Which type of microscope is most commonly used in biology laboratories for observing stained cells and tissues?

• A. Confocal laser scanning microscope
• B. Transmission electron microscope (TEM)
• C. Light microscope (compound microscope)
• D. Scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of the question: The goal is to identify the type of microscope most commonly used in biology laboratories for observing stained cells and tissues.
2. Review the characteristics of each microscope option provided: Confocal laser scanning microscope, Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Light microscope (compound microscope), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM).
3. Recognize that stained cells and tissues are typically observed using visible light, which is a key feature of the light microscope (compound microscope). This microscope is widely used in biology labs due to its simplicity, affordability, and ability to observe stained specimens.
4. Contrast the light microscope with the other options: Confocal microscopes are used for high-resolution imaging of fluorescent samples, TEMs are used for ultrastructural analysis at the molecular level, and SEMs are used for detailed surface imaging. None of these are as commonly used for stained cells and tissues as the light microscope.
5. Conclude that the light microscope (compound microscope) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed for observing stained cells and tissues in biology laboratories.