Microscopy is an essential tool that enables scientists to view specimens too small for the unaided eye. View images of microscopes from history at http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/museum/index.html.
Access the database of images at http://www.cellsalive.com/ to view prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral specimens. What characteristics of microscopes allow us to discern fine details of small objects? What limits the use of the light microscope?
Compare the light micrographs with electron micrographs at Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.
(http://www.denniskunkel.com/) and (http://www.bocklabs.wisc.edu/). What feature of the electron microscope permits enhanced clarity and imaging of specimens too small for the light microscope?
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