Cell structures

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Question 6
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Researchers are investigating the structural organisation of a newly discovered organelle in eukaryotic cells. To determine whether the organelle possesses internal folded membranes (similar to mitochondrial cristae), they compare two high-resolution imaging techniques:

  1. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  2. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) using ultra-thin sectioning

What is a key advantage of using the second method (TEM) compared to the first method (SEM) for this specific investigation?

It provides a three-dimensional depth of field showing the external topography of the intact organelle.

It achieves a higher resolving power and allows internal ultrastructures to be directly visualised through the cross-section.

It enables the observation of active transport processes across the organelle membranes in living specimens.

It involves simpler specimen preparation, reducing the likelihood of preparation-induced artefacts.

Cell structures Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Biology
  3. /Cell structures