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 10 of 20 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 10 of 20
Practice
26 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
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
26 questions on Microscopy — practise free
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