Midterm 1 Microscopes

Question 1

What does it do and when do we use it: bright-field microscopy?

Answer 1

• emits light from below; view specimens from bove
• low contrast with most biological samples so staining is required to increase contrast
• most basic form of microscope

Question 2

What does it do and when do we use it: dark-field microscopy?

Answer 2

• light from below; view specimens from above
• enhance contrast in unstained samples
• observe internal structures of live eukaryotic organisms

Question 3

What does it do and when do we use it: phase microscopy?

Answer 3

• allows for cellular structures to be visible without staining
• studying living cells
• observe cell division and other processes

Question 4

What does it do and when do we use it: DIC microscopy (phase + 3D)?

Answer 4

• allows for cellular structures (cell walls, endospores, nuclei, etc.) to be visible without staining
• study living cells/organisms i.e, worms

Question 5

What does it do and when do we use it: fluorescence microscopy?

Answer 5

• used to view fluorescently labeled antibodies and proteins
• helps determine localization of proteins

Question 6

What does it do and when do we use it: confocal microscopy?

Answer 6

• sharp 3D images, particularly important for biofilms
• takes images of XYZ planes, and reconstructs them to 3D image

Question 7

What does it do and when do we use it: electron microscopy?

Answer 7

• super fine detail
• expensive

Question 8

What does it do and when do we use it: oil immersion

Answer 8

• increases in resolution
• better picture