Microscopy

Light Microscope

Magnification up to 1,000x, used for viewing live specimens and various types of imaging.

Brightfield Microscope

Features a bright background and dark specimens, commonly used in labs.

Darkfield Microscope

Provides a dark background with light specimens, ideal for observing live organisms.

Phase-Contrast Microscope

Produces 3D-like images of live specimens and organelles, useful for functional studies.

Differential Interference Contrast Microscope

Similar to phase contrast, utilizes different polarization waves for imaging.

Fluorescence Microscope

Uses fluorochromes to differentiate living and dead cells or locate cellular components.

Confocal Microscope

Scans specimens using z-planes, effective for thick specimens like biofilm.

Two-Photon Microscope

Designed for viewing thicker specimens such as embryos and brain slices, allows observation of living cells.

Electron Microscope

Magnification ranges from 20,000 to 100,000x, uses electron beams for high-resolution imaging.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

Views internal structures of thin, dehydrated slices using electron beams.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Examines surface specimens in 3D, requires special sputter coating for electron emission.

Scanning Probe Microscope

Magnification from 100x to 100,000,000x, includes techniques like STM and AFM.

Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM)

Analyzes conducting materials and organic materials like DNA.

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)

Observes specimens at the atomic level using a probe.

Wet Stain

Suitable for viewing live specimens.

Fixed Amount Stain

Involves smearing and kills the specimen for staining.

Basic Stain

Colors positively charged ions in specimens.

Acidic Stain

Colors negatively charged ions in specimens.

Positive Stain

Dye is absorbed into the cell.

Negative Stain

Dye is absorbed into the background, leaving the cell clear.

Simple Stains

Use a single stain to emphasize structures.

Differential Stain

Utilizes two or more stains to differentiate organisms based on their interactions.

Gram Stain

Distinguishes between positive and negative gram bacteria based on cell wall components.

Acid Fast Stains

Detects mycolic acid using methods like Ziehl-Neelson and Kinyoun.

Capsule Stain

Visualizes protective coatings around cells, using India ink for staining.

Endospore Stain

Identifies dormant endospores using the Schaeffer Fulton method.

Flagella Stain

Identifies flagella appendages in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes.

Electron Microscopy Preparation

Cannot view live specimens; requires specific preparation techniques for TEM and SEM.

TEM Sample Preparation

Involves cutting specimens into thin sections, embedding in resin, and staining with heavy metals.

SEM Sample Preparation

Requires critical point drying with liquid CO2 and sputter coating with metal.