A student wants to view bacteria using a light microscope and then using an electron microscope. Explain why the electron microscope allows the student to see more detail inside the bacterial cells than the light microscope.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Bacteria are very small cells that lack a nucleus. Scientists use different types of microscopes to study their internal structures.
Model answer (4 marks)
The electron microscope has a higher magnification than the light microscope
The electron microscope has a greater resolution / resolving power than the light microscope
Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two points that are close together
This means smaller / finer internal structures (organelles / subcellular structures) can be seen clearly in the electron microscope
The electron microscope has a greater resolution / resolving power than the light microscope
Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two points that are close together
This means smaller / finer internal structures (organelles / subcellular structures) can be seen clearly in the electron microscope
Examiner tips
- Use the word "resolution" explicitly – examiners look for this term
- Show the logical link: higher resolution → finer detail
- Mention that light microscopes are limited by the wavelength of visible light
- Keep the answer concise and to the point
Common mistakes
- Confusing magnification with resolution – both are important but resolution is the key reason for more detail
- Using vague phrases like "better image" without explaining why
- Omitting the definition of resolution or the role of electron wavelength
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- The electron microscope has a higher magnification than the light microscope
- The electron microscope has a greater resolution / resolving power than the light microscope
- Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two points that are close together
- This means smaller / finer internal structures (organelles / subcellular structures) can be seen clearly in the electron microscope
Key terms in this question
electron microscope · light microscope
Related
- All Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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