2.1.1 Microscopes Flashcards
resolution definition
the degree to which it is possible to distinguish two objects, which are very close together
magnification definition
how many times bigger the image of a specimen observed is, compared to the actual size of the specimen
magnification equation
magnification=size of image/size of actual
method for using light microscope: 9 steps
- Prepare sample using a glass slide, coverslip and stain
- Plug microscope into plug socket and turn on
- Turn light on
- Put sample on the stage, secure with clips
- Adjust to lowest magnification
- Move stage all the way up
- Use the coarse focus wheel to get sample into focus (larger field of view)
- Move to next objective lens (use fine focus wheel to show detail)
- Repeat with next objective lens
light microscope: how does it work?
it works by passing light through a specimen and focusing the light on an eyepiece or camera, which magnifies the image.
light microscope: what is it used for?
-schools and colleges
-hospitals
-universities
light microscope: preparation of specimen
place a slide with cover slip and with a stain
light microscope: maximum magnification
x1500
light microscope: 2D or 3D, colour or black and white
2D, colour
light microscope: resolution
0.2 μm
light microscope: advantages 4
-relatively cheap
-easy to use
-portable
-able to study whole living specimen
light microscope: disadvantage 1
-resolution is limited (as cannot increase magnification any higher with detail)
confocal laser scanning microscope: how does it work?
a thick section of tissue or small living organisms are scanned with a laser beam
the laser beam is reflected by the fluorescent dyes
multiple depths of the tissue section/organisms are scanned to produce an image
(think of it like the laser beam is building up the image layer by layer)
confocal laser scanning microscope: what is it used for?
-medical professions
-branches of biological research
confocal laser scanning microscope: preparation of specimen
the cells being viewed must be stained with fluorescent dyes
confocal laser scanning microscope: max magnification
not needed