BIOL 200 - UNIT 1: MICROSCOPY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
2026
Light microscopy - ANS the main technique used in analysis of cell structure and function for
hundreds of years
2 types
1. Transmitted Light microscopy
- Brightfield light microscopy
2. Emitted Light microscopy
- Fluorescence light microscopy
*Pros*: Live cells can be viewed and recorded. Specific structures can be tagged for viewing,
thus reducing the 'noise' in the sample and showing finer details that may otherwise e masked
by other components of the sample.
*Cons*: Limit of conventional (brightfield & confocal) resolution is 0.2 um.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
1
, Electron microscopy - ANS Allows us to look at the extreme details of organelle structure that
we could never see in light microscopy
- Uses beams of electrons that is directed at the sample (instead of light)
- Electrons can be scattered by air molecules, so almost all electron microscopy is done in a
vacuum.
- Electron gun produces a stream of electrons at known wavelengths; beyond the gun are
electromagnetic lenses for control/focus - these lenses induce magnetic fields parallel to the
direction of electron beam causing it to spiral inwards and converge at a focal point so the
sample can be viewed.
2 types
1. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
2. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Distinguish between the 4 major classes of microscopy - ANS 1. brightfield light microscopy
2. fluorescence light microscopy
3. transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Discuss the major advantages and limitations of each of the 4 major classes of microscopy -
ANS
Understand the difference between magnification and resolution, and how each can be used to
identify the type of microscopy used - ANS
Recognize the major organelles in light and electron micrographs - ANS
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
2
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
2026
Light microscopy - ANS the main technique used in analysis of cell structure and function for
hundreds of years
2 types
1. Transmitted Light microscopy
- Brightfield light microscopy
2. Emitted Light microscopy
- Fluorescence light microscopy
*Pros*: Live cells can be viewed and recorded. Specific structures can be tagged for viewing,
thus reducing the 'noise' in the sample and showing finer details that may otherwise e masked
by other components of the sample.
*Cons*: Limit of conventional (brightfield & confocal) resolution is 0.2 um.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
1
, Electron microscopy - ANS Allows us to look at the extreme details of organelle structure that
we could never see in light microscopy
- Uses beams of electrons that is directed at the sample (instead of light)
- Electrons can be scattered by air molecules, so almost all electron microscopy is done in a
vacuum.
- Electron gun produces a stream of electrons at known wavelengths; beyond the gun are
electromagnetic lenses for control/focus - these lenses induce magnetic fields parallel to the
direction of electron beam causing it to spiral inwards and converge at a focal point so the
sample can be viewed.
2 types
1. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
2. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Distinguish between the 4 major classes of microscopy - ANS 1. brightfield light microscopy
2. fluorescence light microscopy
3. transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Discuss the major advantages and limitations of each of the 4 major classes of microscopy -
ANS
Understand the difference between magnification and resolution, and how each can be used to
identify the type of microscopy used - ANS
Recognize the major organelles in light and electron micrographs - ANS
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
2
