B1.1.3 Light Microscopy Flashcards
What is a microscope?
A tool used to magnify small objects, in order to see them I’m greater detail
Who was the first scientist to see cells?
Robert Hooke, around 250 years ago, when he was looking at a cork (part of a tree bark) through a light microscope.
What is the highest resolution a light microscope can go to?
2x10-7
At what status should the microscope be at when you start looking?
The stage should be at the lowest possible setting and it should be on the lowest setting
What is the formula for total magnification?
Total magnification = eyepiece lens magnification x objective lens magnification
What magnification are most eyepiece lenses on light microscopes?
10x
What are cells stained?
Many cells are colourless so stains make them easier to observe.
What are the three common stains used?
Methylene blue - makes it easier to see the nucleus of an animal
Iodine solution - this makes it easier to see plant cell nuclei
Crystal violet - this stains bacterial cell walls
What stain is used for animal cell nuclei?
Methylene blue
