Electron Microscopy

Characteristics of Electron Microscopy

1. Uses electrons as a beam source

2. Resolution possible down to the atomic level

3. Imaging occurs in a vacuum

4. Cells can be fixed or frozen to preserve structures

5. Heavy metals can be added to enhance contrast

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

1. Samples must be very thin (cells and tissues can be sectioned)

2. Electrons that pass through the sample are detected

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

1. beam of electrons hitting surface of sample produces various signals

2. image detected reveals surface of sample

3. 3D

Electron microscopy uses ___ to generate ____

Electron microscopy uses electron beam to generate a high resolution image

Sample preparation can include

fixation, freezing, sectioning, or treating with heavy metals

Transmission electron microscopy detects

electrons that pass through a thin sample

Scanning electron microscopy uses

signal from electrons hitting surface of sample to create an image