Light and Electron Microscopes

• How do microscopes enhance our scientific understanding?

  By revealing cellular structures and functions
• What do microscopes help identify in cells?

  Specialised cells and their structure
• How can microscopes contribute to the diagnosis of illnesses?

  By allowing visualization of pathogens
• How are microscopes used in the study of blood samples?

  To magnify blood samples to look for parasites
• What role do microscopes play in virology?

  Enlarge the view of viruses that cause disease
• How do microscopes contribute to vaccine development?

  By visualizing viruses
• What are the key characteristics of light microscopes?

  • Uses a beam of light and magnifying glasses
  • Magnifies up to 3000x a sample's real size
  • Fairly cheap (£70-2100 from Amazon)
  • Relatively small and light so easily portable
  • Able to magnify live specimens
• What is the approximate cost range of a light microscope available on Amazon?

  £70-2100
• When was the electron microscope invented?

  1930
• What is the primary advantage of electron microscopes over light microscopes?

  Magnifies much more
• What type of beam is used in electron microscopes?

  A beam of electrons
• What is the maximum magnification achievable with electron microscopes?

  2000,000x
• What level of detail can electron microscopes reveal?

  In far greater detail
• What is a key disadvantage of electron microscopes?

  They are very expensive