Why would a scientist want to stain a specimen before observing it with a compound light microscope?

• A. To magnify the specimen beyond the limits of the microscope
• B. To increase the contrast between different structures within the specimen
• C. To sterilize the specimen and prevent contamination
• D. To preserve the specimen for long-term storage

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a compound light microscope uses visible light to illuminate specimens, which often appear transparent or nearly colorless under the microscope.
2. Recognize that staining a specimen adds color or contrast to specific structures within the cells or tissues, making them more visible and distinguishable.
3. Know that increasing contrast helps differentiate between various cellular components, such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, and organelles, which might otherwise be difficult to see.
4. Realize that staining does not magnify the specimen beyond the microscope's optical limits; magnification is controlled by the lenses themselves.
5. Conclude that the primary purpose of staining is to enhance contrast, not to sterilize or preserve the specimen, which are separate processes.