Question

With regards to brightfield microscopy, is the following statement true or false? For centuries, conventional microscopy (brightfield microscopy) has used thin samples stained with dyes. The white light transmitted through the sample is collected by the eye of the observer, or by a camera. The light absorbed by the dye or dyes creates the contrast in the sample.

Answer 1

The statement regarding brightfield microscopy using thin samples stained with dyes to create contrast is true; this technique allows the observer to see structures within a specimen that would otherwise be transparent by absorbing light and creating contrast.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about brightfield microscopy using thin samples stained with dyes to create contrast is true. With brightfield microscopy, which is a common light microscopy technique, specimens are typically illuminated from below. The creation of contrast is essential because many microscopic objects do not inherently absorb much light, making them difficult to see. Stains or dyes are used to absorb light and provide this contrast, making structures within the specimen appear darker against a bright background.

While brightfield microscopy is well-suited to fixed and stained specimens, other forms of microscopy, such as dark-field illumination, can enhance contrast without staining, which is especially useful for live, unfixed specimens. By blocking light at the center and only allowing light through the periphery to be diffracted by the specimen, objects appear bright against a dark background.

Overall, brightfield microscopy relies on the light absorbed, reflected, or refracted by different structures within the sample, with the use of stains enhancing the visibility of transparent structures within a specimen.