preparing the specimen

• what needs to happen to the specimen in order for you to see it clearly?


  • needs to be able to let light through it
  • if it is a thick specimen you'll need to take a thin slice off it
• mountant


  • clear gloopy liquid
  • secures the specimen in place
• what would you use to place your specimen on the slide?


  tweezers
• why would you use a stain


  • makes it easier to see the specimen if its transparent
  • different stains are used to highlight different structures/tissues
• what is eosin used to stain


  cytoplasm
• what is methylene blue used to stain


  DNA
• what is a cover slip


  a square of thin, transparent plastic or glass
• what would you use to help place the cover slip


  a mounted needle, held at an angle
• how would you ensure no air bubbles get trapped


  press it down gently with needle