Final answer:
A high-powered microscope used for examining the detailed surfaces of cells is called a scanning electron microscope. This type of microscope provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the sample's surface by scanning it with a beam of electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is designed to examine the detailed surfaces of cells by scanning the surface with a focused beam of electrons. These electrons interact with the atoms of the sample, producing various signals that contain information about the sample's surface topography and composition.
Unlike the transmission electron microscope (TEM), which is used for viewing the internal structures of a cell, the SEM focuses on the external features, providing high resolution, three-dimensional visual representation. The use of SEM is crucial for investigators requiring detailed surface examinations, such as studying cellular morphology or the texture of a cell's exterior.
Specimens require a conductive coating, often of gold, to prevent charging under the electron beam. Due to these unique capabilities, the scanning electron microscope is an indispensable tool in fields like materials science, biology, and engineering, where surface characteristics are of primary interest.