EXPERIMENT NO.

THE MICROSCOPE

INTRODUCTION

The microscope can be considered as the most important instrument for studying
microorganisms. It certainly is impossible to learn about something which you cannot
see. All microbiology students therefore should completely learn the proper use and
handling of the microscope. The identification and classification of practically all
microorganisms are made through consideration of cell forms and structure which are
visible only under high magnification and resolution. The techniques and methods of
preparing and staining specimens for microscopic examination of microorganisms are
equally important.

OBJECTIVES

1. The student should be able to learn, apply, and master the methods and/or
techniques for the identification and identification of microorganisms.
2. The student must be completely knowledgeable on the parts, functions, operations
and handling of the microscope.
3. The student should be able to examine stained smears under the oil immersion
objective.

MATERIALS

Compound Microscope
Lens paper
Stained smear or specimen from the Instructor
Cedar wood oil

PROCEDURE

1. Draw the compound microscope completely and label all its parts.
2. Examination of the stained smear:
a. Put a drop of cedar wood oil over the stained smear on the glass slide provided
by the Instructor/Professor.
b. Focus initially with the low power objective of the microscope.
c. When a clear view of the specimen is attained, shift to adjust the oil immersion
objective.
d. Adjust and focus the light using the plain mirror, condenser and diaphragm.
e. Finally, bring the object into focus with the use of fine adjustment.
Name: _______________________________ Date: ______________
Section: ______________________________ Score: ______________

EXERCISE NO. 1

THE MICROSCOPE

RESULTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

THE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE

QUESTIONS

1. Considering the many different types of microscopes, which would be most

applicable to observe each of the following:

a. A stained bacterial smear.

b. A sample that emits light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
c. Unstained living cells showing intracellular structures in color.
d. Unstained bacterial cells with very small cells and no detail is required.

2. What is resolution and resolving power? Explain fully.

3. Discuss the function of

a. Condenser

b. Diaphragm