liquid chemicals (e.g., formalin, methanol) to preserve cells.

The basic unit of life, whether single-celled or multicellular organisms.

A scientific theory stating that all organisms are made of cells and that cells come from pre-existing cells.

A complex cell containing a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Can be part of single or multi-celled organisms.

Different forms of cells categorized like prokaryotic or eukaryotic, which vary in structure to fit their specific function.

The branch of biology dealing with the study of cells.

Shape and size of cells are determined by their genetic code and function. For example, red blood cells are disc-shaped.

A process of coloring cells or their components using dyes with different affinities for different cell structures.

The shape and structure of a cell.

Cells vary in size, from small (e.g., erythrocytes) to large (e.g., motor neurons).

Some cells have extensions like cilia, microvilli, or flagella.

Cell membranes are a trilaminar structure with slight chemical variations depending on cell specialization.

Cell membranes separate the cell's interior from the outside environment and control what enters and exits.

The average thickness of a cell membrane.

A cell shape like a polygon( many sides).

A cell shape that resembles a spindle or elongated shape,like a rod.

Cell membranes are made of phospholipids, proteins, and other molecules crucial for cell function.

A double layer of phospholipid molecules, with hydrophilic heads facing water and hydrophobic tails facing inwards.

Proteins embedded within the phospholipid bilayer, often spanning the entire membrane.

Proteins found on the surface of the membrane, associated with lipids or other proteins.

Membrane proteins perform various roles including transport, signaling, and enzymatic activity.