[23] Cellular Imaging Techniques (Confocal Microscopy, Super-Resolution Microscopy)

Question 1

What are Cellular Imaging Techniques?

Answer 1

Methods used to visualize and study cellular structures and functions.

Question 2

Define the initials CIT

Answer 2

Cellular Imaging Techniques

Question 3

What is Confocal Microscopy?

Answer 3

A technique that uses optical imaging to obtain high-resolution images and reconstructs 3D structures of a biological specimen.

Question 4

What is Super-Resolution Microscopy?

Answer 4

A form of light microscopy that allows for imaging of objects at a resolution surpassing the diffraction limit.

Question 5

What is the diffraction limit in the context of microscopy?

Answer 5

The limit in resolving power set by the diffraction of light, traditionally around 200 nanometers for light microscopy.

Question 6

How does Confocal Microscopy work?

Answer 6

It uses point illumination and a pinhole in an optically conjugate plane in front of the detector to eliminate out-of-focus signal - the key difference from wide-field fluorescence microscopy.

Question 7

How does Super-Resolution Microscopy achieve its high resolution?

Answer 7

By exploiting the ability to control the fluorescence emission of molecules, and overcoming the diffraction limit.

Question 8

What are the main applications of Confocal Microscopy?

Answer 8

• Cellular and tissue imaging
• Studying cellular dynamics
• Imaging deep into specimens

Question 9

What are the main applications of Super-Resolution Microscopy?

Answer 9

• Studying biological processes at molecular level
• Visualizing small structures like proteins

Question 10

What is the key advantage of Confocal Microscopy?

Answer 10

The ability to control depth of field, eliminating or reducing background information.

Question 11

What is the key advantage of Super-Resolution Microscopy?

Answer 11

The ability to visualize structures at a resolution beyond the diffraction limit of light.

Question 12

What are the limitations of Confocal Microscopy?

Answer 12

• Photobleaching and phototoxicity
• Limited penetration depth

Question 13

What are the limitations of Super-Resolution Microscopy?

Answer 13

• Requires specialized dyes and equipment
• Complex data analysis

Question 14

Define the term “Photobleaching” in microscopy

Answer 14

The phenomenon where a fluorophore permanently loses its ability to fluoresce due to photon-induced chemical damage.

Question 15

Define the term “Phototoxicity” in microscopy

Answer 15

The damaging effect of light on biological specimens during imaging.

Question 16

What is “Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED)”?

Answer 16

A technique in super-resolution microscopy which uses a de-excitation laser beam to narrow the point-spread function of the diffraction limited spot, increasing resolution.

Question 17

Define the initials STED

Answer 17

Stimulated Emission Depletion

Question 18

What is “Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM)”?

Answer 18

A super-resolution technique that captures multiple images with different patterns of light, and combines them to recreate an image with higher resolution.

Question 19

Define the initials SIM

Answer 19

Structured Illumination Microscopy

Question 20

How have Cellular Imaging Techniques revolutionized cell biology?

Answer 20

They allow detailed observation of cells and cellular components beyond the diffraction limit, facilitating advanced research into cell structure and function.