Microtubules are structures in cells that maintain cell shape and facilitate the movement of molecules within the cell. They are long, hollow cylinders with a diameter of about 25 nm. It is possible to incorporate fluorescentmolecules into microtubules; when illuminated by ultraviolet light, the fluorescent molecules emit visible light that can be imaged by the optical system of a microscope. If the emitted light has a wavelength of 500 nm and the NA of the microscope objective is 1.4, can a biologist looking through the microscope tell whether she is looking at a single microtubule or at two microtubules lying side by side?

Physics for Scientists and Engineers
10th Edition
ISBN:9781337553278
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter36: Wave Optics
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Problem 42AP: A plano-convex lens has index of refraction n. The curved side of the lens has radius of curvature R...
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Microtubules are structures in cells that maintain cell shape and facilitate the movement of molecules within the cell. They are long, hollow cylinders with a diameter of about 25 nm. It is possible to incorporate fluorescent
molecules into microtubules; when illuminated by ultraviolet light, the fluorescent molecules emit visible light that can be imaged by the optical system of a microscope. If the emitted light has a wavelength of 500 nm and the NA of the microscope objective is 1.4, can a biologist looking through the microscope tell whether she is looking at a single microtubule or at two microtubules lying side by side?

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