Essential Cell Biology, 4th Edition

Published by Garland Science
ISBN 10: 0815344546
ISBN 13: 978-0-81534-454-4

Chapter 1 - Cells: The Fundamental Units of Life - Questions - Page 23: Question 1-6

Answer

In order to best visualize a living skin cell one would need to use light microscopy. A yeast mitochondrion or a microtubule on the other hand would be best visualized using an electron microscope.

Work Step by Step

An electron microscope cannot observe living cells, which automatically rules out the living skin cell. In order for things to be visualized with an electron microscope one needs to slice the sample to be extremely thin, then dehydrate the sample, then dye it with electron-dense heavy metal. However, in doing so an electron microscope allows us to see the minute details of the sample and its functions. Light microscopy is advantageous in that it can see through water, is nondestructive to the sample, and can observe living cells. However, it does not have the magnifying power and resolution an electron microscope does.
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