Final answer:
Resolution characterizes the clarity of an optical system, specifically the minimum distance two points can be apart and still be seen as separate entities. It is a key factor in microscopy and is dependent on both the wavelength of light and the lens's numerical aperture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resolution is a measure of clarity, referring to the ability of an optical system to distinguish or separate two adjacent points as distinct objects. When we talk about resolution in the context of biology laboratories and microscopes, we describe it as the ability of a lens to produce sharp images of two closely spaced point objects. The smaller the distance by which two objects can be separated and still be differentiated, the higher the resolution of the lens. The resolving power of a lens is influenced by several factors, including the wavelength of light used and the numerical aperture of the lens system. Shorter wavelengths have the capability to resolve finer details, which is why electron microscopes, which use beams with very short wavelengths, provide higher resolution than light microscopes. Additionally, a higher numerical aperture of a lens implies a better ability to gather light, subsequently enhancing the resolution. In summary, the correct answer to the question is (a) Resolution. It represents the minimal distance between two points that can still be perceived as separate entities, determining the clarity and detail visible in the observed image.