3.1 Microscopy Flashcards
What is the most important resource for studying biology at the microscopic level?
microscope
What is a micrometer?
one millionth of a meter; 10 ^ -6
What is a nanometer?
one-billionth of a meter; 10 ^ -9
What can the unaided eye usually resolve objects at?
> 200 um
What are the two critical factors that influence our ability to see an object?
resolution
contrast
What is resolution?
distance between two objects at which the objects can still be seen as separate
What is contrast?
difference in light absorbance between two objects/areas
What is a brightfield microscope?
simplest form of light/optical microscope
What is the standard light source for a brightfield microscope?
standard halogen bulb
How does the light source of a brightfield microscope enter the microscope?
from the base and reflects off mirrors towards the sample
What is the condenser of a brightfield microscope?
where light first passes converging the light beams into a focused area on the sample
What is the iris diaphragm of a brightfield microscope?
controls the amount of light that passes through the sample
What is the objective lens?
lens closest to the sample that yields the greatest amount of magnification
How does amount of light required and degree of magnification relate?
the more magnification the more light needed
What is the ocular lens?
eyepiece
