A major breakthrough in the studies of cells came with the development of an electron microscope. This is because:
the resolution power of the electron microscope is much higher than that of the light microscope.
the resolving power of the electron microscope is 200-350 nm compared to 0.1-0.2 nm for the light microscope.
electron beam can pass through thick materials, whereas light microscopy requires thin sections.
the electron microscope is more powerful than the light microscope as it uses a beam of electrons that has a wavelength much longer than that of photons.
A major breakthrough in cell biology was achieved with the invention of the electron microscope because its resolving power is much higher than that of a light microscope. Resolving power is inversely proportional to the wavelength of the radiation used. Since the wavelength of an electron beam is significantly shorter than that of visible light photons, the electron microscope can resolve much finer details of cell organelles. Option B is incorrect because the values are swapped (light microscope has a resolving power of ~200 nm, while electron microscope has ~0.1 nm). Option C is incorrect because electron beams have low penetrating power and require ultra-thin sections. Option D is incorrect because the wavelength of electrons is much shorter than that of photons.
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