Chapter 2.6, Problem 2TQ

To review:

The type of research questions that can be investigated using SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (Transmission electron microscopy).

Introduction:

Electron microscopy is an advanced type of microscopy in which electrons are used instead of a classic light source. SEM and TEM are the two classes of electron microscopy. Ten thousand-fold higher resolution can be obtained by the use of electron beams. Both TEM and SEM are used extensively in research.

Summary Introduction

TEM is used to study the detailed internal structures of bacterial species. It can be used to study cell membrane structure, the internal structure of flagella that helps in the locomotion of bacterial cells. The structure of glycoproteins present in the cell wall can also be revealed by this technique. TEM can also be used to provide topographical, morphological, and crystalline information of many biological species.

SEM can be used to study surface characteristics of bacterial specimens/cells. It can also be used to study the formation of a biofilm in community groups of bacteria found in different ecological regions. It can also be used to identify new virulent species of bacteria and viruses in case of a disease outbreak. The surface features of a microbial cell can also be revealed by this technique.