What does a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) primarily study?

A Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) is designed to provide detailed images of the internal structures of cells and other specimens at a very high resolution. Unlike other microscopy techniques, which may focus on surface characteristics or generate 3D images, a TEM utilizes electrons transmitted through a thin specimen to reveal fine details about its internal architecture.

This capability allows researchers to visualize organelles, cellular components, and even macromolecular complexes within cells, making it an invaluable tool in cell biology, materials science, and nanotechnology. The high resolution achieved with TEM is due to the short wavelength of electrons compared to light, enabling the observation of structures at the nanometer scale that are crucial for understanding cellular functions and interactions.