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

Distal convoluted tubule, Normal 0 false false false EN...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Enhancing the bio-availability of minerals, Mineral supplements and Mineral...

Mineral supplements and Mineral supplements and enhancing the bio-availability of minerals The proper balance of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals is needed in the ratio

Explain interferon alfa, Interferon alfa In about one third of adults a...

Interferon alfa In about one third of adults and children with chronic hepatitis B, treatment with interferon alfa-2b leads to loss of HBeAg, return to normal aminotransferase

Prevention and community action - psychoactive substance, Prevention and Co...

Prevention and Community Action: A number of  preventive action are necessary. Alcohol prevention programmes can have major effects on alcohol problem rates, and can influence

Can our experiences change our brain, Can our experiences change our brain ...

Can our experiences change our brain A. It is now know by Scientists that brain is remarkably "plastic:" it continues to change during the course of life in accordance with our

Dispersal of seeds , Dispersal of Seeds A plant usually bears many fr...

Dispersal of Seeds A plant usually bears many fruits and innumerable seeds. If all the seeds produced by a plant were to germinate in the immediate vicinity, this will have s

Reciprocal crosses , RECIPROCAL CROSSES Similar results were obtained w...

RECIPROCAL CROSSES Similar results were obtained with reciprocal crosses also. A reciprocal crosses involves the same traits but carried by sexes opposite to those in the origi

Methods of prevention of flap tearing, Prevention of flap tearing Teari...

Prevention of flap tearing Tearing of a flap is a common complication of the inexperienced surgeon who attempts to perform a procedure using a flap that provides insufficient a

What is the principle of the design, In designing an experiment to find out...

In designing an experiment to find out whether light is required for photosynthesis    (a) what is the principle of the design    (b) what control would you use?

Describe nerve cells, In eukaryotes possibly the most rapid and complex sig...

In eukaryotes possibly the most rapid and complex signaling is mediated through nerve impulses.  The Nerve  cells  (neurons)  consist  of  a cell  body  with  numerous projections

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