How Can We Look at Cells?
This post will introduce technologies such as microscopes and how they are used to analyse and determine cell structures in Prelim Biology.
Introducing the Light Microscope
The light microscope is the staple device of biology. It is a magnification device that employs light to view specimens. This video will introduce you to microscopes and how to use a light microscope.
This video will show you what cheek cells under a light microscope may look like.
Electron Microscopes vs Light Microscopes
Another technology used to determine cell structures is an electron microscope. It uses the same concept as a light microscope, replacing the beam of light with a beam of electrons. These microscopes can result in really high resolution and high magnification images, however, it is much more expensive than light microscopes and must be performed in a vacuum to keep the electrons travelling in a beam.
Note that there are many more types of microscopy (e.g. fluorescence, stereo).
Part 1
This video will go through various advantages of the electron microscope.
Part 2
This video will add on to the previous video.
Part 3
This is a cool video showing a certain type of electron microscopy in action.
Want to learn more? Check out more of our Preliminary Biology resources here!
