Biological microscopes are used to study organisms and their vital processes.  Microscopes used in this field range widely, from relatively simple optical microscopes to very advanced imaging systems used in cell research, forensic medicine, and state-of-the-art high resolution molecular studies.  The most common configurations of biological microscopes are student, benchtop and research.  Student microscopes are the smallest and least expensive type of microscope. They are capable of advanced techniques and documentation even though they are for student use. Benchtop microscopes are used in various industries like textiles and animal husbandry.