An instrument that magnifies slight differences in the refractive index of cell structures is called a (n)__________ microscope.

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A phase-contrast microscope is specifically designed to enhance the contrast of transparent and translucent specimens, such as living cells, by amplifying the differences in refractive index. This type of microscope uses special phase plates to produce interference patterns that generate contrast in the image. The other options, electron, fluorescence, and densitometric microscopes, are not designed for this purpose and have different applications in microscopy.

An Instrument That Magnifies Slight Differences in the Refractive Index