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:
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.
40 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Biology 1.1 Cell structures, covering 1.1.1 Viewing cells with light microscopes, 1.1.2 Sub-cellular structures and functions, and 1.1.3 Electron microscopy and resolution. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.