MICROSCOPY

On 22^th & 23^th September 2014, I learnt Microscopy and a little bit about Introduction to Prokaryotes. I will share about Microscopy first before I go through Prokaryotes ok! As we all known, in Microbiology, it is extremely important to know about the microscope and not just about the microscopic cells. Microscope is our friend. Lets learn about microscope! There are two types of microscope which is light microscope (used in school) and electron microscope. For light microscope, there are another 5 types :

• Bright-field – requires stain  

• Dark-field – without stain, to observe internal structures

• Phase-contrast – to observe living cells and also its structures

• Fluorescence – specimens usually stained with fluorochromes (green and red)

• Confocal – sharp 3D image

For electron microscope :

• Transmission (TEM) – resolving power 2.5nm, scan virus and internal structures
• Scanning (SEM) – resolving power 20nm, 3D image and surface features

Some specimens need to be stained and there are also some types of staining.

• Simple staining
  → Single staining agent is used
• Differential staining
  → Gram's Staining (positive and negative)
  → Acid-fast Staining (for bacteria which is resist decolourization)
• Special staining – to see specific structures
  → Negative (for colourless bacteria)
  → Flagella
  → Endospore

The class ended up by a simple quizzes ;)

Before this, I never know there are actually many types of microscopes that are used to identify the microbes. I only know light microscope and electron microscope. I don't even know this two main microscope are divided into other type based on their specifications. Its good to know them better! :)