Concept explainers
To examine: Whether the statement “Because the DNA double helix is only 2 nm wide-well below the limit of resolution of the light microscope-it is impossible to see chromosomes in living cells without special stains” is true or false.
Introduction: The light microscope is a type of instrument that uses the visible light to observe the images of small objects. The limit of resolution of the light microscope is set by the wavelength of visible light that ranges from 0.4 μm to 0.7 μm.
Answer to Problem 1P
Correct answer: The statement is true.
Explanation of Solution
The objects that are 500nm wide are able to detect clearly under the light microscope. However, smaller than this size appears blur due to wave-like nature of light. The DNA double helix is only 2 nm wide. Thus, it is below the limit of resolution of the light microscope. Hence, it is not possible to see the chromosomes in living cells under the light microscope without special stain. Hence, the statement is true.
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Chapter 9 Solutions
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