1. Microscopic Observation of Cells Part One

2. The majority of cells are too small to be seen by the naked eye. We need to use a microscope to observe them properly. In school we use light microscopes like the one below.

3. This is the where you look into the microscope. eyepieces are usually labelled x10 or x15. There are usually three objective lenses. Typically these would be labelled X4 x10 and x40 on a school microscope. Is the part of the microscope which holds the slide. Is a rectangular piece of glass used to hold the specimen. A Coverslip: Is a piece of thin glass placed over the item you are examining on the slide. Is used to illuminate the specimen. In order to view something with a microscope. Some microscopes use a mirror instead of a light. Is used to change the focus slightly, so that the specimen (the item under examination) is very clear. Is used to focus the microscope on the item you are examining PARTS OF A MICROSCOPE

4. Rules for Using a Microscope ALWAYS look under low power first. Do not touch any of the lenses – you’ll make them dirty! Care – the light source may get hot. Always use two hands when carrying a microscope – they’re expensive! Care – slides and especially coverslips break easily! When focusing, always scroll the stage AWAY from the lens.

5. Observation of a Blood Smear Slide You will start by observing a prepared slide of a blood smear. You should be able to make out the red blood cells (there will be a lot of these) as faint pink discs. There will be fewer white blood cells but you will be able to see these clearly as the nucleus has been stained purple ….. Try to spot both types of white blood cell (different shaped nucleus).