Intro to Microscopy

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True or Fale: The microscope was invented by Robert Hooke in 1600s 

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The microscope is often mistakenly attributed to Robert Hooke due to his significant contributions to microscopy, but he did not actually invent the microscope. The creation of the microscope predates Hooke and is generally credited to Hans Jansen and his son Zacharias Jansen, Dutch spectacle-makers, who experimented with multiple lenses in a tube in the late 16th century (around 1590). This arrangement of lenses allowed for the magnification of objects, marking the development of the compound microscope.

Robert Hooke's renown in the context of microscopy stems from his work detailed in "Micrographia" published in 1665. In this seminal work, Hooke used a microscope to observe and provide detailed illustrations of a wide range of natural objects, including the cellular structure of cork. He coined the term "cell" to describe the tiny compartments he observed. His work popularized microscopic science in England and significantly expanded the understanding of biological structures and materials.

Thus, while Hooke made critical advancements in the field and was among the first to document microscopic observations systematically, the invention of the microscope itself is attributed to the earlier work of the Jansens. Hooke’s contributions, though profound, were in the application and improvement of microscopy, not its initial invention.

Who developed the first microscope in 1590?

• Robert Hooke

• Anton van Leeuwenhoek

• Hans and Zacharias Jansen

• Louis Pasteur

Answer explanation

Hans and Zacharias Jansen developed the first microscope in 1590, not Robert Hooke, Anton van Leeuwenhoek, or Louis Pasteur.

What term did Robert Hooke use to describe the compartments he observed in cork?

• Microbes

• Bacteria

• Viruses

• Cells

Answer explanation

Robert Hooke used the term 'Cells' to describe the compartments he observed in cork, marking the discovery of cells in 1665.

What is the function of the coarse focusing knob on a microscope?

• Adjust the lighting

• Move the stage up or down

• Rotate the objective lenses

• Adjust the magnification

Answer explanation

The coarse focusing knob on a microscope is used to move the stage up or down, allowing for rough adjustments to the focus of the specimen.

What is the total magnification of a microscope with a 10X objective lens and a 10X ocular lens?

• 200X

• 100X

• 50X

• 20X

Answer explanation

The total magnification of a microscope is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the objective lens by the magnification of the ocular lens. In this case, 10X * 10X = 100X, so the correct answer is 100X.

What is the purpose of using oil immersion with high magnification lenses?

• To enhance contrast

• To increase resolution

• To reduce glare

• To prevent refraction

Answer explanation

Using oil immersion with high magnification lenses increases resolution by reducing light refraction, resulting in clearer and sharper images.

What is the function of the illuminator on a microscope?

• Adjust the focus

• Hold the objective lenses

• Control the amount of light passing through the slide

• Rotate the nosepiece

Answer explanation

The function of the illuminator on a microscope is to control the amount of light passing through the slide, aiding in visibility and clarity of the specimen.

What is the purpose of the condenser on a microscope?

• Adjust the magnification

• Focus the light onto the specimen

• Hold the slide in place

• Rotate the stage

Answer explanation

The purpose of the condenser on a microscope is to focus the light onto the specimen, ensuring proper illumination for clear viewing.

Why is it important to center the light source on the specimen in a microscope?

• To reduce magnification

• To enhance contrast

• To increase resolution

• To minimize glare

Answer explanation

Centering the light source on the specimen in a microscope is important to minimize glare, which can affect the quality of the image by causing reflections and reducing visibility.