16 Questions
What is the primary function of a microscope?
To examine cells at very high magnifications
What is the difference between light and electron microscopes?
Light microscopes use lenses, electron microscopes use electrons
What is the purpose of the fine focus in a compound light microscope?
To adjust the lighting on the specimen
What type of light microscope is used to observe microbial motility?
Dark field microscopy
What is the purpose of fluorescent dye staining in fluorescence microscopy?
To allow the cells to fluoresce
What is the maximum magnification of a light microscope?
2000x
What is the name of the fluorescent dye commonly used to stain cell DNA?
DAPI
What is the source of illumination in an electron microscope?
Electron beam
What is the origin of the word 'microscope'?
Greek: mikron = small and Scopeos = to look
What is the primary function of a light microscope?
To examine cells at relatively low magnifications
What type of light microscope uses lenses to focus light on the specimen?
Compound light microscope
What is the purpose of the coarse focus in a compound light microscope?
To raise or lower the stage
What is observed in a dark-field microscope?
Specimens appear light on a dark background
What type of cells can be visualized using fluorescence microscopy?
Cells that contain naturally fluorescent substances or are stained with fluorescent dye
What is the source of illumination in a light microscope?
Visible light photons
What is the maximum magnification of an electron microscope?
10 000 000x
Study Notes
Microscopes
- A microscope is an instrument used to view objects that are too small to be seen by the unaided eye.
- The name "microscope" comes from the Greek words "mikron", meaning small, and "Scopeos", meaning to look.
Types of Microscopes
- There are two main types of microscopes: Light Microscopes and Electron Microscopes.
- Light Microscopes are used to examine cells at relatively low magnifications (up to 2000x).
- Electron Microscopes are used to examine cells and cell structure at very high magnifications (up to 10,000,000x).
Light Microscopes
- Use lenses to focus light on the specimen, magnifying it and producing an image.
- Types of Light Microscopes include:
- Bright Field Microscopy (Compound Light Microscope)
- Dark Field Microscopy
- Fluorescence Microscopy
Compound Light Microscope
- The most common microscope used in microbiology.
- Consists of two lens systems that combine to magnify the image using visible light photons.
- Basic parts include:
- Course Focus (raises or lowers the stage to focus)
- Fine Focus (raises and lowers the stage to bring objects into focus)
Dark Field Microscopy
- A light microscope in which the light reaches the specimen from the sides only.
- The specimen appears light on a dark background.
- Used to observe microbial motility.
Fluorescence Microscopy
- Used to visualize specimens that fluoresce (emit light of one color) following absorption of light.
- Cells fluoresce either:
- Naturally (e.g. containing chlorophyll)
- After staining with fluorescent dyes (e.g. DAPI, which is widely used to stain cell DNA)
Electron Microscope
- Uses a beam of electrons as a source of illumination.
- Allows for very high magnifications (up to 10,000,000x).
Microscopes
- A microscope is an instrument used to view objects that are too small to be seen by the unaided eye.
- The name "microscope" comes from the Greek words "mikron", meaning small, and "Scopeos", meaning to look.
Types of Microscopes
- There are two main types of microscopes: Light Microscopes and Electron Microscopes.
- Light Microscopes are used to examine cells at relatively low magnifications (up to 2000x).
- Electron Microscopes are used to examine cells and cell structure at very high magnifications (up to 10,000,000x).
Light Microscopes
- Use lenses to focus light on the specimen, magnifying it and producing an image.
- Types of Light Microscopes include:
- Bright Field Microscopy (Compound Light Microscope)
- Dark Field Microscopy
- Fluorescence Microscopy
Compound Light Microscope
- The most common microscope used in microbiology.
- Consists of two lens systems that combine to magnify the image using visible light photons.
- Basic parts include:
- Course Focus (raises or lowers the stage to focus)
- Fine Focus (raises and lowers the stage to bring objects into focus)
Dark Field Microscopy
- A light microscope in which the light reaches the specimen from the sides only.
- The specimen appears light on a dark background.
- Used to observe microbial motility.
Fluorescence Microscopy
- Used to visualize specimens that fluoresce (emit light of one color) following absorption of light.
- Cells fluoresce either:
- Naturally (e.g. containing chlorophyll)
- After staining with fluorescent dyes (e.g. DAPI, which is widely used to stain cell DNA)
Electron Microscope
- Uses a beam of electrons as a source of illumination.
- Allows for very high magnifications (up to 10,000,000x).
Explore the basics of microscopes, including types of microscopes, light microscope, electron microscope, and their applications in viewing small objects.
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