Microscopy methods – In which technique is “negative staining” classically used to enhance contrast for very small biological particles?

Introduction / Context:
Negative staining is a sample preparation method that enhances image contrast by surrounding the specimen with an electron-dense stain rather than staining the specimen itself. It is most strongly associated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for visualizing viruses, small protein complexes, and thin filaments at nanometer-scale resolution.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Common negative stains include uranyl acetate, phosphotungstic acid, and ammonium molybdate.
• The stain penetrates spaces around the specimen but not its interior, rendering the object light against a dark background.
• Samples are typically adsorbed onto carbon-coated grids.

Concept / Approach:
Because biological macromolecules scatter electrons weakly, surrounding them with a heavy-metal stain increases contrast. The stain forms a thin film; the specimen excludes the stain, appearing brighter. This quick-prep method provides shape and size information and is invaluable for rapid screening prior to higher-resolution cryo-EM work.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare identical specimens imaged with and without negative stain; the stained preparation reveals particles that are otherwise nearly invisible due to low intrinsic contrast.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Gel electrophoresis and standard light microscopy use different staining chemistries that color the specimen, not the background in an electron-dense manner.
• Immunocytochemistry emphasizes antigen–antibody localization; while immunogold EM exists, “negative staining” refers to TEM contrast, not immunofluorescence.
• AFM relies on mechanical probing rather than staining.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing negative staining with dark-field light microscopy; despite similar visual outcomes (bright objects on dark), the physics and methods are distinct.

Final Answer:
Electron microscopy