Microscopes Notes

What kind of image does a Compound Light Microscope produce?

2-dimensional image (flat)

How does a Compound Light Microscope work?

Light passes through a thin specimen

What type of specimen is used with a Compound Light Microscope?

Thin specimens on a slide with coverslip

What kinds of things can be viewed with a Compound Light Microscope?

Small things like bacteria and small organisms

What is special about a Stereo Microscope?

Has two eyepieces for a 3-D view

How does a Stereo Microscope work?

Light passes through and/or shines on top of specimen

What kind of specimens can a Stereo Microscope view?

Large specimens like insects and leaves due to large working distance

How much can a Light Microscope magnify?

Up to 1000x

Since when have Light Microscopes been used?

Since the 1600s

What is an Electron Microscope?

A microscope that uses a beam of electrons instead of visible light

When was the Electron Microscope invented?

In the 1930s

How much can an Electron Microscope magnify?

Up to 1,000,000x

What can an Electron Microscope see?

Parts of individual cells

What does a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) show?

Surface structure of specimen

What does a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) show?

Internal structure of specimen

What are the pros of Light Microscopes?

Can be used with living organisms

What are the cons of Light Microscopes?

Limited magnification

What are the pros of Electron Microscopes?

Very high magnification

What are the cons of Electron Microscopes?

Specimen must be dead/preserved; very expensive (around $1 million)

What microscope is best for viewing the feeding habits of unicellular protozoa?

Compound Light Microscope, can view living things

What microscope is best for viewing the surface of a red blood cell?

SEM, shows surface

What microscope is best for viewing the feeding habits of a house cat?

NONE, can be seen with the naked eye

What microscope is best for viewing the interior structures of a cell?

TEM, shows internal structures