Tag: virology

Electron microscopy represents a pinnacle of medical imaging technology, allowing scientists to visualize biological structures far beyond the capabilities of standard light microscopes. By utilizing focused electron beams rather than photons, researchers can examine everything from the internal components of a virus to the surface texture of bacteria with magnification levels ranging from 20 to over 100,000 times. This guide details the specific functions of Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopes, highlighting their critical roles in pathogen identification and disease research.

This transmission electron micrograph reveals the distinctive filamentous structure of the Ebolavirus, a highly pathogenic member of the Filoviridae family. By examining its physical morphology, medical professionals gain insight into how this deadly virus operates, identifying key features that contribute to its ability to cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates.

This transmission electron micrograph provides a detailed view of virions from the Coronavirus family, a group of RNA viruses responsible for a spectrum of human respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The image highlights the distinctive structural features, particularly the halo of surface proteins, that define this viral classification and facilitate their mechanism of infection within the human host.