This diagram covers Comparing Microscope Types within Microscopy for GCSE Biology. Light and electron microscopes, magnification and resolution calculations, specimen preparation, staining techniques, and practical microscopy skills It is section 11 of 20 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.
Topic position
Section 11 of 20
Practice
26 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
⚖️ Comparing Microscope Types
| Feature | Light Microscope | TEM | SEM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiation Used | Light waves | Electron beam | Electron beam |
| Maximum Magnification | ×1500 | ×2,000,000 | ×500,000 |
| Resolution | 200 nm | 0.05 nm | 3-10 nm |
| Specimen Preparation | Simple, can be living | Complex, must be dead | Complex, must be dead |
| Cost | Low | Very high | Very high |
| Portability | Portable | Large, fixed installation | Large, fixed installation |
| Image Type | Color, 2D | Black/white, 2D | Black/white, 3D appearance |
| Vacuum Required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Living specimens, basic cell structure | Internal ultrastructure | Surface details |
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Microscopy. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Microscopy
What is magnification?
Explain why specimens are stained before viewing under a light microscope.
Quick Recall Flashcards
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