Final answer:
Scientists use special stains to distinguish individual components of cells when using a light microscope. These stains provide the necessary contrast for observing the usually transparent cellular structures, but they typically result in the death of the cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
When viewing a specimen through a light microscope, scientists use special stains to distinguish the individual components of cells. These stains are used because most living organisms and their cells are transparent, and their components would not be distinguishable otherwise. However, it's important to note that staining usually kills the cells. Light microscopes allow for the advantage of viewing living organisms with visible light passing through and bending via the lens system, but to see the individual components within these organisms, scientists need to apply special stains.
In contrast, electron microscopes use a beam of electrons to allow for higher magnification and more detail, but this also requires that the specimen be killed in the preparation process. Therefore, special stains are a common choice for scientists working with light microscopes to highlight cellular components.