UCT Microscope Tour

On the 11th of October, the Year 11 biology class went to UCT, and were able to experience and learn about the powerful electron microscopes housed there. 

Of the two electron microscopes we saw, the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), the TEM has a resolution of up to 0.1nm, and is capable of visualising atoms. The TEM itself cost around R100 million, and took up a whole room, while the two SEMs were roughly the size of a desk, but no less impressive. 

The SEM can display the external structures of numerous substances and specimens: we looked at shark scales, the micro fissures in hairs, the cross section of a blade of grass. Not only is the SEM good for studies and observations, but it is also used in forensics, identification of species and the creation of artificial blood vessels.

The people who showed us the technology were clearly knowledgeable about their field, and passionate about their work. One of them was kind enough to show us some of his research in developing an HIV vaccine and the synthesis and study of the proteins involved. 

Thank you to Dr Rat for arranging such an incredible outing!

– By Hannah