Question

In microscopy, Electron Microscopy imaging provides the capability of higher resolution imaging via the ultra-short wavelength of electrons compared to standard light radiation. Compare and contrast these other aspects of electron microscopy with standard light imaging. differences/similarities

A) Lens system (mechanism and purpose)

B) Sample preparation (fix, sectioning, mounting for imaging)

C) Information that can be concluded from acquired images apart from structure/morphology (ex. Relative intensity data from fluorescence that informs regarding amount of tagged molecule presence)

Answer 1

A) Lens system

Electron microscopes form an optical lens system using a shaped magnetic field. Light imaging use light wave to form a mirror that is reflected.

B) Sample preparation

While light imaging usually does not need any special preparation and in some cases it use compounds to form contrast, the electron microscopy require fixation, dehydration with ethanol, drying and coating with gold.

C) The main advantages obtained using electron microscopy are the detail level, the localization of particles inside cells, and the quantification of the particles of interest instead of the quantification of relative fluorescence given by the light microscopes.