Dyes are often used during microscopy to increase which of the following?

• A. Contrast
• B. Numerical aperture
• C. Resolution
• D. Magnification

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of dyes in microscopy: Dyes are used to stain specimens to make certain structures more visible under the microscope.
2. Recall the definition of contrast in microscopy: Contrast is the difference in light intensity between the specimen and the background, which helps distinguish details.
3. Recognize that numerical aperture relates to the lens's ability to gather light and resolve fine specimen detail, not directly affected by dyes.
4. Know that resolution is the ability to distinguish two points as separate, which depends on the microscope's optics rather than staining.
5. Understand that magnification is the enlargement of the image, which is independent of staining; therefore, dyes primarily increase contrast.