Final Answer:
The limit of resolution of a light microscope is approximately 200 nanometers, rendering virus structures too small to be visualized.
Step-by-step explanation:
Light microscopes use visible light for imaging, and their resolution is limited by the wavelength of light. The Abbe diffraction limit, around 200 nanometers, defines the smallest details that can be resolved. Viruses are much smaller, typically ranging from 20 to 300 nanometers, making them beyond the resolving capability of light microscopes. As a result, electron microscopes, which use electron beams with much shorter wavelengths, are necessary to visualize virus structures with higher resolution.
Understanding the limitations of different microscopy techniques is crucial in biological research. Electron microscopy, with its higher resolution, allows scientists to study intricate details of virus structures, contributing to advancements in virology and the development of antiviral strategies.