define magnification
the number of times larger the image is than the actual object
define resolution
The ability to distinguish between two points
what is the cell theory ?
how do light microscopes work ?
visible light waves are passed through the sample, a stain is used to colour the cells so they are more visible
which microscope has the lowest magnification and resolving power ?
light microscopes
what type of sample can you use with a light microscope ?
living or dead sample
cells and large organelles
relatively thin so light can pass through
what are the advantages of light microscopes ?
cheap, easy to use , quick
what are the disadvantages of light microscopes ?
cant see small organelles ( restricted resolution )
cant magnify more than 2000 x
what type of image do light microscopes make ?
2D , colour
how does a scanning electron microscope work?
a beam of electrons scans the specimen from above, the specimen scatters the electrons according to its contour, these are detected so that the computer can form a 3D image
what image does a scanning electron microscope form ?
3D , black and white
how does a transmission electron microscope work ?
a focused beam of electrons is transmitted through a thin specimen, denser parts of the specimen absorb more electrons creating a darker image, others parts allow electrons through creating a lighter image.
what image does a transmission electron microscope form ?
2D, black and white
what are examples of artefacts ?
bubbles
distortion of organelles
mesosomes
empty space in the cytoplasm
loss of continuity in membranes
which microscope has the highest magnification and resolution ?
transmission electron microscope
what are the advantages of electron microscopes ?
very detailed, much higher resolution and magnifcation
what is an artefact ?
an apparent structural detail that is caused by the processing of the specimen ( not a legitimate feature of the specimen )
what are the disadvantages of electron microscopes ?
expensive and large
need special equipment and person with training
cant use live specimen as a vacuum is needed
the specimen can be damaged in preparation
how do you calculate magnification ?
Image size divided by actual size
how do you convert from millimetres too micrometres ?
x 1000
how do you convert from micrometres to nanometres ?
x 1000
how do you convert from micrometres to millimetres ?
divide by 1000
how do you convert from nanometres to micrometres ?
divide by 1000
how do you calculate overall magnification ?
eyepiece magnification x objective magnification