This key facts covers Units of Measurement within Microscopy for GCSE Biology. Light and electron microscopes, magnification and resolution calculations, specimen preparation, staining techniques, and practical microscopy skills It is section 7 of 20 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 7 of 20
Practice
26 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
📐 Units of Measurement
| Unit | Symbol | Equivalent to metres | Conversion | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetre | mm | 1 × 10⁻³ m | 1 mm = 1000 μm | Small organisms, large cells |
| Micrometre | μm | 1 × 10⁻⁶ m | 1 μm = 1000 nm | Cells and large organelles |
| Nanometre | nm | 1 × 10⁻⁹ m | 1 nm = 1/1000 μm | Molecules and small organelles |
Quick Conversion Tips:
- mm → μm: multiply by 1000
- μm → nm: multiply by 1000
- μm → mm: divide by 1000
- nm → μm: divide by 1000
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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