The Focus Point: The Cell
Are scientists finding it difficult to view cells under a microscopic view? In the early 1800’s, scientists used very old light microscopes. These microscopes had lenses that allowed the scientists to barely see the surface of structures of organelles that could not be seen by the naked eye. Cytologists, whom are scientists that study the functions of the cell, play a very important role in the explanation of cellular structures. Membrane structures such as nuclei, mitochondria, and chloroplasts were all viewed by cytologists using a light microscope. These structures are called organelles and are the most important structures found within plant and animal cells. Microscopy is the use of the microscope to view cells, organelles, and molecules. Likewise, the process of separating substances of different densities with an apparatus that rotates at high speeds is called centrifugation. There are only three of the many types of microscopy that I will be further explained in detail. They include but are not limited to: Electron Microscopy, Light Microscopy, and Scanning Probe Microscopy.