confocal microscope?

Question

what are the positive and negatives when using this in a biology class?

Answer 1

The obvious benefit is increased resolution

Some drawbacks are co$t and sample type (fluorescent) limitation.

Answer 2

A major problem with standard light microscopes is that light reflected from out-of-focus levels within the specimen causes a haze that interferes with visual resolution at the level of focus. It's analogous to the difficulty in viewing the stars when you are in the city, because of the competing light from many sources. Once you get out into the country, the stars are the only source of light, so they can be seen in sharp contrast, without interference. The confocal microscope illuminates only a very precise level within the specimen, so that all the light reaching your eyes comes from the specific level you are viewing, not from levels above or below the plane of focus. This produces an extremely sharp image.

Negatives are, you can only view specimens that are fluorescent (either naturally fluorescent or treated with fluorescent compounds); and, as noted above, cost. My department recently bought a new confocal system for $275,000.