A Level Biology Practice Exam

What is a photomicrograph?

1. A photograph taken in natural light

2. An image obtained from a light microscope

3. A drawing of a microscopic image

4. A photograph of a viral particle

The correct answer is: An image obtained from a light microscope

A photomicrograph is specifically defined as an image produced by a light microscope, which is designed to magnify small structures that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cells and microorganisms. This term highlights the integration of photography and microscopy, where the object being studied is observed under a microscope and then captured as a photograph. Photomicrographs are essential in various scientific disciplines, as they provide detailed visual documentation of microscopic specimens. Other options, such as photographs taken in natural light or drawings of microscopic images, do not capture the essence of using a microscope for imaging. Additionally, a photograph of a viral particle would also not be classified as a photomicrograph unless it originated from a light microscope, as viral particles typically require electron microscopy for detailed imaging due to their very small size. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the relationship between photography and the specialized use of a light microscope in the field of biology.