This deep dive covers Electron Microscopes within Microscopy for GCSE Biology. Light and electron microscopes, magnification and resolution calculations, specimen preparation, staining techniques, and practical microscopy skills It is section 9 of 19 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 9 of 19
Practice
18 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
⚡ Electron Microscopes
🔬 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
- How it works: Electron beam passes through specimen
- Images: 2D, black and white, internal structures
- Resolution: 0.05 nm (4000× better than light)
- Magnification: Up to ×2,000,000
- Specimens: Must be extremely thin, dead
- Best for: Internal organelle structure
🌐 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- How it works: Electron beam scans specimen surface
- Images: 3D appearance, black and white, surface details
- Resolution: 3-10 nm
- Magnification: Up to ×500,000
- Specimens: Coated with gold/platinum, dead
- Best for: Surface structure and textures