Phase contrast microscopy, Biology

Assignment Help:

Phase Contrast Microscopy

Phase contrast microscope has the resolving power similar to ordinary light microscope. However, it enables us to observe the cellular organelles in living cell. The working of this microscope is based on the principle of phase contrast.

To understand phase contrast microscopy you should know that whenever two light waves interfere with each other, the resultant light wave may have either greater or lesser amplitude depending on the phases of the light waves (Figure shown below).

988_phase microscope1.jpg


It is a known fact that a light wave passing through a transparent object suffers a change in phase.

The living cells are heterogeneous in their cellular components having different thickness. Due to this difference, each component has different refractive index. Hence, when a light wave passes through the cell, a change in phase is produced due to differences of thickness and refractive indices of cellular components. The phase contrast microscope exaggerates the small difference between the phases and enables one to distinguish the adjacent structures.


Related Discussions:- Phase contrast microscopy

Respiration - metabolism of pollen tubes, Respiration - Metabolism of Polle...

Respiration - Metabolism of Pollen Tubes In the unpollinated pistils of Hippeastrum hybridum very high O 2 , tension exists from stigma down through most of the style. During

What are the major significant organic molecules for humans, Q. What are th...

Q. What are the major significant organic molecules for living beings? Ans. There are many types of organic molecules that are important for the living beings. Particularl

#zoology, what is amniocentosis

what is amniocentosis

Explain the elimination of dna helicase activity in a cell, Which of the fo...

Which of the following results from the elimination of DNA helicase activity in a cell? A. The melting of the DNA double helix at the site of replication initiation will fail t

Explain the behaviour of pteridophytes, Q. Why are pteridophytes better ada...

Q. Why are pteridophytes better adapted to dry land than bryophytes? Were pteridophytes always less abundant than phanerogamic plants? Although pteridophytes and bryophyt

Major classes into which the phylum is divided, Q What are the major classe...

Q What are the major classes into which the phylum is divided? What are the few examples of each and in which form (polyp or medusae) are they found? Coelenterates are divided

Bacteriophage vectors, Bacteriophage Vectors Bacteriophages are viruses...

Bacteriophage Vectors Bacteriophages are viruses that attack bacteria. Mainly phage lyses the bacterial cells they infect (lytic phages). But many others may choose to follow e

Describe metabolic syndrome, Describe Metabolic Syndrome ? As discussed...

Describe Metabolic Syndrome ? As discussed, the risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, and dyslipidaeinia are very im

What is the meaning of paraplegia, What is the meaning of Paraplegia Pa...

What is the meaning of Paraplegia Paraplegia (from the Greek para, "alongside of," and plegia,  "stroke") is a condition in which both lower limbs are paralyzed (quadriplegia i

Menstrual cycle, MENSTRUAL CYCLE - It occurs only in Primates. Start at...

MENSTRUAL CYCLE - It occurs only in Primates. Start at the age of 13 yrs. upto menopouse. During this period, generally one egg is released every 28 dyas or so alternately f

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd