Applied to view the surface details of samples at resolutions of less than 1 nm
Reveals the surface details of a sample that cannot be otherwise resolved with light microscopy techniques
Images have a good depth of field, which is useful for viewing biological samples
Other techniques can be coupled to SEM, similar to immunogold labeling for detection of macromolecules or freeze fracture/etch to view lipid membranes
Most biological samples need to be dehydrated before being placed in the SEM. This can distort cellular features or create artifacts
Samples need to be coated in a conductive material before viewed in the SEM. The thickness of the material can obscure important cellular details