Importance of microscopes in biology

Name: Carolina Santander Date: 08/09/13 Class: 5th A

The appearance of microscopes has been critical to the progress of biology and a great advance in science. By the use of microscopes, scientists were able to discover the existence of microorganisms, study the structure of cells, and see the smallest parts of plants, animals, and fungi. Today, the microscope is a very important tool to diagnose illnesses in hospitals and clinics and laboratories. Without the aids of microscopes, people today still wouldnt know about illnesses and bacteria; also many medicaments would have never been discovered. Recent versions of electron microscopes have been used to produce images of molecules and atoms. With electron microscopes, we can see the thinnest of cell walls, giving us a greater example of how diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active uptake are used to transfer molecules across a cell wall, vital for living organisms. Most of the detailed work in molecular biology depends on the knowledge of the structure or cells. Without microscopes we wouldnt be able to explain even the simplest biological processes, such as where DNA is stored and where DNA is translated. With electron microscopes, we can see the thinnest of cell walls, giving us a greater example of how diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active uptake are used to transfer molecules across a cell wall, vital for living organisms. Since their original invention, microscopes have moved beyond the simple visible light refracting lenses. Today, electrons, x-rays, and infrared rays are used by more sophisticated microscopes to detect even smaller structures. Scanning electron microscopes are able to resolve viruses, which are far smaller than any cell. Microscopes have become one of the most important tools to study biology and medicine. Basically, most biology and medicine depend on what we observe. And with a microscope, we can see the smallest things. By the use

of microscopes, you can be able to see things that you wouldnt be able to see with the naked eye. Bibliography:
Ehow.com. (2013, September 08). Retrieved from Ehow.com: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5340870_importance-microscope-biology.html Highered.mcgraw-hill.com. (2013, September 08). Retrieved from Highered.mcgraw-hill.com: http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/sites/0073031216/student_view0/exercise2/the_importance_of_microscopes.ht ml Wiki.answers.com. (2013, September 08). Retrieved from Wiki.answers.com: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Importance_of_microscopes_in_biology