What technique is utilized for high-resolution imaging of biological samples?

The technique of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is utilized for high-resolution imaging of biological samples due to its ability to provide detailed images by transmitting electrons through a thin specimen. Unlike light microscopy, which uses visible light and generally has a resolution limit of about 200 nanometers, TEM can achieve resolutions as small as 0.1 nanometers, allowing for the visualization of internal structures at the molecular level. This makes it particularly valuable for examining cellular structures, organelles, and even individual macromolecules in great detail.

In the context of imaging biological samples, TEM requires thin sections of the specimen, as the electrons must pass through them. The interaction of electrons with the sample generates contrast based on density and thickness, enabling researchers to discern fine structural details that are crucial for studying cellular anatomy and function at a microscopic level.

While scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is another powerful imaging technique known for its three-dimensional rendering and surface detail, it generally provides lower resolution than TEM. Chromatography is primarily used for separating mixtures rather than imaging, and centrifugation is a technique used for separating components by density and does not produce images. Hence, transmission electron microscopy stands out as the superior method for high-resolution imaging in biological studies.