Biology GCSE
Light microscope
What Light microscope means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Light microscope
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Light microscope in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Apparatus selected and safely used to observe, draw and label cells, starting on the lowest power objective to locate the specimen.
Uses visible light, whose relatively long wavelength limits resolution to roughly 200 nm and useful magnification to about ×1500.
Topics that use Light microscope
- Animal and plant cells (AQA GCSE)
- Microscopy (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Magnification
- Cell membrane
- Cell structure
- Cell wall
- Cellulose
- chloroplasts
- Cytoplasm
- Discovery of sub-cellular structures
Using Light microscope in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Biology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Biology GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge