Biophysical Methods Tools and Techniques in Biology

Book excerpt: The book covers three areas: Historical background, optical principles involved in diffraction and image formation in the light microscope; the basic modes of light microscopy and electron microscopy; the components of modern electronic imaging systems and the basic image-processing operations that are required to prepare an image. Each chapter is introduced with theory regarding the topic at hand, followed by descriptions of instrument alignment and image interpretation. As a biologist and a practitioner of microscopy, the reader will observe that the book is focused on how to align and operate microscopes with an abbreviated treatment to the physical theory and principles involved. The content is not difficult, so the demonstrations are valuable aids in absorbing essential optical principles. They also allow time to pause and reflect on the economy and aesthetic beauty of optical laws and principles. If carried out, the demonstrations and exercises also offer opportunities to help the reader become acquainted with new biological specimens using a new mode of light microscopy. . A basic glossary has also been included to aid readers not already familiar with complex terminology.