Question

Your research project involves characterizing the expression pattern of a nuclear pore protein. After using immunohistochemistry to fluorescently label the protein, you decide that you would like to capture the data as a 3-D image. Which microscope should you use?

Answer 1

To capture 3-D images of the expression pattern of a nuclear pore protein after immunohistochemistry, a confocal microscope would be the best choice due to its ability to produce high-resolution images at various depths and to construct them into a three-dimensional image.

Step-by-step explanation:

If your research project involves characterizing the expression pattern of a nuclear pore protein and you have already used immunohistochemistry to fluorescently label the protein, capturing the data as a 3-D image would require a microscope capable of obtaining high-resolution images at various depths. The most suitable microscope for this task is a confocal microscope. This type of microscope uses a laser to scan multiple z-planes successively, producing numerous two-dimensional, high-resolution images that can be constructed into a three-dimensional image by a computer. The image clarity is enhanced by a narrow aperture that eliminates any light not from the z-plane, which is especially useful for examining thick specimens such as biofilms that can be examined alive and unfixed. Additionally, the confocal microscope's pinhole setup effectively blocks out-of-focus light, enhancing the final image quality and allowing for the imaging of live cell processes.