Light Microscopy: Exploring Cell Structure and Visualizing Proteins

What limits the resolution of light microscopy (LM)?

The wavelength of visible light (~200 nm).

How does super-resolution microscopy improve LM?

It surpasses the light wavelength limit, providing higher detail.

What methods enhance contrast in light microscopy?

Phase contrast, DIC microscopy, staining, and fluorescent labeling with dyes or GFP.

What is deconvolution microscopy?

A computational method that removes out-of-focus light to improve clarity.

What is confocal microscopy?

Uses lasers and pinholes to capture sharp optical sections of fluorescent samples.

What is TIRF microscopy best used for?

Visualizing molecules at or near the cell surface (e.g., membrane studies).

What does FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching) measure?

The mobility and movement of molecules within membranes.

What does FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) detect?

Molecular interactions based on energy transfer between fluorescent tags.