Microscopy

• What is the main function of microscopes?

  To magnify images of specimens
• What did early microscopes look like?

  They looked very basic and simple
• What have light microscopes allowed scientists to discover?

  Structures inside cells, like the nucleus
• What are the limitations of light microscopes?

  Limited magnification and resolution
• Why can't we easily view structures inside the nucleus with a light microscope?

  Because the magnification is not powerful enough
• What happens to the image quality when magnification is increased in light microscopes?

  The image becomes blurred due to limited resolution
• What type of microscope was invented to explore structures inside cells in detail?

  Electron microscope
• What are the key advantages of electron microscopes?

  Greater magnification and resolution
• How can you calculate the magnification of a microscope?

  Size of image divided by size of real object
• What is the equation for calculating magnification?

  Magnification = size of image / size of real object
• If the image size of the nucleus is 45 mm and the real size is 0.01 mm, what is the magnification?

  4,500 times
• If the image size of a mitochondrion is 30 mm and the real size is 0.03 mm, what is the magnification?

  1,000 times
• How do you calculate the size of the real object if you know the image size and magnification?

  Size of image divided by magnification
• If the image size is 87 mm and the magnification is 2,000 times, what is the real size of the cell?

  0.435 mm
• What are the main differences between light microscopes and electron microscopes?

  • Light microscopes have limited magnification and resolution.
  • Electron microscopes have much greater magnification and resolution.
  • Light microscopes use visible light; electron microscopes use electrons.
• What steps should you follow to calculate magnification?

  1. Measure the size of the image.
  2. Measure the size of the real object.
  3. Use the formula: Magnification = size of image / size of real object.
• What resources can help with microscope and magnification questions?

  • Vision workbook
  • Online resources
  • Practice questions