Question

In what situation(s) would the use of a scanning electron microscope be ideal, and why?

a) When observing living cells and tissues
b) When studying detailed surface structures of cells
c) When resolving structures at the molecular level
d) When studying internal cell structures in 3D

Answer 1

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is ideal for studying detailed surface structures of cells, resolving structures at the molecular level, and studying internal cell structures in 3D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) would be ideal in the following situations:

1. When studying detailed surface structures of cells: SEMs can visualize three-dimensional external shapes at very high magnification, which is not possible with standard light microscopes.
2. When resolving structures at the molecular level: SEMs can show internal structures clearly at very high magnifications.
3. When studying internal cell structures in 3D: SEMs can provide detailed visualization of the internal structures of cells.

In each of these situations, the SEM offers unique capabilities for observing cell structures that cannot be achieved with other types of microscopes.