Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is the fundamental purpose of staining in light microscopy?
A
To preserve the specimen for long-term storage
B
To increase contrast and highlight specific structures within the specimen
C
To magnify the specimen beyond the capabilities of the microscope
D
To enhance the resolution of the microscope
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of staining in microscopy: Staining is used to increase contrast and highlight specific structures within a specimen, making them more visible under a microscope.
Recognize that staining does not preserve specimens for long-term storage. Preservation typically involves other techniques such as fixation.
Identify that staining does not magnify specimens beyond the capabilities of the microscope. Magnification is determined by the optical components of the microscope.
Clarify that staining does not enhance the resolution of the microscope. Resolution is the ability to distinguish two close points as separate and is determined by the microscope's optics.
Conclude that the fundamental purpose of staining in light microscopy is to increase contrast and highlight specific structures within the specimen, aiding in visualization.