Microscopes and Magnification

Flashcards covering key terminology related to microscopes, magnification, and resolution from the lecture notes.

Convex Lens

A lens that is thicker in the middle than at the edges, causing light rays to converge.

Total Magnification

The overall magnification of a microscope, calculated by multiplying the magnifications of the individual lenses.

Resolution

The ability to clearly distinguish the individual parts of an object, also referred to as the sharpness of an image.

Electron Microscopes

Advanced microscopes that use a beam of electrons to produce magnified images, capable of resolving much smaller particles than light microscopes.

Light Microscope

An optical instrument that uses visible light and a system of lenses to magnify images of small samples.

Magnification

The process of enlarging the appearance of an object through optical instruments.

Structure and Function

The concept where the structure of a cell or organ is directly related to its function in a biological system.

Virchow

A scientist who proposed that all cells arise from pre-existing cells, contributing significantly to cell theory.

Sharpness

A characteristic of images, related to resolution, which defines how well individual parts of an object can be distinguished.

Specimen

An individual sample or part that is examined under a microscope.