(Adapted from http://www.biologycorner.com/) A microscope is an instrument that magnifies an object so that it may be seen by the
observer. Because cells are usually too small to see with the naked eye, a microscope is an essential tool in the field of biology. In addition to magnification, microscopes also provide resolution, which is the ability to distinguish two nearby objects as separate. A combination of magnification and resolution is necessary to clearly view specimens under the microscope. The light microscope bends a beam of light at the specimen using a series of lenses to provide a clear image of the specimen
to the observer. In this lab, parts of the microscope will be reviewed. Students will learn the proper use and care of the microscope and observe samples from pond water. Magnification:Your microscope has 4 objective lenses: Scanning (4x), Low (10x), High (40x), and Oil Immersion (100x). In this lab, you will not use the oil immersion lens; it is for viewing microorganisms and requires technical instructions not covered in this procedure. In addition to the objective lenses, the ocular lens (eyepiece) has a magnification. The total magnification is determined by multiplying the magnification of the ocular and objective lenses.
General Procedures:1. Make sure all backpacks, purses, etc. are off the benchtop. 2. Carry the microscope by the base and arm with both hands. 3. Store with the cord wrapped around the microscope and the scanning objective clicked into place. Focusing Specimens:1. Plug your microscope into the power supply and switch on the illuminator. 2. Always start with the stage as low as possible and using scanning objective (4x). Odds are, you will be able to see something on this setting (sometimes it’s only a color). Use the coarse knob to focus: the image may be small at this magnification, but you won't be able to find it on the higher powers without this first step. Move the mechanical stage until your focused image is also centered. 3. Once you've focused using the scanning objective, switch to the low power objective (10x). Use the coarse knob to refocus and move the mechanical stage to re-center your image. Again, if you haven't focused on this level, you will not be able to move to the next level. 4. Now switch to the high power objective (40x). At this point, ONLY use the fine adjustment knob to focus specimens. 5. If the specimen is too light or too dark, try adjusting the diaphragm. Cleanup:1. Store microscope with the scanning objective in place and the stage in its lowest position. 2. Wrap cords around the microscope. 3. Replace slides to original slide tray. Troubleshooting:Occasionally you may have trouble with working your microscope. Here are some common problems and solutions. 1. Image is too dark!
2. There's a spot in my viewing field- even when I move the slide the spot stays in the same place!
3. I can't see anything under high power!
4. Only half of my viewing field is lit, it looks like there's a half-moon in there!
5. I see my eyelashes!
6. This is giving me a headache!
Note Be patient and keep trying. Using a microscope takes practice! Part 1: Orientation of Images in the MicroscopeA large part of the learning process of microscopy is getting used to the orientation of images viewed through the oculars as opposed to with the naked eye. A common mistake is moving the mechanical stage the wrong way to find the specimen. This procedure is merely practice designed to make new users more comfortable with using the microscope. Materials:
Procedure:1. Place the letter “e” slide onto the mechanical stage. Be sure to note the orientation of the letter “e” as it appears to your naked eye. 2. Use the SCANNING (4x) objective and course focus adjustment to focus, then move the mechanical stage around to find the letter “e”. Note the orientation when viewed through the oculars. Does the lens of the microscope reverse the image? _________ Does it flip the image? (upside down) _________ Part 2: Practice with Depth of Field in the MicroscopeThis portion of the procedure is another practice to demonstrate depth perception. Many new microscope users find it difficult to conceive that the specimen on the slide is in three dimensions. As the stage is moved up and down, different threads will be in focus. Materials:
Procedure:1. Place the thread slide onto the mechanical stage. 2. Use the SCANNING (4x) objective and course focus adjustment to focus, then move the mechanical stage around to find the threads. 3. If needed, switch to the low power (10x) objective and refocus. 4. Determine which thread is on the bottom, middle, and top of the slide. Part 3: Investigation of Pond Water & MicroorganismsMaterials:
Procedure:1. Using the transfer pipette, transfer a drop of pond water onto a microscope slide. The best specimens usually come from the bottom and probably will contain chunks of algae or other debris that you can see with your naked eye. 2. Place the coverslip onto the slide. 3. Use the SCANNING (4x) objective to focus, then move the mechanical stage around to scan the slide for live microorganisms. You are looking for tiny swimming beings- they may look green or clear and might be very small. Choose one to focus on and center it in your visual field. Note You may wish to use the ProtoSlo to keep your organisms from swimming too quickly! 4. Switch to low power (10x). This may be sufficient to view your chosen organism. Try to note how it moves and do your best to draw it as you see it, unless you need more magnification. 5. Once you have centered and focused the image, switch to high power (40x) and refocus. Note movements and draw the organism as you see it. Note Remember, do NOT use the coarse adjustment knob at this point! Questions:1. Why is it important to begin focusing with the scanning objective? 2. If you’re using the 40x objective and you know your ocular is 10x, what is the total magnification? 3. If you bump your microscope and lose focus, what do you do to refocus your specimen? 4. Why must you center your image before switching to a higher objective? What factor causes the DNA fragments to move in this technique?DNA is negatively charged, therefore, when an electric current is applied to the gel, DNA will migrate towards the positively charged electrode. Shorter strands of DNA move more quickly through the gel than longer strands resulting in the fragments being arranged in order of size.
Which two finches are most closely related?Warbler finches and cactus finches are the most closely related. B.
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