Microscopy Practical (Cell Biology)

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the microscope slide preparation, focusing procedure, troubleshooting, drawing rules, and magnification formula from the cell biology required practical notes.

Iodine Solution

A stain applied (3 drops) to the specimen on a microscope slide so that cellular structures can be seen.

Cover Slip Placement at an Angle

The technique of lowering a cover slip over the specimen at an angle to avoid trapping air bubbles.

Lowest Objective Lens

The objective lens to start with when viewing a slide because it makes it easier to focus and provides the widest field of view.

Focusing Knob

The knob that moves the stage up and down to bring the image into focus.

Slide Focusing Precaution

Starting with the stage close to the objective lens and turning the focusing knob so the slide moves away from the lens, avoiding damage to the lens.

Mirror / Light Adjustment

Adjusting the mirror or switching on the light source so that light passes directly through the specimen.

Fine Focusing Knob

The adjustment knob used when the image appears blurry, turned until the cells are clearly focused.

High Power Objective Lens

The lens selected by rotating the nosepiece when an image is not in enough detail, serving to increase magnification.

Thin Layer of Onion

A single-layer preparation used so that individual cells can be seen clearly without overlapping one another.

Rules for Drawing Cell Images

Drawing guidelines that require clear outlines with a sharp pencil (no shading or sketchy lines), labeled parts of the cell, a title, and the total magnification included.

Magnification Formula

$$\text{Magnification} = \frac{\text{image height}}{\text{real height}}$$