● TEM- Transmission electron microscopes have a higher magnification (of 500,000x) and

resolution (of 0.1 nm) than both scanning electron microscopes and optical microscopes.
An image is produced when a beam of electrons focused using electromagnets passes
through a specimen and electrons are detected on the other side. Densest areas of the
specimen absorb electrons, creating contrast. However, because electrons need to pass
through the specimen, the specimen must be very thin. Overall the image is black and
white and 2D that can show high detailed and high resolution images of internal
structures. A vacuum is required, so specimens cannot be alive.
● SEM- Scanning electron microscopes allow for a 3D external image of the specimen.
They have a resolution of 20 nm and a magnification of approx 100,000x. They produce
an image by firing electrons from an electron gun at the specimen. The electrons are
reflected and are detected, forming an image. Like the transmission electron
microscope, the scanning electron microscope requires a vacuum so live specimens
cannot be used, however thicker specimens can be used.
● Optical - Optical microscopes have a much lower magnification (of 1500x)and resolution
of (0.2μm) than electron microscopes because the wavelength of light is too long.
Optical microscopes can see true colour and a vacuum is not required, so live
specimens can be observed. However their magnification and resolution is limited and
only a 2d image can be formed.
● Cell fractionation - Cell fractionation is the process in which cell components are
separated by their mass. First the cells are added to a cold, isotonic and buffered
solution. The solution is cold to reduce enzyme activity. The solution is isotonic to
prevent organelles from bursting or shrinking due to osmosis. Finally the solution is
buffered to prevent organelle and enzyme structure or shape altering due to change is
pH. Next the cells are blended to release organelles. This is called homogenisation and
the remaining solution is called a homogenate. Then the homogenate is filtered to
remove large debris. Finally ultracentrifugation occurs. The cells are spun at first a slow
speed and this causes the densest organelle, the nucleus to form a pellet at the bottom.
The supernatant ( liquid) is removed and respun at a higher speed.