Question

In addition to the transmission electron microscope (TEM), there is another type of electron microscope that is frequently used for specific purposes when studying cells and tissues, and even whole organisms. This microscope is called a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Use your lab manual, its support resources, and/or the Internet to investigate the use of scanning electron microscopy for biological applications. After gathering this information, please answer the following question. When would it be appropriate to use the SEM rather than the TEM

Answer 1

Answer:

The basic difference between SEM and TEM is that TEM generates an image with the assistance of radiation that goes through the specimen, while the images generated by the SEM take place with the assistance of electrons getting released from the surface of the specimen.

SEM is primarily used to examine the composition of the surface, with the help of SEM one can study the microbes present in the ecological niche like in the lining of the gut and human skin. Due to its great depth, it is considered the electron microscope analog of a stereo light microscope. It helps in providing complete images of the cells present on the surface, which are not easy to get with the help of TEM. Due to its enhanced functionality, it can also be used for size determination and particle counting, and also for process control.