APES1000A Practical Manual

All content covered in the 2025 manual

Microscope Skills

Techniques for using microscopes effectively.

Protein Synthesis

Process of creating proteins from amino acids.

Histology

Study of tissues at the microscopic level.

Experimental Design

Planning experiments to test hypotheses.

Cellular Respiration

Process of converting glucose into energy.

Circulation

Movement of blood through the heart and vessels.

Nervous System

Network of cells transmitting signals in the body.

Rat Dissection

Study of rat anatomy through dissection.

Matimolane

Name of the biology course or program.

Dissection

A practical method to study anatomy.

Simple Microscope

Early microscope with one lens

Compound Microscope

Microscope with multiple lenses for increased magnification.

Stereo Dissecting Microscope

Uses reflected light to view specimen surfaces.

Compound Light Microscope

Uses transmitted light to view specimens.

Transmission Electron Microscope

Uses electrons to view thin sections of specimens.

Scanning Electron Microscope

Uses electrons to create surface images of specimens.

Micrograph

Photograph of an image seen through a microscope.

Total Magnifying Power

Combined magnification from ocular and objective lenses.

Staining

Process to enhance visibility of specimens under a microscope.

Drawing in Biology

Technique for accurately representing microscopic specimens.

Centrosome

Cell region near nucleus where microtubules are initiated.

Centrioles

Structures within centrosome

Cross Section

Cutting specimen perpendicular to its length for viewing.

Longitudinal Section

Cutting specimen parallel to its length for viewing.

Scale Calculation

Determining specimen size relative to drawing size.

Lab Coat

Protective clothing worn during laboratory work.

Cross section

A cut through an object perpendicular to its length.

Longitudinal section

A cut along the length of an object.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Provides 3D images of surface structures.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

Visualizes internal structures at high resolution.

Dissecting microscope

Used for low magnification and 3D viewing.

Compound light microscope

Uses lenses to magnify small specimens.

Eyepiece

Lens through which the viewer looks.

Objective lens

Lens that magnifies the specimen directly.

Focusing knob

Adjusts the distance to clarify the image.

Stage

Platform where the specimen is placed.

Iris diaphragm lever

Controls light intensity reaching the specimen.

Coarse focusing knob

Used for initial focusing of the specimen.

Fine focusing knob

Used for precise focusing adjustments.

Mechanical stage

Allows precise movement of the slide.

Condenser focus

Focuses light onto the specimen.

Illuminator

Light source for viewing the specimen.

Arm

Supports the microscope body and connects parts.

Head

Holds the eyepiece and objective lenses.

Stage clip

Holds the slide in place on the stage.

Revolving turret

Rotates to switch between objective lenses.

Bench light

Light source for illuminating specimens.

Submission guidelines

Instructions for submitting practical work.

Prelab

Preparation tasks before the practical session.

Monocular Microscope

Microscope with one eyepiece for viewing specimens.

Ocular Lens

Lens through which the specimen is viewed.

Focusing Knob

Adjusts the distance between the lens and specimen.

Specimen Orientation

Position of specimen as viewed through the microscope.

Mechanical Stage

Platform that holds and moves the slide securely.

Stage Clips

Holds the slide in place on the stage.

Low Power Objective

Objective lens with magnification of x4.

Medium Power Objective

Objective lens with magnification of x10.

High Power Objective

Objective lens with magnification of x40.

Oil-Immersion Objective

High power lens (x100) requiring oil for clarity.

Field of View

Visible area when looking through the microscope.

Fine Focusing Knob

Used for precise focusing of the specimen.

Light Source

Illuminates the specimen for better visibility.

Illuminator

Light source that should be turned off after use.

Specimen Slide

Glass slide holding the specimen for observation.

Revolving Turret

Rotates to switch between different objective lenses.

Magnification Power

Total magnification equals ocular lens times objective lens.

Specimen Movement

Direction specimen appears to move when adjusted.

Observation Technique

Simultaneously view and draw the specimen.

Slide Positioning

Aligning the specimen in the center of the stage.

Character Observation

Viewing typed characters on a slide with the naked eye.

Specimen Focus

Ensuring the specimen is clearly visible and centered.

Total Magnifying Power

Product of ocular and objective lens magnifications.

Dissecting Microscope

Used for low magnification

Compound Microscope

High magnification microscope for detailed specimen observation.

Methylene Blue Stain

Stain that highlights cellular components for visibility.

Iris Diaphragm

Controls light intensity passing through the specimen.

Coverslip

Thin glass used to cover specimens on slides.

Cellular Components

Structures within cells

Focus Technique

Start focusing on coverslip edge

Light Adjustment

Modifying brightness affects specimen clarity and contrast.

Line Diagrams

Outline drawings showing structures without details.

Plan Diagrams

Diagrams showing outlines of structures and tissue regions.

Epithelial Cells

Cells forming protective layers in tissues.

Choroid Plexus

Tissue producing cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Tissue Layers

Different strata of cells in an organ.

Drawing Guidelines

Diagrams must be neat

Sharp Pencil Requirement

Necessary for clear and precise diagram outlines.

Refractile Granule

Label for unidentifiable small organelles in diagrams.

Staining Purpose

Enhances visibility of cellular structures under microscope.

Observation Technique

View unstained and stained slides for comparison.

Specimen Preparation

Process of placing samples on slides for viewing.

Light Microscope Limitations

Cannot resolve structures smaller than 200 nanometers.

Magnification Levels

Different settings for viewing details at various scales.

Air Bubbles

Avoid trapping during coverslip placement for clarity.

Heading

Indicates specimen sectioning

Annotations

Brief descriptions aiding future recognition of structures.

Label Lines

Drawn in pencil

Good Drawing

Follows guidelines

Bad Drawing

Does not adhere to drawing guidelines

Diagram Size

Must be at least a specified minimum size.