Option 1

Prof. Jones: ‘Correct. Because electrons have a much shorter wavelength than visible light, electron microscopes achieve far higher magnification and resolution. This is why we can detect ultrastructural changes in tumor or immune cells.’ 

You: ‘Prof., how does the electron microscope work? Can you help us identify the different parts?’

He leads the group to the room next door where the EM is located and allows you and the other students to take a closer look.

From: David J Morgan from Cambridge, UK - Tecnai 12 Electron Microscope, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21456519

You: ‘Wow, its huge! It looks super expensive and complicated!’

Prof. Jones allows you to observe and study the electron microscope and then shows you the electron gun, condenser lens, objective lens, and the vacuum system essential for maintaining the beam’s clarity. Once he is done, he plays a video for you:

Watch the video:Resolution of electron microscopes VS light microscopes

You: ‘So, in our experiment, these technical features help reveal details like T cell granules, membrane interactions, and even the beginnings of cell death in tumor samples?

Prof. Jones: ‘Exactly. Let’s take a closer look.’