Module 3 Flashcards
A nanometer is defined as:
10 -9 or one-billionth of a meter
True or False: A nanometer is longer than a micrometer
F
Resolution and contrast are two critical factors that influence your ability to see an object. Explain each.
Resolution refers to the distance between two objects at which the objects can still be seen as separate. Poor or low resolution means two or more objects may appear as one.
Contrast on the other hand is the difference in light absorbance between two objects. Poor contrast gives a high background and makes the visualization of multiple objects difficult. For instance, trying to identify 2 dark colored objects at night (low light = low contrast) versus the same 2 objects in the middle of
a sunny afternoon (bright light against 2 dark objects = high contrast).
Assuming a fixed ocular, identify the part of the microscope you would adjust to enhance the magnification of a sample.
A. Objective
B. Condenser
C. Iris diaphragm
D. Eye piece
A.
Only the oculars (eyepiece) and the objectives contribute to the magnification of the sample. Since the eyepiece is fixed, only the objectives could be altered.Objective
Assuming a constant (non-adjustable) light source power, identify the part of the microscope you would adjust to limit the amount of light entering the microscope.
Iris Diaphram
What is the total magnification on (relative to your eye) of a sample imaged with a 60x objective and a 10x eyepiece? Show your math.
60x objective x 10x ocular = 600x magnification
True or False: Staining is often required to image a cell that is adherent and flat (thin).
True
True or False: A cell that is adherent, flat (thin), and unstained is easily identified using bright field microscopy
False
Which of the following could be seen clearly by the unaided eye? Select all that apply.
A. Bacteria with diameter of 24 μm
B. Protozoa with diameter of 150 μm
C. Virus with a diameter of 0.2 μm
D. Skin cell with diameter of 1500 μm
B. Protozoa with diameter of 150 μm
D. Skin cell with diameter of 1500 μm
The unaided eye can, on average, clearly resolve objects > 100 μm
Which of the following could NOT be seen clearly by the unaided eye? Select all that apply.
A. Bacteria with diameter of 24 μm
B. Protozoa with diameter of 150 μm
C. Virus with a diameter of 0.2 μm
D. Skin cell with diameter of 1500 μm
A. Bacteria with diameter of 24 μm
C. Virus with a diameter of 0.2 μm
The unaided eye can, on average, clearly resolve objects > 100 μm
Label the following unmarked microscope components (numbered arrows) by matching it with the components provided
(letters).
1F- eyepiece
2D- neck
3B- fine adjustment knob
4G- objective
5A- stage
6H- base
This type of microscope is best suited for visualizing GFP, RFP, and YFP proteins.
Fluorescence
This type of microscope utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light to illuminate stained objects.
Florescence
This type of microscope uses a specialized condenser and objective to amplify the slight differences between cells and background.
Phase-contrast
This type of microscope enhances contrast between specimen and background but does not permit the visualization of intracellular structures.
Dark Field
This type of microscope uses neither halogen nor UV light sources but rather lasers to illuminate stained cells in high resolution.
Confocal