bmic topic 1.3: microscopes

why are microscopes used

help us visualize microorganisms

what is the largest microorganism

protozoa

what is the smallest microorganism

virus

why is immersion oil needed?

to achieve a good resolution of the specimen image as the refractive index of the oil is similar to the objective lens as compared without using the oil

what are the 4 types of microscopes

bright-field microscope

dark-field microscope

fluorescence microscope

phase-contrast microscope

what is bright-field microscope suitable for

suitable for dead stained specimens or live organism with natural coloration

what is the dark-field microscope suitable for

suitable for live, unstained microbes

what is the fluorescence microscope suitable for

suitable for specimens that can be stained with fluorescent antibodies which will fluoresce when exposed to UV light

what is the phase-contrast microscope suitable for?

suitable for live specimen with observable internal structures

what are the 2 types of electron microscopes

transmission and scanning