Microscopy

• Microscope is an important instrument for studying plants.
• Microscope is used to observe detailed structures of plants.
• Microscope helps in observing plant structures that cannot be seen by the naked eye such as cells and tissues.
• Microscope uses lenses to produce an enlarged and focused image.
• Cedarwood oil is used as an immersion oil for microscopes because of its low viscosity and index of refraction.
• Light Microscope focuses light onto the specimen using a mirror or artificial light.
• Electron Microscope uses the beam of electrons to create an image.
• Jeweller’s magnifying lens or glass loupe can provide images of minute specimens magnified 30x to 60x.
• Parts of Compound Microscope include Magnifying Parts, Illuminating Parts, and Mechanical Parts.
• To use the Compound Microscope, prepare the specimen in the glass slides, check if the iris diaphragm is open, arrange the revolving nosepiece and knobs, focus the microscope, magnify the image, unplug, clean after use, and store properly.
• To use the Compound Microscope, hold the microscope firmly with your hand, carry the microscope in front of you, do not tamper with any parts of the microscope, never touch lenses and mirrors with fingers, never allow liquids to come in contact with any parts of the microscope, always use cover glass when using fresh mounts, do not incline your microscope, never force the lever of the iris diaphragm to the full limit, keep both eyes open when looking into the microscope, and return the microscope to an upright position.
• Magnification is computed as “size of the drawing ÷ size of the specimen” and the unit of measure must be the same as with the specimen and drawing.
• Magnification must be indicated below the drawing and use the symbol “X” (larger size) or fraction (reduced size).