Microscopy

Question 1

Bright Field Microscopy

Answer 1

• Entire organism will not be in focus at one time due to thickness of specimen
• Must stain specimen to see
• Sample must be killed

Question 2

Dark Field Microscopy

Answer 2

• Provides contrast between organism’s edge and its interior and background.
• Do not need to stain
• May use live samples
• No direct light - oblique rays only

Question 3

Phase Contrast Microscopy

Answer 3

• More contrast
• No need for stain
• Background is darker than specimen
• May use live samples
• Can see small structures
• Better than bright or dark field microscopy
• 1/4 phase shift causes wavelength of light to be 1/4 wavelength longer.

Question 4

Fluorescense Microscopy

Answer 4

• Uses UV rather than visible light
• Must dye specimen
• Sample must be killed