Cells and Microscopy Flashcards
What resolution can a light microscope achieve?
200nm
What magnification can a light microscope achieve?
x 1400
What resolution can a TEM achieve?
0.5nm
What magnification can a TEM achieve?
300,000
What resolution can an SEM achieve?
0.5nm
What magnification can an SEM achieve?
300,000
What is the difference between an SEM and a TEM.
An SEM gives a 3D picture and cell surface structures can be seen whereas aTEM gives a 2D picture and allows details of organelles to be seen.
Explain the difference between magnification and resolution.
Magnification is the number of times larger the image is compared to the object. Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two objects very close together; it enables the viewer to see detail.
Explain the need for stains.
Most biological material within a cell isn’t coloured so it might be difficult to distinguish between different features. Coloured stains are used with light microscopes and heavy metallic stains with electron microscopes.
What is the use of methylene blue?
Staining living cells; nucleus goes dark blue, cytoplasm goes light blue and bacteria take up the whole stain.
What is the use of iodine solution?
Staining living plant cells; very dark blue starch grains.
What is the use of acidified phloroglucinol?
Staining lignin; red.
What is the use of eosin?
Staining cytoplasm and dead organelles; pink
What is the use of acetic orcein?
Staining nuclei and chromosomes; red.
What is the use of light green?
Staining plant cell walls; green.