Lecture 3 Flashcards
Why is staining important
improves CONTRAST between different cells/features
resolution
The ability to distinguish between two adjacent objects as distinct and separate
resolution is a function of..
the physical properties of light
resolution is determined by..
the wavelength of light used and numerical aperture of lens
resolution is _________________ to wavelength
inversely proportional
shorter wave length =
better resolution
Limit of resolution for light microscope is about…
o.2 um
Compound light microscopes use….. to illuminate cells
visible light
4 types of light microscopy
- bright-field
- phase contrast
- dark-field
- fluorescence
bright field microscopy
specimens are visualized because of differences in contrast (density) between specimen and surroundings
total magnification =
objective magnification x ocular magnification
Maximum useful magnification is…
~2000x
Phase-Contrast Microscroscopy was invented in 1936 by…
Frits Zernike
Phase Contrast Microscopy
- amplifies differences in the refractive index of cell and surroundings;
- improves contrast without use of stain
- allows for visualization of live samples
- dark cells on a light background
dark field microscopy
light reaches the specimen from the sides
- good for observing motility
- appears light on a dark background