Electron and light microscopes

• What type of microscope is commonly used in classrooms?

  Light microscope
• What are the key advantages of light microscopes?

  • Small
  • Easy to use
  • Relatively cheap
• What is the wavelength of light used in light microscopes?

  0.2 micrometers
• What is the resolution limit of light microscopes?

  0.2 micrometers
• What happens to details that are less than 0.2 micrometers apart when viewed with a light microscope?

  They appear blurry
• What cellular structures can light microscopes be used to see?

  • Individual cells
  • For example, onion cells
• Why are light microscopes not suitable for studying subcellular structures within cells?

  Their resolution is limited to 0.2 micrometers
• What type of microscope uses electrons?

  Electron microscope
• What are the disadvantages of electron microscopes?

  • Really big
  • Very expensive
  • Hard to use
• What is the wavelength of electrons in electron microscopes?

  0.1 nanometers
• What is the maximum resolution of electron microscopes?

  0.1 nanometers
• Why is a smaller resolution value better in microscopes?

  It allows you to see tinier details
• How much better is the resolution of electron microscopes compared to light microscopes?

  2,000 times better
• What type of cellular structures can electron microscopes be used to study?

  • Subcellular structures
  • For example, mitochondria
• What are the main topics you should remember about microscopes?

  • Advantages and disadvantages of light microscopes
  • Advantages and disadvantages of electron microscopes
  • Resolution comparisons between light and electron microscopes