GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Biology GlossaryResolution

Resolution - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Cara Head

Last updated

What is resolution?

In GCSE biology resolution is a term used in microscopy to describe the ability to distinguish between two separate points in an image. 

The higher the resolution, the clearer and more detailed an image will be. An image with low resolution may appear blurry, as separate points on the image will appear as a single object.

Resolution varies between microscopes; optical (light) microscopes have a much lower resolution than electron microscopes, meaning that electron microscopes can generate detailed images at a higher magnification than light microscopes.

Examiner-written GCSE Biology revision resources that improve your grades 2x

  • Written by expert teachers and examiners
  • Aligned to exam specifications
  • Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
GCSE Biology revision resources

Share this article

Cara Head

Reviewer: Cara Head

Expertise: Biology & Psychology Content Creator

Cara graduated from the University of Exeter in 2005 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has fifteen years of experience teaching the Sciences at KS3 to KS5, and Psychology at A-Level. Cara has taught in a range of secondary schools across the South West of England before joining the team at SME. Cara is passionate about Biology and creating resources that bring the subject alive and deepen students' understanding

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now