Chapter 4: Microscopy, Staining, and Classification
1. Which among the following metric units of length is the smallest?
A. Nanometer
B. Decimeter
C. Micrometer
D. Millimeter
Answer:
A is the answer. A nanometer, which is 1000 times smaller than a micrometer is the smallest
metric unit of length. The metric unit also is a billion times smaller than a meter. It is written as
0.000 000 001 and alternatively, as 10-9.
2. Which of these encompass the general principles of light and electron microscopy?
A. Wavelength of radiation
B. Magnification
C. Resolving power
D. Contrast
Answer:
A, B, C, and D are the correct answers. The rationale is that the wavelength of radiation, the
instrument’s resolving power, the magnification of an image, and contrast principles apply to the
specimen during a study.
3. Which among the following applies to the process of preparing specimen?
A. Staining
B. Chemical fixation
C. Heat fixation
D. All of the above
Answer:
D is the correct answer. The contents of options A, B, and C apply to the preparation of
specimen. Microbiologists first smear the specimen on a surface, usually a microscope slide. The
staining involves applying coloring yes. Chemical fixation and chemical fixation also are applied
on the slide before electron microscopy.