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

Caruncle - seed appendages, Caruncle - Seed Appendages This is a white...

Caruncle - Seed Appendages This is a white, collar-like structure borne on the micropylar end of the seed in many members of the Euphorbiaceae, such as castor, Ricinus communi

Female reproductive system - graffian follicle, GRAFFIAN FOLLICLE - ...

GRAFFIAN FOLLICLE - It appears as knob or stigma in medulla. It is round, discovered by Graff. It is covered by 2 layers - thecae externa & theca interna. From theca i

Determine the use of natural colourants, Determine the use of natural colou...

Determine the use of natural colourants The use of natural colourants is limited due to their instability, low tinctorial power or price disadvantage.  The trend towards natura

Bees, is there a difference between the giant asiatic bees apis dorsata and...

is there a difference between the giant asiatic bees apis dorsata and Philippine giant bees apis breviligula

Explain stage of total biological inactivity, Is the stage when an insect l...

Is the stage when an insect larva is within a cocoon a stage of total biological inactivity? The period when the larva is inside its cocoon is a time of intense biological acti

Point and non-point sources, Point and Non-Point Sources The discharg...

Point and Non-Point Sources The discharge of effluents in receiving water body at a specific site are referred to a point sources in contrast to the inflow of pollutants in a

Explain expansion in plasma volume during pregnancy, Normal 0 f...

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

Define use of soy protein concentrates in bakery products, Define Use of So...

Define Use of Soy Protein Concentrates in Bakery Products? Unlesss higher protein fortification levels are necessary, there is no special reason for using soy protein concentra

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