09/06/18 Primary Literature and Compound Microscopy
Isabella Cumberland
Background: Last week in lab, we viewed different ciliates under a dissecting microscope. We learned how to differentiate the different organisms by making a chart of different characteristics. This week we used a compound microscope. A compound microscope is used to view microorganisms at a closer view. This helps us to look at the organism in more detail.
Objective: Students will learn how to properly handle and operate a compound microscope. They will learn how to correctly look at organisms using concave and regular slides. Also, the students will also learn how to figure out how to identify primary articles and review articles.
Materials:
- Compound microscope
- concave slides
- regular slides
- slide covers
- methyl green stain
- different ciliates
- pipette
Procedure:
- Learn how to use the compound microscope. Look at the different views and practice focusing.
- Get a slide that has already been prepared and practice calculating the field of view of the different powers.
- Use FOV low X Mag low = FOV high X Mag high
- Obtain different ciliates, choose one and place it on a concave slide.
- Use a slide cover to enclose the ciliates, and view them under 4X power, 10X power, and 40X power
- Then obtain a sample of the same pieces, and put it on a regular slide.
- When ready, ask the professor for a small drop of dye (methyl green in this case) and put a cover slide on. View under 4X,10X, and 40X.
- When finished, dispose of ciliates and slides as indicated by professor.
Data:
power |
Measurement (mm) |
Measurement (nano meters) |
4X |
5.2 |
5200 |
10X |
2.0 |
2000 |
40X |
.40 |
400 |
Before Methyl Green dye was added: 40X
After Methyl Green: 40X
Storage: The ciliates that were not killed with any sort of dye were rinsed with bleach. Then the container was rinsed with water and set upside-down on a towel to dry. The slides were disposed of in the sharps container.
Future Goals: For labs in the future, I want to be better about finding the appropriate focus point for the different powers. Also I am better about identifying one specific ciliate, but I want to be able to identify all the species that we use in lab.