There are three major classes of light microscopes. Which class of light microscopes specializes in visualizing the difference in color intensity between the specimen and its background?

• A. Bright-field microscopes.
• B. Light microscopes that detect fluorescence.
• C. Light microscopes that increase contrast.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the three major classes of light microscopes: Bright-field microscopes, Fluorescence microscopes, and Contrast-enhancing microscopes.
2. Bright-field microscopes work by transmitting light through a specimen, which often requires staining to increase contrast.
3. Fluorescence microscopes use high-intensity light to excite fluorescent molecules in the specimen, which then emit light of a different wavelength, creating a bright image on a dark background.
4. Contrast-enhancing microscopes, such as phase-contrast and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopes, are designed to increase the contrast between the specimen and its background without the need for staining.
5. Identify that the class of light microscopes specializing in visualizing the difference in color intensity between the specimen and its background is the contrast-enhancing microscopes.