Microscopes

Question 1

Light microscopes

Answer 1

• Used for: to study living or dead cells and for regular use when relatively low magnification and resolution is enough
• Max magnification: x1500
• Max resolution: 200nm

Question 2

Scanning electron microscope

Answer 2

• Used for: obtaining information about the surface topography and composition
• Max magnification: x100000
• Max resolution: 3-10nm, 3D images are produced

Question 3

Transmission electron microscope

Answer 3

• Used for: examining the structure, composition and properties of specimens in submicron detail
• Max magnification: x100000
• Max resolution: 0.02-1nm

Question 4

Laser scanning confocal microscope

Answer 4

• Used for: producing detailed and focused images of thicker specimens at various depths.
• Uses laser beam transmitted through - the image is built up by collecting the emitted photons from the fluorophores in the sample
• Max magnification: x1000000
• Max resolution: 0.8um