3.7 - Light Microscopes Flashcards
How a light microscope works How to prepare and view a microscope sample The rules for biological drawings
What was the first type of microscopes biologists used to magnify cells?
Light (optical) microscopes
What is the maximum resolution of a light microscope?
About 0.2 µm
What is the maximum magnification of a light microscope?
About x 1
What is a wet mount?
Method to prepare samples for light microscopy
What is the first step in preparing a wet mount?
Place a drop of water on the glass slide
What is the second step in preparing a wet mount?
Place a thin section of the specimen onto the water
Why should the specimen be thin?
To allow light to pass through
What is the third step in preparing a wet mount?
Add stain to the specimen
Why is stain added to the specimen?
To increase contrast and make cell components visible
What is the fourth step in preparing a wet mount?
Slowly add a cover slip
What is the first step in viewing a microscope slide?
Clip the slide onto the stage
What is the second step in viewing a microscope slide?
Select the objective lens with the lowest power
What is the third step in viewing a microscope slide?
Use the coarse focus to bring the stage just below the objective lens
What is the fourth step in viewing a microscope slide?
Look down the eyepiece and use the coarse focus to move the stage downwards
What is the fifth step in viewing a microscope slide?
Use the fine focus to make the image clearer
What is the sixth step in viewing a microscope slide?
Swap to a more powerful objective lens and refocus
What should biological drawings include?
Title
What should biological drawings not include?
Shading
