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Observing Cells Using a Microscope Instructional Sheet

Biology 112.34.4 & 5B

Background: "Micro" refers to tiny, "scope" refers to view or look at. Many objects are too small to be seen
by the eye along. They can be seen, however, with the use of an instrument that magnifies, or visually
enlarges the object. Microscopes are tools used to enlarge images of small objects so as they can be studied.
The compound light microscope consists of a light source or mirror that illuminates the object to be observed,
an objective lens that magnifies the image of the object, and an eyepiece (ocular lens) that further magnifies
the image of the object and projects it into the viewer’s eye.
Objects, or specimens, to be observed under a microscope are generally prepared in one of two ways.
Prepared or permanent slides are made to last a long time. They are usually purchased from biological supply
houses. Temporary or wet-mount slides are made to last only a short time – usually one laboratory period.
The microscope is an expensive precision instrument that requires special care and handling. In this
investigation, you will learn the parts of a compound light microscope, the functions of those parts, and the
proper use and care of the microscope. You will also learn the technique of preparing wet-mount slides and
the proper cleaning and re-use of the materials used to make the temporary slide.

Objectives:
– Students will demonstrate the proper use of a microscope.

– Students will observe cells using a microscope.

– Students will compare the differences between various types of cells.

Problem: What are similarities and differences between different types of cells?

Materials:
– 1 Dropper – Live specimens for wet-mount slides

– 1 Glass cover slip (square) – Microscope

– 1 Glass slide (rectangular) – One dissection kit

– Elodea sprig – Prepared glass slides

Rules:
– Always hold the microscope with two hands when transporting.
– The base of the microscope should remain on the table AT ALL TIMES!
– The lowest power objective (RED) should be in position both at the beginning and end of lab.

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Adapted from Prentice-Hall, Inc. Biology Using a Compound Light Microscope, Science NetLinks Onion Cells, & Microscope Lab
– Do not tilt the microscope when viewing.
– Keep the stage clean and dry to prevent rust and corrosion.
– Do not remove parts of the microscope.
– Report any problems with the microscope to the teacher immediately.
– Keep the microscope dust-free by covering it after use.
Image
Comparative Investigation Procedures Day 1 – Prepared Glass Slides:
Part A – Parts of the Compound Light Microscope
1. Study the labeled drawing of the microscope.
2. Identify the following parts on your microscope:
a. Eyepiece
b. Arm
c. Coarse adjustment knob
d. Fine adjustment knob
e. Objectives
f. Stage
g. Stage clips
h. Light
3. Note: Tell your teacher at once in you find any
parts of the microscope missing or damaged.
4. Notice the numbers etched on the objectives and
on the eyepiece. Each number is followed by an “X” that means “times”. For examples, the low-power red
objective has “40X” on the side. This objective magnifies an object 40 times its normal size.
5. Answer the questions on your student sheet regarding the magnification of the objectives for your
microscope.

Part B – Use of a Compound Light Microscope


6. Look at the microscope from the side and locate the coarse adjustment knob which moves the stage up
and down. Move the stage so that it is abut 3 cm from the objectives.
7. Rotate the objectives so that the red objective (4X) is in place. You should feel a click.
8. Place the slide carefully on the stage; use the stage clips to hold the slide in place.
9. Use the coarse adjustment knob (large knob) to move the stage up and down). Use the small, fine
adjustment knob to help you to focus the image.
10. When the cell is clear, sketch your observations on your student sheet.
11. Now, without moving the stage, (course knob) rotate to the yellow objective (10X). Be careful not to disrupt
the slide. Focus until the image is clear.
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Adapted from Prentice-Hall, Inc. Biology Using a Compound Light Microscope, Science NetLinks Onion Cells, & Microscope Lab
12. Do not move the stage, but increase the total magnification to 400X using the blue objective, observe the
cell. ONLY use the fine adjustment knob (small knob) to help you focus. When the cell is clear, sketch
your observations on your student sheet.

Part C – Observing a Wet-Mount Slide


13. When instructed, move to the prepared cheek slide in the classroom. Only use the small knob to focus.
Sketch your observations on your student sheet.
14. When instructed, begin the cleanup procedures;
a. carefully remove the glass slide from the microscope stage
b. rotate to the red objective (4X) and lower the stage; cover the microscope; return all items
c. Note: Tell your teacher at once if equipment is missing or damaged.

Comparative Investigation Procedures Day 2 – Practice Preparing a Wet-Mount Slide:


Part D – The Letter “E”
15. Using a pair of scissors to cut a letter “E” from a piece of newspaper. Cut out the smallest letter “E” you
can find.
16. Position the “E” in the center of a clean glass slide. Be sure to always hold the glass slide by the edges!
17. Use a dropper to place one drop of water on the piece of newspaper.
18. Hold a clean coverslip over the middle of the slide. Place one edge of the coverslip in water and very
carefully, lower the coverslip onto the wet newspaper. Slowly lowering the coverslip prevents air bubbles
from being trapped between the slide and the coverslip. See the figure below.

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19. Carefully place the wet-mount slide on the microscope stage using the clips.
20. Begin with the red objective (4X) and use the coarse adjustment and small, fine adjustment knob for find
and focus the image. When the “E” is clear, sketch your observations on your student sheet.
21. Now, without moving the stage, (course knob) rotate to the yellow objective (10X). Be careful not to disrupt
the slide. Focus until the image is clear.

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Adapted from Prentice-Hall, Inc. Biology Using a Compound Light Microscope, Science NetLinks Onion Cells, & Microscope Lab
22. Do not move the stage, but increase the total magnification to 400X using the blue objective, observe the
“E”. ONLY use the fine adjustment knob (small knob) to help you focus. When the “E” is clear, sketch your
observations on your student sheet.
23. When instructed, begin the cleanup procedures;
a. throw away the wet newspaper
b. carefully wash the glass slides and coverslip in soapy water to reuse; return all items
c. Note: Tell your teacher at once if equipment is missing or damaged.

Comparative Investigation Procedures Day 3 – Preparing a Wet-Mount Slide:


Part E – Elodea
24. Using a pair of forceps (tweezers) remove a small elodea leaf from the elodea plant.
25. Position the leaf flat in the center of a clean glass slide. Be sure to always hold the glass slide by the
edges!
26. Use a dropper to place one drop of water on the leaf and slowly lower the coverslip to create a wet-mount.
See the figure on page 3.
27. Using the tip of the forceps (tweezers), carefully tap the center of the coverslip to remove air bubbles from
the wet-mount.
28. Carefully place the wet-mount slide on the microscope stage using the clips.
29. Begin with the red objective (4X) and use the coarse adjustment and small, fine adjustment knob for find
and focus the image. When the elodea leaf is clear, sketch your observations on your student sheet.
30. Now, without moving the stage, (course knob) rotate to the yellow objective (10X). Be careful not to disrupt
the slide. Focus until the image is clear.
31. Do not move the stage, but increase the total magnification to 400X using the blue objective, observe the
elodea leaf. ONLY use the fine adjustment knob (small knob) to help you focus. When the “E” is clear,
sketch your observations on your student sheet.
32. When instructed, begin the cleanup procedures;
a. throw away the specimen
b. carefully wash the glass slides and coverslip
in soapy water to reuse; return all items
c. Note: Tell your teacher at once if equipment
is missing or damaged.
33. Begin working on the analysis questions and
conclusions on your student sheet.

Image
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Adapted from Prentice-Hall, Inc. Biology Using a Compound Light Microscope, Science NetLinks Onion Cells, & Microscope Lab

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