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The student compares the image that she can see with an image of onion cells viewed with an electron microscope. Suggest how the two images would differ. Explain your answer.

a) The two images would differ because...
b) The two images would differ in terms of...
c) The two images would be the same because...
d) The two images would differ significantly due to...

User Nlta
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The two images from light and electron microscopy would significantly differ in resolution, detail, and depth. Light microscopy shows general cell structures, while electron microscopy reveals ultrastructural details not visible with light microscopy. Differences include resolution, contrast, and the visibility of cellular components like cell walls and organelles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two images would differ significantly in their resolution, depth, and detail visible for the onion cells. Light microscopy allows for the visualization of living cells after staining, which means that one can see the general structure such as cell walls, nuclei, and some organelles. However, electron microscopy provides a much higher magnification and resolution, which can reveal the fine details of cell ultrastructure, membranes, and internal components that light microscopes can't resolve.

To specify:

  • The images would differ because electron microscopy can magnify the sample much more and provide detailed views of the cell's internal structure.
  • The two images would differ in terms of resolution and contrast, with electron micrographs showcasing much finer details compared to light microscopy images.

Two similarities seen when comparing plant and animal cells under a microscope would be the presence of the cell membrane and cytoplasm. Two differences would be that plant cells typically have a rigid cell wall and chloroplasts, which are absent in animal cells.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. When viewing a specimen through a light microscope, scientists often use special stains (d) to make it easier to see individual components of cells.
  2. The basic unit of life is the cell (a).

User Alexander Rafferty
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