Question

Cell biologists employ targeted fluorescent dyes or modified fluorescent proteins in both standard fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy to observe specific details in the cell. Even though fluorescence permits better visualization, the resolving power is essentially the same as that of a standard light microscope because the resolving power of a microscope is limited by the __________ of light.

(a) absorption
(b) intensity
(c) filtering
(d) wavelength

Answer 1

The resolving power of a microscope is limited by the wavelength of light used. Fluorescent dyes and proteins enable better visualization in microscopy, but do not change the resolving power. The wavelength of light determines the resolving power of a microscope.

Step-by-step explanation:

The resolving power of a microscope is limited by the wavelength of light. Cell biologists use targeted fluorescent dyes or modified fluorescent proteins in both standard fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy to observe specific details in the cell. While fluorescence permits better visualization, the resolving power of the microscope remains the same as that of a standard light microscope because the wavelength of light is a limiting factor.