Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam. Access multiple choice questions that reflect actual exam content and receive hints and explanations for each question. Prepare effectively and embark on your path to certification!

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Which type of microscope is used to visualize viruses?

Light microscope
Digital microscope
Electron microscope
Compound microscope

The correct answer is: Electron microscope

The correct choice is the electron microscope, as it is specifically designed to visualize very small structures, including viruses, which typically range from 20 to 300 nanometers in size. The electron microscope uses a beam of electrons to create an image, providing much higher resolution than light-based microscopes. This high resolution allows for the detailed imaging of cellular components and viruses that cannot be seen clearly with light microscopes. Light microscopes, compound microscopes, and digital microscopes operate using visible light and have limitations in resolution due to the wavelength of light. These tools are generally effective for larger specimens, such as cells and tissues, but they lack the necessary magnification and detail required to observe viruses. As a result, the electron microscope is the preferred choice for virology and the microscopic examination of these tiny pathogens.