RP 1 - Microscopy

• What is the first step in preparing a microscope slide using onion tissue?

  Peel off the epidermal layer using forceps
• What should you do after placing the onion sample on a drop of water on the microscope slide?

  Add drops of iodine solution to the sample
• Why is water added to the slide before the sample is mounted?

  It allows the sample to be suspended and ensures the cover slip stays in place
• What is the purpose of adding iodine solution to the cells?

  Iodine solution adds contrast and reacts with starch, turning blue-black
• How should the cover slip be lowered onto the sample?

  Using a mounting needle
• Why is it important to lower the cover slip using a mounting needle?

  To ensure that no air bubbles are trapped
• How would you measure the length of a cell viewed under the microscope?

  Measure using an eyepiece graticule and calibrate with a stage micrometer
• What is the formula to calculate the magnification of an image?

  Magnification = observed cell length / actual cell length
• Why is a thin sample of tissue required for microscopy?

  It allows light to pass through so internal structures can be observed
• What safety precaution should be taken during the experiment?

  Wear safety goggles when handling iodine solution
• How does the use of iodine solution enhance the visibility of internal structures in plant cells?

  It reacts with starch and turns blue-black, providing contrast
• If you observe a cell under the microscope and want to calculate its magnification, what information do you need?

  You need the observed cell length and the actual cell length
• What is the role of the eyepiece graticule in measuring cell length?

  It provides a scale for measuring the size of the cell
• What is the purpose of using a stage micrometer in microscopy?

  To calibrate the eyepiece graticule
• Why is it important to avoid trapping air bubbles when preparing a microscope slide?

  Air bubbles can obstruct the view of the sample