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The Open University

Exploring cells with digital fluorescence microscopy

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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In this free course, you will learn about microscopy techniques, understand their differences and delve into the fascinating world of fluorescence microscopy. You’ll learn how to make proteins and structures fluorescent, and you’ll see why fluorescence microscopy is one of the most versatile techniques in cell biology. You can refresh your knowledge about cellular structures using a 3D interactive cell. After seeing many fascinating examples of the use of fluorescence microscopy, you’ll use a digital fluorescence microscope to explore samples yourself.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • Introduction to microscopy
  • 1.1 Why do we need microscopy?
  • 1.2 Magnification and resolution are important when studying details
  • Types of microscopy
  • 2.1 Components of a light microscope
  • 2.2 Fluorescence (light) microscopy
  • 2.3 Components of a fluorescence microscope
  • 2.4 Electron microscopy
  • The science behind fluorescence and its applications in microscopy
  • 3.1 Fluorescence is activated by light
  • 3.2 The colour of the emitted light depends on the fluorescent molecule
  • Applying fluorescence microscopy to make cells colourful
  • 4.1 Journey into a cell
  • 4.2 Using dyes (or probes) to stain structures
  • 4.3 Immunolabelling
  • 4.4 Expression of fluorescent proteins
  • 4.5 Similarities and differences between the three types of microscopy
  • Why is fluorescence microscopy so versatile?
  • 5.1 Fluorescence microscopy allows observing specific structures individually and combined
  • 5.2 Fluorescence microscopy allows visualising dynamic processes
  • 5.3 Specialised applications: Confocal microscopy
  • 5.4 Specialised applications: Studying molecular dynamics
  • 5.5 Specialised applications: Super-resolution microscopy
  • Inspecting structures in a 3D cell
  • 6 Inspecting structures in a 3D cell
  • Using the digital fluorescence microscope
  • 7 Using the digital fluorescence microscope
  • Quiz
  • 8 Quiz
  • Conclusion
  • Further reading
  • Acknowledgements
  • Glossary

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4.3 rating at OpenLearn based on 3 ratings

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