Scanning Electron Microscopy

Microscopy Methods in Microbiology
Microroscopy Methods in Microbiology Part 2
Microroscopy Methods in Microbiology - Introduction
Observation of Microbes in the Living State
Observation of Microbes in Smears
Dyes and Staining
Useful pH Range and Colour Change of Some Indicator Dyes
Factors Affecting Staining
Microscopy and Micrometry
Microscopy and Micrometry - Introduction
Behaviour of Light
Light Theories
Resolving Power
Refraction and Reflection
Bright Field Microscopy
Use of Bright Field Microscope

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Scanning Electron Microscopy:
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) provides surface views of whole structure of specimen (2-12). The applications of SEM are enormously increased in last few years in the biological sciences. This is mainly due to the availability of appreciable contrast and the preparation of specimen is fairly rapid and simple.

Scanning electron micrograph of Claviceps purpurea. Normally, specimens are coated with a thin film of metal as described earlier. Complete coating is essential because the scanning beam produces a charge on uncoated biological material which causes distortion of image. The .metal coated specimen is scanned with a beam of electrons (50-100 AO) which strikes on the specimen and emits the secondary electrons. These are attracted towards and pass through a cathod tube and final image is produced on the screen of cathod ray tube.
In microbiology, scanning electron microscopy is very useful in studies associated with the surface characteristics of bacteria, spores and fungi.

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