Microscopic dimensional scale

Units of measure compared

A semi-logarithmic scale of microscopic dimensions is shown in this illustration. Each main division is up to ten times smaller than the division above it. The position of the different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum and the limits of the human eye, the light microscope, and the electron microscope are shown on the left side of the scale. On the right side of the scale, the sizes of different cells, bacteria, mycoplasmas, viruses, molecules and atoms are represented in the order in which they appear.

Keep in mind the units of the scale when studying the capabilities of the different types of microscopy as revealed in the next unit of study.

Illustration modified from: De Robertis & De Robertis, 1980, Cell & Molecular Biology, Saunders College Publishing