Final answer:
The microscope, especially the electron microscope, has been indispensable in the study of cell biology, enabling scientists to see and understand the structures within cells and their genetic material.
Step-by-step explanation:
The microscope has been instrumental in advancing our knowledge of cells and genetics. Starting with Robert Hooke in the 1600s, the light microscope allowed us to observe cells, the basic units of life. However, it was not until the invention of the electron microscope in the 1950s that scientists could study the intricate structures within cells, such as organelles, and even identify individual molecules and atoms.
Microscopy provided the vital tool needed to discover microbes and understand that individual cells are too small to be seen with the nak_ed eye. This has led to many scientific breakthroughs in cell biology, specifically the study of cell substructures and their functions, which has been crucial for the development of our understanding of genetics. Indeed, the use of microscopes has been a key factor in observing and identifying viruses and contributing to the field of microbiology, impacting our understanding of disease and healthcare.