What is the primary function of an electron microscope?

The primary function of an electron microscope is to form an image by focusing beams of electrons onto a specimen. This technique allows for extremely high-resolution images of small structures at the cellular and subcellular levels, providing insights that are not achievable with light microscopes. Unlike light microscopes, which use visible light to illuminate the specimen, electron microscopes utilize electrons to create images, enabling them to resolve structures at a much finer scale due to the shorter wavelength of electrons. This capability is particularly advantageous in studying intricate details of cells, viruses, and other microscopic entities, making electron microscopy a crucial tool in both biological research and materials science.