Question

Compare and contrast the structure and function of a compound light microscope and a dissecting microscope. Be sure to discuss when each would be more useful than the other.

Answer 1

Compound Microscope Compound microscope is commonly used in the schools and colleges. It comes under the category of microscopes used in biology. It has two lenses namely the objective lens and the ocular lens. It provides a magnification of 1500X. Eyepiece lens is of 10X or 15X power. It is used to observe bacterial, protozoa, various cells, etc.

Dissecting Microscope It is also called stereo microscope. Its magnification power is less than the other microscope. It gives a 3 dimensional picture. Due to the low magnifying power they are used to observe little bigger objects than other microscopes. They are used in the surgeries, dissection, forensic science etc.