Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
Fall 11-20-2024
Abstract
This study evaluates the imaging capabilities and limitations of the Hitachi TM4000II Plus Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and its Scanning Transmission adapter in biological imaging. A variety of specimens, including protozoans (e.g., Volvox and nematodes), bacteria (e.g., Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli), tissue samples, and blood, were analyzed. While the SEM effectively imaged protozoans and bacteria, its ability to visualize viruses was deemed impractical. Despite claims of magnification up to 100,000x, clarity significantly decreased beyond 5,000x. The transmission adapter proved functional but challenging to operate consistently. The study highlights the microscope's limitations in producing high-clarity, publishable-quality images, with only two successful images obtained over a semester of effort. These findings provide insight into the SEM's role in biological research and underscore its constraints for high-resolution imaging of microorganisms.
Recommended Citation
Danzitz, Rachel and Ludwar, Bjoern Ch., "Limits of Longwood's Electron Microscope: A Study in Biological Imaging" (2024). Fall Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry. 194.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rci_fall/194
Included in
Bacteriology Commons, Biology Commons, Microbial Physiology Commons, Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons
