What Type of Microscopy Uses a Laser to Excite Fluorophores

Question

What type of microscopy uses a laser to excite fluorophores in a thin "slice" through a cell?
A) confocal microscopy
B) fluorescence microscopy
C) phase contrast microscopy
D) scanning electron microscopy
E) Nomarski differential interference-contrast microscopy

Accepted Answer

Confocal microscopy uses a laser to excite fluorophores in a specific focal plane, or "slice," through a cell, allowing for the collection of high-resolution images from specific depths within the sample. This technique significantly reduces background fluorescence and increases contrast by excluding out-of-focus light.