Ultrastructure of cells · USMLE Step 1

Which microscopy technique is most commonly used to study the ultrastructure of internal cellular organelles (e.g., mitochondria, ER)?

  1. Light microscopy with H&E stain
  2. Confocal fluorescence microscopy
  3. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
  4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) uses electrons passed through ultrathin sections and heavy-metal staining to visualize internal cell architecture at high resolution, enabling clear visualization of organelles such as mitochondria, nucleus, and Golgi.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 21

Practice all 21 Ultrastructure of cells questions

Keep practicing

More Ultrastructure of cells questions