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

Define the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin b12, Define the Recomm...

Define the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Vitamin B 12 (RDA)? Vitamin B 12 deficiency is common in true vegans who can be treated with small doses since the daily requirem

Explain insect resistance, In 2003 nearly 70 million hectares globally were...

In 2003 nearly 70 million hectares globally were planted in genetically modi?ed crops. Of these, 73%  were plants such as soybean, corn and cotton, which were modi?ed to be he

Define rna synthesis , The general mechanism of RNA synthesis by these euk...

The general mechanism of RNA synthesis by these eukaryotic RNA polymerases is the same as for the prokaryotic enzyme that is: ?   The initiation  of RNA synthesis  by RNA polyme

Define role of fitness in field of human endeavour, Define Role of Fitness ...

Define Role of Fitness in Field of Human Endeavour? Fitness plays a vital role in any field of human endeavour and influences the efficiency of a person. For this reason, fitne

Causes of gastro oesophageal reflux disease, Q. Causes of gastro oesophagea...

Q. Causes of gastro oesophageal reflux disease? GERD may develop due to any of the following reasons: • decreased muscle tone or abnormal relaxation of the LES, • reduced st

Explain nongonococcal urethritis, Nongonococcal nonchlamydial urethritis an...

Nongonococcal nonchlamydial urethritis and cervicitis Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men is often nonchlamydial as well. Possibly caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplas

Define the nutrient requirements during trauma, Define the Nutrient Require...

Define the Nutrient Requirements during Trauma? Nutritional assessment of the trauma patient is done to determine energy and protein requirements. Basal energy requirements are

Chorionic villus sampling (cvs), CHORIONI C VILLUS SAMPLING (CVS)  - CV...

CHORIONI C VILLUS SAMPLING (CVS)  - CVS is done during 8th-10th week of pregnancy when abortion is safe. For CVS cells are sucked into a catheter passed through the cervix.

Biogenesis of mitochondria, BIOGENESI S OF MITOCHONDRIA De Novo for...

BIOGENESI S OF MITOCHONDRIA De Novo formation i.e. new formation. It is not confirmed. New mitochondria are formed by division (Amitosis) of pre-existing mitochondria.

Terminology use in apical dominance, Terminology use in Apical Dominance ...

Terminology use in Apical Dominance Here are a few terms that will be used in discussing apical dominance. A clear understanding of these terms is needed for understanding the

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