Transmission Electron Microscope (Tem) - GCSE Biology Definition

A Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) is a powerful tool used in biology to see minute details inside cells and other small structures. Unlike light microscopes, TEMs use a beam of electrons to view specimens at much higher magnification and resolution. This allows scientists to see things at the molecular level, such as the internal structures of cells and viruses, which are too small to be seen with a light microscope. To prepare samples for a TEM, they are usually cut into ultra-thin slices so that electrons can pass through them. This makes the TEM a useful piece of equipment for studying the detailed structure of biological specimens.