Question

Compare and contrast the structure and function of a compound light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Be sure to discuss the structure and function of each as well as the function and usefulness of each when examining a specimen

Answer 1

The electron microscope (EM) is one of the most advanced microscopes used today. This microscope is powered by a beam of electrons with very short wavelengths. These electrons strike objects that come in its path and helps increase the resolution of the microscope. The electron microscope is one of the types of microscopes used to study cells like tiny viral cells as well as larger molecules. There are different types of electron microscopes that are explained below:

Transmission Electron Microscope
The transmission electron microscope (TEM) is used to study cells. Ultrathin slices of microorganisms like viruses are placed on a wire grid. Then, these cells are stained with gold or palladium and then used to observe under a transmission electron microscope. The electron beam is deflected on the densely coated parts of the cells and the image is observed on dark and light background.

Scanning Electron Microscope
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is also a type of electron microscope with lower magnification power than a transmission electron microscope. However, this microscope helps in viewing three-dimensional images of microorganisms and other specimens. Gold and palladium is used to stain the specimens mounted on a scanning electron microscope.

Reflection Electron Microscope
Reflection electron microscope (REM) uses an electron bean that is incident on a surface. However, instead of following the principles of TEM or SEM, it detects the elastically scattered electrons.

Answer 2

Compound light microscope:
Compound microscope is commonly used in the schools and colleges.
It comes under the category of microscopes used in biology.
It has two lenses namely the objective lens and the ocular lens.
It provides a magnification of 1500X.
Eyepiece lens is of 10X or 15X power.
It is used to observe bacterial, protozoa, various cells, etc.