What is an advantage of using a compound light microscope compared to a dissecting microscope?

• A. It uses electron beams instead of visible light for imaging.
• B. It offers a greater working distance for manipulating specimens.
• C. It allows for the examination of larger, three-dimensional specimens.
• D. It provides higher magnification, allowing observation of smaller cellular structures.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key differences between a compound light microscope and a dissecting microscope. A compound light microscope is designed for higher magnification and is used to observe smaller, detailed structures like cells, while a dissecting microscope is used for larger, three-dimensional specimens at lower magnification.
2. Recognize that the compound light microscope uses visible light and lenses to magnify specimens, allowing for detailed observation of cellular structures that are not visible to the naked eye.
3. Note that the dissecting microscope, also known as a stereomicroscope, provides a greater working distance and is ideal for manipulating specimens, but it does not offer the high magnification needed to observe cellular structures.
4. Clarify that the compound light microscope does not use electron beams; electron beams are used in electron microscopes, which are entirely different types of microscopes.
5. Conclude that the advantage of the compound light microscope in this context is its ability to provide higher magnification, enabling the observation of smaller cellular structures, which is not possible with a dissecting microscope.