Text 2.3. Microscopes

■ Essential targets:

By the end of this text you should be able to:

● describe the main features of a light microscope and an electron microscope

● distinguish between the terms magnification and resolving power

● give the approximate size of different biological structures using an appropriate unit of measurement.

Pre-reading

Discuss these questions with your partner. Then find the answers in the text.

1.Who invented a microscope?

2. What types of microscopes are used today?

■ Read the given text and make your essential assignments:

A microscope is used to produce a magnified image of an object or specimen. Anton van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) was the first to invent a microscope powerful enough to explore the world of microbes. His discoveries stimulated an explosion of interest in the scientific use of microscopes. Since the 18^th century many new types have been invented, of which the most commonly used today are the compound light microscopeand the electron microscope.