Light Microscope (LM) vs. Electron Microscope (EM)

Question 1

Why can’t some organelles be seen using a light microscope?

Answer 1

LM has a lower resolution of 200 nm, so organelles smaller than this cannot be distinguished.

Question 2

State two advantages of an electron microscope over a light microscope.

Answer 2

Higher resolution (0.5 nm) and greater magnification (up to 500,000x).

Question 3

Name two disadvantages of an electron microscope

Answer 3

Non-portable and kills living cells due to vacuum use