microscopy

• What is the first step in preparing a specimen for microscopy?

  Obtain a thin slice of the specimen.
• Why is a thin slice of the specimen necessary for microscopy?

  It allows light to pass through the specimen.
• What should you do after obtaining a thin slice of the specimen?

  Add a drop of water to the middle of a clean slide.
• What is the purpose of adding a drop of water to the slide?

  It secures the specimen in place.
• How do you place the specimen on the slide?

  Use tweezers to place it in the middle of the slide.
• What should you add if your specimen is completely transparent?

  Add a drop of stain.
• What is an example of a stain that can be used for transparent specimens?

  Methylene blue.
• How should you place the cover slip on the specimen?

  Hold it at an angle and carefully lower it onto the slide.
• Why is it important to press down gently on the cover slip?

  To ensure no air bubbles are trapped.
• What should you do after placing the cover slip on the specimen?

  Clip the slide onto the stage.
• how do you work a microscope

  select the lowest powered objective lens , use the coarse adjustment knob to move the stage up so that the slide is just underneath the objective lens , then , looking down the eyepiece lens , move the stage downwards until the specimen is in focus , then adjust the focus with the fine adjustment knob until you get a clear image , then place a ruler on the lens and calculate the diameter
• how would you put the specimen on the stage

  on the middle of a slide add a drop of water , then using tweezers place a thin slice of the specimen you want onto the slide at an angle , then put a cover slip on it and press down to remove any air bubbles , once this has happened clip the slide onto the stage