Which of the following is different between light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy?
a. magnification
b. resolution
c. wavelengths
d. all of the above

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key differences between light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
2. Consider the concept of magnification: Light microscopes typically magnify up to 1000-2000x, while electron microscopes can magnify up to 2 million times.
3. Examine the resolution: Light microscopes have a resolution limit of about 200 nm, whereas electron microscopes can resolve structures as small as 0.1 nm.
4. Analyze the wavelengths used: Light microscopes use visible light (400-700 nm), while electron microscopes use electron beams with much shorter wavelengths.
5. Conclude by determining if all the options (a, b, c) are different between the two types of microscopy.

Key Concepts

Magnification

Magnification refers to the ability of a microscope to enlarge the appearance of an object. Light microscopy typically achieves lower magnification levels, usually up to 1000x, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can magnify specimens up to 1,000,000x, allowing for detailed visualization of cellular structures.

Resolution

Resolution is the ability of a microscope to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. Light microscopes have a resolution limit of about 200 nanometers due to the wavelength of visible light, whereas TEM can achieve much higher resolution, down to about 0.1 nanometers, due to the shorter wavelength of electrons.

Wavelengths

Wavelengths refer to the distance between successive peaks of a wave, which affects the type of microscopy used. Light microscopy uses visible light with wavelengths ranging from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers, while transmission electron microscopy uses electron beams with much shorter wavelengths, allowing for higher resolution imaging of fine details in specimens.