Microscopy resolution: The minimum distance between two points at which they can still be distinguished as separate.
The unaided human eye has a resolving limit of approximately 100–200 µm, so most cells cannot be seen without a microscope.
The first two principles of cell theory were defined in 1839 by Théodore Schwann: the cell is the structural and functional unit of every living organism, and every living organism consists of at least one cell.
1. What does microscopy resolution describe?
2. A researcher observes a cell dividing and producing two new cells; which principle of cell theory does this illustrate?
3. Why can an optical microscope show cells but not fine cytoplasmic details?
What is microscopy resolution?
The minimum distance at which two points remain distinguishable as separate.
What is the unaided human eye’s approximate resolving limit?
Approximately 100–200 µm.
What is the best resolution of an optical microscope?
About 200 nm (0.2 µm).
What is the first tissue-preparation step for bright-field microscopy?
Fixation.
How can fluorescence microscopy locate a target molecule?
A target-specific antibody binds it and is associated with a fluorochrome that emits visible light under ultraviolet excitation.
What prevents air molecules from colliding with electrons in an electron microscope?
An absolute vacuum.
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