University of Guyana

Faculty of Natural Sciences

BIO1200: Laboratory and Field Biology 11

USI: 1019444
Sabrena Latoya Isaacs
USI:1047242
Safrana Yunas
USI:1052834
Nyadesh Seecoomarie
USI:1052483
Anarchand Jageshar
USI: 1052261
Marria Callender
USI: 1051892
Aarifah Khan
USI: 1051844
Title: Microscopy and Basic slide preparation.

Aim: To use the microscope to observe the letters (lower case) “i” and “e” from different quality

printed materials.

Introduction:

A microscope is a device that magnifies and allows detailed observations of an object that

cannot be seen with our naked eyes (Admin, 2022). The different types of microscopes are:

Light/compound microscope, Stereoscope/Dissection, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and

transmission electron microscope (TEM). The light microscope which is commonly found in

school labs uses a combination of the ocular (10X), and objective lenses (4X, 10X & 40X) to

magnify the specimen to a desired magnification (X40, X100 & X400). The lens refracts light to

make the specimen appear closer. The other type of microscope “the Stereoscope", comprises

two ocular lenses (Binoculars) and can magnify from 10X to 20X using light. This microscope is

advantageous when dealing with thicker specimens because it enables the viewer to see a three-

dimensional view. The scanning electron microscope uses electron beams onto the surface of the

specimen to obtain a three-dimensional view. SEM can magnify up to two million times, making

it very powerful and useful in studying cells. Lastly, the Transmission electron microscope

(TEM) also uses electron beans like the SEM but instead of viewing the surface of the specimen,

the TEM gives an internal Two-dimensional view of the item. The TEM uses a thinner

specimen and can magnify more than 50 million times making it even more powerful than the

SEM. Both the SEM and TEM have to use dead specimens because live specimens are killed by

the electron beam. In contrast, both the Light microscope and Stereoscope can use live

specimens (Alexandra-Roberson, 2014; Wayne, 2017).

Light/Compound Microscope

Microscope slide and cover slip

Clippings of Text Book, material printed on a LaserJet printer

Dropper

Method:

Inspecting the microscope:

1. The microscope was first examined.

2. Familiarization with the various parts of the microscope was done.

3. The experimenter first ensured the microscope's parts were in good working order before

cleaning it thoroughly, especially the lens.

Preparing the slide:

1. Two different qualities of printed material were provided.

2. A drop or two of water was placed in the center of a plain slide.

3. A clipping of the material was placed into the drop of water.

4. The coverslip was placed over the water and printed material by standing near the mount

and gradually lowering it to cover the printed material.

5. Air bubbles were eliminated from the slide.

1. The diaphragm was fully opened (aperture was set to maximum size).

2. The eyepiece was used to observe objects in the field of view.

3. The letter ‘i’ or ‘e’ was examined with the naked eye.

4. Observations were recorded in words and drawings, focusing on the edge of the letter and

the shape of the dot.

5. The prepared slide was placed onto the stage and secured.

6. The stage was adjusted to position the printed material under the objective lens.

7. The coarse adjustment knob was used to modify the stage height for a clearer view.

8. The stage was further adjusted to bring the letter ‘i’ or ‘e’ into the field of view.

9. The fine adjustment knob was used to refine the image.

10. The shape of the dot and the edge of the letter were observed and documented under the

X10 & X4 objective lens, as previously recorded in step 4.

1) In what direction do the objects appear to move when the stage is shifted to the left?

The microscope used was not designed to accommodate horizontal stage movement.

2) In what direction do the objects appear to move when the stage is shifted towards you?

As the experimenter shifted the stage upwards, the letters (i & e) being viewed appeared

to move away from the viewer. This inversion is because of the mechanism of the

microscope’s optical system.

3) What is the magnification of the eyepiece? (1 mark)

The magnification of the eyepiece is 10X.

4) What are the magnifications of each of the three objective lenses? (1 mark)

The magnification of the three objective lenses on the light microscope are 4X, 10X, and

40X.

5) What is the total magnification of an item viewed with each objective lens? (3 marks)

The total magnification of an item viewed under a light microscope is calculated

by multiplying the eyepiece magnification by the respective objective lens magnification.

Using the objective lens with a magnification of 4x, the total magnification will be 10 * 4

= X40. Similarly, Using the objective lens with a magnification of 10x, the total

magnification will be 10 * 10 = X100, and using the objective lens with a magnification

of 40X, the total magnification will be 40*10 = X400. Based on the experiment

performed with the letters, the experimenter used the X4 & X10 objective lenses. The

letter “i” was viewed using the 10X objective lens giving rise to a magnification of X100
 while the letter “e” was viewed using the 4X objective lens giving rise to a magnification

of X40.

6) Briefly discuss the differences observed between each of the two prints seen under the

microscope. (6 marks)

Left Image:

Focus/Clarity: The image is blurry, with the letter "i" appearing out of focus. The edges

are unclear, and the details are hard to make out.

Color/Contrast: The colors are dull, and there isn’t enough contrast between the letter and

the background, making it difficult to distinguish the shape.

Right Image:

Focus/Clarity: The image is much clearer and sharper. The letter "e" is well-defined, with

crisp edges and visible details.

Color/Contrast: The colors are vibrant and saturated. The high contrast between the letter

and the background makes it stand out clearly.

7) Using relevant examples, state three importance of using light microscopes in biological

research. (6 marks)

1) Plant Biology Research:

Investigation of leaf pore function (stomata) and internal plant cell organization.
 2) Bacterial Growth Studies:

Examination of cultured bacterial populations from laboratory plates, enhanced by

magnification.

3) Medical Diagnostics:

Identification of disease-causing microorganisms, for example, the malaria parasite

(Plasmodium), within blood samples for clinical diagnosis (How to Identify the Type of

Malaria on a Blood Smear | Medmastery, n.d.).

Conclusion:

Based on the observations made, it could be concluded that the letters “i” and “e” that were

obtained from different printed materials had unique differences when viewed under the

microscope. The clarity and color of the letter “i” from the printed paper were of a lower quality

compared to the letter “e” which was taken from a book print.
 References

Admin. (2022b, August 12). Types, parts, and functions of a microscope. BYJUS.

https://byjus.com/biology/functions-of-microscope/

Alexandra-Roberson. (2014, November 17). Introduction to the microscope - SlideServe.

SlideServe. https://www.slideserve.com/alexandra-roberson/introduction-to-the-

microscope#google_vignette

How to identify the type of malaria on a blood smear | Medmastery. (n.d.).

https://www.medmastery.com/guides/malaria-clinical-guide/how-identify-type-malaria-

blood-smear

Wayne, C. (2017, June 29). Importance of the microscope. Ppt Video Online Download.

https://slideplayer.com/slide/4063166/#google_vignette