Microscopy - 2.1 - BASIC COMPONENTS OF LIVING SYSTEMS (2)

Question 1

The method chosen for preparing samples and specimens for examination in light microscopy can depend on the…

Answer 1

nature of the specimen and the resolution that is desired

Question 2

Name 4 ways that you can prepare and examine microscope

slides for the use in light microscopy

Answer 2

dry mount, wet mount, squash slide, and smear slide

Question 3

Dry mount - How are solid specimens viewed?

Answer 3

they are viewed whole or cut into very thin slices with a sharp blade, this is called sectioning.

Question 4

Dry mount - Where is the specimen placed?

Answer 4

on the centre of the slide

Question 5

Dry mount - Where is the cover slip placed?

Answer 5

a cover slip is placed over the sample

Question 6

Dry mount - Give an example of where dry mount could be used

Answer 6

hair or insect parts can be viewed whole in this way or plant tissue can be sectioned and viewed in this way

Question 7

Wet mount - What happens first to specimens in wet mount?

Answer 7

specimens are suspended in a liquid such as water or an immersion oil

Question 8

Wet mount - What happens after the specimens are suspended in a liquid?

Answer 8

a cover slip is placed on from an angle

Question 9

Wet mount - Give an example of where wet mount could be used

Answer 9

aquatic samples and other living organisms can be viewed this way

Question 10

Squash slides - What happens first in the preparation of the specimen?

Answer 10

a wet mount is first prepared, then a lens tissue is used to gently press down the cover slip.

Question 11

Squash slides - Depending on the material, how can potential damage to a cover slip be avoided?

Answer 11

by squashing the sample between two microscope slides

Question 12

Squash slides - What is a good technique for soft samples?

Answer 12

squash slides

Question 13

Squash slides - What care needs to be taken?

Answer 13

the cover slip should be taken care of so that it is not broken when being pressed

Question 14

Smear slides - What occurs first in preparing the specimen in smear slides?

Answer 14

the edge of another slide is used to smear the specimen, creating a thin, even coating on another slide.

Question 15

Smear slides - Where is the cover slip placed?

Answer 15

over the sample

Question 16

Smear slides - Give an example of where smear slides are used

Answer 16

using smear slides to view the cells in a sample of blood