Absorption Microscopy

a method of studying the structure and chemistry of cells in animal and plant organisms with the aid of a microscope through selective absorption by internal cell structures.

Ultraviolet rays are absorbed by the cyclic groupings of nucleus cells and other nucleotides, by proteins, some vitamins, and steroles; visible light is absorbed by pigments. By illuminating the microscope apparatus with rays in a narrow band of the spectrum in the absorption band of some given substance, the distribution of this substance in the cell and the structure of the cell can be studied. The attenuation of the beam of light that passes through the structure is a measure of the concentration of the substance absorbing the light. The possibilities of absorption microscopy are increased by the use of stains that are specifically associated with the various substances of the cell.