Microscopy Lecture

Flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to microscopy from the lecture notes.

Resolving Power

The distance that must separate two point sources of light for them to be seen as distinct images.

Light Microscope

A type of microscope that uses visible light to magnify small samples.

Bright-Field Microscope

The most commonly used microscope in microbiology, consisting of two series of lenses to resolve images.

Parfocal

A property of a microscope where the image remains in focus when the objectives are changed.

Total Magnification

Calculated by multiplying the magnification of the objective lens with that of the eyepiece.

Dark-Field Microscope

A light microscope that modifies the lighting system to illuminate the specimen from the sides only, creating a contrast.

Phase Contrast Microscope

A type of microscope that enhances contrast in transparent specimens using refractive index variations.

Fluorescence Microscopy

A microscopy technique that uses fluorescent dyes to visualize specific molecules within cells.

Quantum Dots

Tiny nanoparticles that can fluoresce when excited by light, allowing for tracking of molecules over time.

Electron Microscopy

A microscopy technique that uses electron beams to achieve higher resolution than light microscopy.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

A type of electron microscope that transmits electrons through a specimen to form an image.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

A type of electron microscope that scans the surface of a specimen to create a detailed 3D image.

Numerical Aperture

A measure of a microscope's ability to gather light and resolve fine specimen detail.

Fluorochrome

A fluorescent chemical compound that can re-emit light upon light excitation.

DAPI

A blue fluorescent nucleic acid stain that selectively binds to DNA.

Aqueous Solutions

Solutions that contain water as a solvent.

Chromatic Mirrors

Mirrors that filter two or three specific wavelengths for imaging specimens labeled with fluorochromes.