2.1.3 Drawing Cells

Question 1

Biological Drawings

Answer 1

To record the observations seen under the microscope (or from photomicrographs taken) a labelled biological is often made
Biological drawings are the line pictures which show specific features that have been observed when the specimen was viewed
There are a number of rules/conventions that are followed when making a biological drawing

Question 2

Guidelines for Biological Drawings

Answer 2

The drawing must have a title
The magnification under which the observations shown by the drawing are made must be recorded
A sharp HB pencil should be used (and a good rubber)
Drawings should be on plain white paper
Lines should be clear, single lines (no thick shading)
The drawing should take up as much of the page as possible
Well-defined structures should be drawn
The drawing should be made with proper proportions
Label lines should not cross or have arrowheads and should connect directly to the part of the drawing being labelled
Label lines should be kept to one side of the drawing (in parallel to the top of the page and drawn with a ruler)

Question 3

Deciding on the Type of Drawing

Answer 3

Drawings of cells are typically made when visualising cells at a higher magnification power, whereas plan drawings are typically made of tissues viewed under lower magnifications (individual cells are never drawn in a plan drawing)