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Related Concept Videos

Two-Dimensional Microscopy in Microbiology01:29

Two-Dimensional Microscopy in Microbiology

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Two-dimensional (2D) microscopy encompasses a range of optical techniques that capture images within a single focal plane, offering detailed representations of microscopic structures. These techniques are essential in biological and medical research, enabling the visualization of cellular and subcellular structures with different levels of contrast and specificity.There are several major types of 2D microscopy, each with strengths and applications.Bright-Field MicroscopyBright-field microscopy...
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Three-Dimensional Microscopy in Microbiology01:28

Three-Dimensional Microscopy in Microbiology

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Three-dimensional imaging techniques are essential in cell biology, allowing researchers to visualize intricate cellular structures with high resolution. Two prominent methods, Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy (DIC) and Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM), provide distinct advantages for imaging live and thick specimens, respectively.Differential Interference Contrast MicroscopyDIC microscopy enhances contrast in transparent, unstained samples by converting phase...
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Overview of Microscopy Techniques01:22

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The early pioneers of microscopy opened a window into the invisible world of microorganisms. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes that leveraged nonvisible light, such as fluorescence microscopy that uses an ultraviolet light source and electron microscopy that uses short-wavelength electron beams. These advances significantly improved magnification, image resolution, and contrast. By comparison, the...
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Imaging Biological Samples with Optical Microscopy01:18

Imaging Biological Samples with Optical Microscopy

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Optical microscopy uses optic principles to provide detailed images of samples. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek designed the first compound optical microscope in the 17th century to visualize blood cells, bacteria, and yeast cells. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes with enhanced magnification and resolution.
In optical microscopy, the specimen to be viewed is placed on a glass slide and clipped on the stage...
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Overview of Electron Microscopy01:25

Overview of Electron Microscopy

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The wavelengths of visible light ultimately limit the maximum theoretical resolution of images created by light microscopes. Most light microscopes can only magnify 1000X, and a few can magnify up to 1500X. Electrons, like electromagnetic radiation, can behave like waves, but with wavelengths of 0.005 nm, they produce significantly greater resolution up to 0.05 nm as compared to 500 nm for visible light. An electron microscope (EM) can create a sharp image that is magnified up to 2,000,000X.
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Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy01:37

Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy

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Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRFM) provides a better resolution than conventional fluorescence microscopy by reducing the point spread function (PSF). PSF is the light intensity distribution from a point that causes it to appear blurred. Due to PSF, each fluorescing point appears bigger than its actual size, and it is the PSF interference of nearby fluorophores that causes the blurred image. Various approaches to achieving higher resolution through SRFM have recently been...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Internalization and Observation of Fluorescent Biomolecules in Living Microorganisms via Electroporation
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A quick guide to light microscopy in cell biology.

Kurt Thorn1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 kurt.thorn@ucsf.edu.

Molecular Biology of the Cell
|January 16, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Light microscopy is essential for observing living cells in cell biology. This technique allows detailed imaging of subcellular structures and cellular dynamics using fluorescent probes.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Light microscopy is a fundamental technique in contemporary cell biology.
  • Its features are well-suited for imaging dynamic processes within living cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an introductory overview of light microscopy for cell biology research.
  • To highlight key considerations for initiating microscopy experiments.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing the resolution of light microscopy matched to subcellular structures.
  • Employing a variety of fluorescent probes for specific labeling.
  • Leveraging the non-perturbing nature of light for long-term live-cell imaging.

Main Results:

  • Demonstration of light microscopy's suitability for live-cell imaging.

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  • Identification of critical factors for successful microscopy experiments.

    • Conclusions:

    • Light microscopy is an indispensable tool for studying cellular dynamics.
    • Careful consideration of experimental parameters is crucial for effective live-cell imaging.