Which type of organisms are typically observed using light microscopes?

• A. Mitochondria
• B. Atoms
• C. Viruses
• D. Bacteria and other prokaryotes

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the capabilities of a light microscope. Light microscopes use visible light to magnify objects, typically up to 1000x magnification.
2. Consider the size of the organisms or structures you want to observe. Light microscopes are suitable for viewing objects that are larger than approximately 200 nanometers.
3. Evaluate the size of mitochondria, atoms, viruses, and bacteria. Mitochondria are typically about 1-10 micrometers in size, atoms are much smaller than the resolution limit of light microscopes, viruses are generally 20-300 nanometers, and bacteria are usually 0.5-5 micrometers.
4. Determine which of these organisms fall within the size range that can be effectively observed with a light microscope. Bacteria and other prokaryotes are within the observable range.
5. Conclude that bacteria and other prokaryotes are typically observed using light microscopes due to their size being suitable for the resolution capabilities of these microscopes.