Group 5 – Human Anatomy and Physiology with Pathophysiology (LAB)

Questions:

1. What type of electron microscope is used when the electron beam is focused to a fine spot
which is then scanned over the sample in a raster? It is also suitable for analytical
techniques such as energy dispersive spectroscopy.

Answer: Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) 

Rationale: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), images are formed by electrons passing
through a sufficiently thin specimen, however, in scanning transmission electron microscopy
(STEM) the electron beam is focused to a fine spot which is then scanned over the sample in a
raster.

STEM also offers a number of potential advantages over TEM imaging for tomography of
biological specimens. A practical advantage of STEM is its capacity to generate contrast without
the need for defocusing. The scanning geometry of STEM also allows for dynamic focusing so
that the imaging conditions remain uniform across a tilted specimen. STEM has been
demonstrated to allow tomography of thicker sections with improved signal-to-noise ratio and
contrast over conventional TEM tomography.

Reference: 

Scanning transmission electron microscopy. Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging. (n.d.-a).

https://cui.kcl.ac.uk/techniques-equipment/scanning-transmission-electron-microscopy/  

2. Who developed the first Electron microscope?

Answer: Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll

3. What type of specimen works best with an Electron microscope?

Answer: Dead specimen

Rationale: Electron Microscope works best with dead specimens as subjecting live specimens
under the electron microscope will immediately die. TEM uses a high energy electron beam,
and the spot it hits can reach around 150°C, which is unbearable for a living specimen. Also,
live specimens would not be able to survive in the vacuum inside the electron microscope as
they are rich in water which instantly evaporates in a vacuum. That is why the specimen
undergoes a preparation process to keep the structure intact.

Reference: 
Preparing samples for the electron microscope — Science Learning Hub. (2012, February 29).
Science Learning Hub. https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/500-preparing-samples-for-
the-electron-microscope

4. TRUE OR FALSE: In order to yield high-resolution photomicrographs, electron microscopes

use light waves as a source of illuminating radiation.

Answer: FALSE

Rationale: Instead of using light waves, electron microscopes use high-speed electron beams
as a source of illuminating radiation for it is corpuscular and vibratory. This then allows the
microscope to yield high-resolution photomicrographs that can aid in providing vital information
on the structural features of cell function and disease.

Reference:
What Is an Electron Microscope (EM) and How Does It Work? - VHA Diagnostic Electron
Microscopy Program. (2017).
https://www.va.gov/DIAGNOSTICEM/What_Is_Electron_Microscopy_and_How_Does_It
_Work.
5. TRUE OR FALSE: Wet specimens are easier to observe under an electron microscope
than dry specimens.

Answer: FALSE

Rationale: Electron microscopy is performed in a vacuum environment. Without a vacuum,

electrons being aimed at the sample would be deflected (knocked off course) when they hit air
particles. But liquid water, which is abundant in biological samples, evaporates immediately in a
vacuum which will make the specimen to vaporize. Water vaporization will obstruct the electron
beam and reduce the clarity of the micrograph.  Thus, dry specimens are easier to observe
under an electron microscope. 

6. For _____ research, specifically in examining and determining the precise structure of
tissues, cells, organelles, and macromolecular complexes, the electron microscope is the
most suitable type of microscope.

Answer: Biomedical research

7. One of the latest electron microscopes is the Nion Hermes ___________, which has the
capacity to render magnified images of objects that are a million times smaller than a
__________.

Answer: scanning transmission electron microscope, single strand of hair

Members:
Mamaradlo, Eunice Kyle Alexi Pasalo
Mataag, Jena Labutan
Mina, Precious Claire Mirande
Nocelo, Audrey Nicole Ramos
Ogano, Llyza Myel Gacayan
Ong, Juan Miguel Mapile
Padilla, Juneyale Dela Raga
Pascual, Deizerei Atienza
Pataueg, Kluarck Philial Tabalbag