CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Cell structure

Cell structure: explain question

Explain5 marksChallenge

Table 1 shows the typical maximum resolution and the wavelength of the radiation used for a light microscope and a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

Microscope typeWavelength of radiation used / nmMaximum resolution / nm
Light microscope400–700 (visible light)200
Transmission electron microscope (TEM)0.004 (electron beam)0.2

Explain why the TEM has a much higher resolution than the light microscope. Use the information in the table and your knowledge of resolution.

0 words · 5 marks

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How this question is marked

5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.

Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.

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