Which type of microscopy provides the best resolution for examining cell ultrastructure?

Electron microscopy provides the best resolution for examining cell ultrastructure due to its ability to utilize electron beams rather than visible light. The wavelength of electrons is significantly shorter than that of light, allowing for much higher resolution when imaging. This property enables scientists to visualize the fine details of cellular components, such as organelles and membranes, at a nanometer scale, which is crucial for understanding the complex architecture and functions of cells.

In contrast, light microscopy is limited by the wavelength of visible light, which restricts its resolution and makes it unsuitable for observing structures at the nanoscale. Scanning probe microscopy, while capable of providing high-resolution images, does so in a different manner and may not be as effective for certain types of biological samples as electron microscopy. Infrared microscopy typically focuses on identifying molecular compositions rather than providing the fine structural details needed to study cell ultrastructure. Thus, for achieving the greatest detail in cellular imaging, electron microscopy is the superior choice.