Biologists Tools Using the microscope

Why these tools are important New forms of imaging technology provides new views of life It wasn’t until the invention of the microscope that people were able to see the world in a way that was smaller than what the eye could see. Microscopes can come in one of two types, light or electron.

Light microscopes Is a combination of lenses that use a light source to see an organism/object. Many times this is combined with staining techniques to see the organism more clearly

e Step 1: Obtain clean slide and apply object to view. Step 2: Add one drop of H2O to object in center of slide e Step 3: Apply plastic cover slip to top of H2O and object to view. e

Paper Towel Step 4: Draw up any extra H2O from the edge of the cover slip using the corner of a paper towel e Note: When applying coverslip, do so at a 45 degree angle and lower onto surface. (Stops so many oxygen bubbles from forming)

Electron microscopes Uses beams of electrons instead of light to scan objects. Much more precise that light microscopes 100,000 x magnification Can’t be used to study living organisms Has to be held in a vacuum

Electron Microscopes Two main types: Transmission electron microscope (TEM) Looks at interior of organism Can be the highest magnification Scanning electron microscope (SEM) Scans surface of an organism Usually cover the organism in metal (usually gold).

Medical Imaging X-Ray Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) X-rays are passed through an tissues and is absorbed by bones and teeth. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Can be used on ligaments, muscles, and tissue Can observe organs as well

Computers Are usually used to analyze and process the images received from advanced microscopes Computers are also used to model complex systems