Light And Electron Microscopes

• What type of microscope is commonly used in classrooms?

  Light microscope
• What is a key advantage of light microscopes?


  They are small, easy to use, and relatively cheap
• What limits the resolution of light microscopes?


  They rely on light with a wavelength of 0.2 micrometers
• What happens to details less than 0.2 micrometers apart when viewed with a light microscope?


  They appear blurry
• What types of structures can light microscopes not effectively study?


  Subcellular structures like mitochondria
• What is a characteristic of electron microscopes compared to light microscopes?


  They are large, expensive, and hard to use
• What do electron microscopes use instead of light?


  Electrons
• What is the wavelength of electrons used in electron microscopes?


  0.1 nanometers
• How does the resolution of electron microscopes compare to that of light microscopes?


  Electron microscopes have 2000 times better resolution
• Why is a smaller resolution value better in microscopy?


  It allows for the observation of tinier details
• What type of structures can be studied using electron microscopes?


  Subcellular structures like mitochondria
• What can be seen clearly in an electron microscope image of a pancreatic cell?


  The nucleus and mitochondria
• What are the pros and cons of light and electron microscopes?

  **Light Microscopes:**

  • Pros: Small, easy to use, cheap
  • Cons: Limited resolution (0.2 micrometers)

  
  

  **Electron Microscopes:**

  • Pros: High resolution (0.1 nanometers), can study subcellular structures
  • Cons: Large, expensive, hard to use
• What is the main takeaway regarding light and electron microscopes?


  To remember the pros and cons of each type