Microscopy, slide preparation and staining

Overview

Light, transmission electron and scanning electron microscopes, preparing and mounting a slide, calibrating an eyepiece graticule against a stage micrometer, and differential staining.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   How does a light microscope produce an image of a specimen?

   Model answer

   It uses visible light and glass lenses to magnify specimens, producing 2D images of cells and tissues with relatively low resolution.

2. 2

   What type of radiation does a transmission electron microscope use, and how does it interact with the specimen?

   Model answer

   A TEM uses a beam of electrons that is transmitted through a thin specimen to produce high-resolution 2D images of internal ultrastructure.

3. 3

   How does a scanning electron microscope generate an image?

   Model answer

   An SEM uses a beam of electrons scanned across the surface of a specimen to produce 3D images of surface structure.

4. 4

   Compare the resolution and magnification capabilities of light microscopes and electron microscopes.

   Model answer

   Light microscopes have lower resolution and magnification than electron microscopes.

5. 5

   What type of image does a TEM produce compared to an SEM?

   Model answer

   TEM produces 2D images showing internal structure, while SEM produces 3D images showing surface topography.

6. 6

   When preparing a microscope slide, what is the first step involving the specimen?

   Model answer

   Place a thin specimen on a glass slide.

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