Microscopy

Question 0

What is confocal microscopy used for?

Answer 0

Optical sections via a laser to show 3D structure - illuminates and eliminates out ‘focus flare’

Question 1

When is dark field microscopy used?

Answer 1

Image is scattered light rather than transmission - used to detect syphilis and malaria

Question 2

What is phase contrast microscopy used for?

Answer 2

Viewing detail in unstained living cells - heightened contrast

Question 3

What is fluorescence microscopy used for?

Answer 3

Can see where individual substances/structures lie in a cell

Question 4

What does haematoxylin stain?

Answer 4

Acidic components - purple blue e.g. DNA

Question 5

What does eosin stain?

Answer 5

Basic components - pink e.g. cytoplasmic proteins

Question 6

What does periodic acid shiff stain?

Answer 6

Magenta stain - Carbohydrates and glycoproteins

Question 7

Briefly describe the fixation process

Answer 7

Water, ethanol, xylene, embedding in wax, sectioning, xylene, ethanol, water, staining, dehydration.