Microbiology

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Contrast

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Microbiology

Definition

Contrast is the difference in light intensity between the image and the adjacent background, making details visible under a microscope. It is crucial for distinguishing structures in microscopic samples.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Higher contrast improves the visibility of fine details in a sample.
  2. Staining techniques are often used to increase contrast in biological specimens.
  3. Phase-contrast microscopy enhances contrast without staining by utilizing differences in refractive index.
  4. Dark-field microscopy increases contrast by illuminating the specimen with light that does not directly enter the objective lens.
  5. Fluorescence microscopy uses fluorescent dyes to create high-contrast images based on emitted light.

Review Questions

  • Why is contrast important when viewing specimens under a microscope?
  • What are two common methods used to enhance contrast in microscopic samples?
  • How does phase-contrast microscopy differ from traditional bright-field microscopy?

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