Of all scientific instruments, probably none has had more applications in the life sciences than the light microscope. In Light Microscopy: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore the basics and the latest advances in microscope instrumentation, sample preparation, and imaging techniques, all of which have been producing fundamental insights into the functions of cells and tissues. Chapters cover a variety of bright field and fluorescence microscopy-based approaches that are central to the study of a range of biological questions, providing information on how to prepare cells and tissues for microscopic investigations, covering detailed staining procedures, and exploring methods to analyze images and interpret the results accurately. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology¿ series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and current, Light Microscopy: Methods and Protocols is an essential handbook for all researchers who are exploring the intriguing microscopic world of the cell.