AQA GCSE Biology

Microscopy & magnification

AQA GCSE Biology revision on Microscopy & magnification. Aligned to the AQA GCSE Biology 8461 specification. This bank has 15 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 15)

  1. Question 1

    Which feature of an electron microscope allows for the observation of sub-cellular structures that are invisible under a light microscope?

    • A) High light intensity
    • B) Higher magnification
    • C) Superior resolution
    • D) Larger specimen area
    Show answer

    Answer: Superior resolution

    While magnification makes an image larger, resolution is the ability to see detail. Electron microscopes have a much shorter wavelength than visible light, which allows them to resolve structures that are closer together, providing clarity that light microscopes cannot achieve.

  2. Question 2

    What is the primary reason for placing a thin layer of onion epidermis on a microscope slide when preparing a specimen?

    • A) To prevent cell damage
    • B) To allow light passage
    • C) To stain the nucleus
    • D) To fix cell position
    Show answer

    Answer: To allow light passage

    Light microscopes work by transmitting light through a sample. If the specimen is too thick, the light will be blocked or scattered, resulting in a dark, featureless image rather than a clear view of the cell structures.

  3. Question 3

    Why is it necessary to apply a stain like iodine to a plant cell specimen before viewing it under a light microscope?

    • A) To increase the image size
    • B) To enhance cell visibility
    • C) To stop cellular movement
    • D) To preserve the specimen
    Show answer

    Answer: To enhance cell visibility

    Many cell structures are naturally transparent, making them difficult to distinguish against a bright background. Stains bind to specific molecules within the cell, creating contrast so that structures like the nucleus or cell wall become clearly visible.

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