Republic of the Philippines

CENTRAL BICOL STATE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE

San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur 4418
Website: www.cbsua.edu.ph
Email Address: op@cbsua.edu.ph
Trunkline: (054) 871-5531-33 local 101

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GENERAL ZOOLOGY (BIO 101)

LABORATORY ACTIVITY: Investigation: Human Cheek Cell

LARAL, MICHELE A. 1B - BS BIOLOGY 12/11/2023

ABSTRACT
Human cheek cells are a complex universe that we have recently learned
about in zoology class. Through deciphering the complexities hidden within the
seemingly ordinary human cheek, this microscopic trip has given us important
insights into the fundamental building blocks of life. An intriguing adventure to learn
about the mysteries and complexities of these cells, illuminating the wonders that
form the basis of our biological existence.

I. INTRODUCTION

Squamous epithelial cells make up the majority of the basal mucosa, the
tissue lining the inside of the mouth. These formations, which are sometimes
referred to as cheek cells informally, divide around once every 24 hours and are
constantly removed from the body. Their main job is to secrete mucin, which is an
essential part of mucus. Mucin works in tandem with salivary glands to hold the
mouth cavity's moisture-filled environment in place. This steady moisture is
necessary to help the enzymes soften food, make swallowing easier, and start the
digestive process.

Because cheek cells may be obtained with a simple mouth rinse or swab, they
are often studied in school laboratories. Under a microscope, these cells can seem
simple, but inside each lies the whole genetic composition of the organism. As a
result, they are widely used in paternity and DNA fingerprinting research.

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 A novel use for human cheek cells has been revealed by Australian scientists'
recent research, which goes beyond simple educational applications. They have
created an examination that uses these cells to determine a person's susceptibility to
high blood pressure. This complex viewpoint emphasizes the importance of cheek
cells as significant resources for improving medical knowledge and diagnoses as
well as instructional tools.

II. METHODOLOGY
Materials
In the lab, we used some important tools to study cheek cells. The
main tool is the microscope, which helps us see small objects and living
things up close, like cells. A slide is like a flat stage where we put the stuff we
want to look at. It's stable and easy to move under the microscope. We also
use a coverslip, like a little cover, to keep things safe and moist so we can see
them better.
Now, imagine a toothpick, it's a simple tool that helps us move small
things around on the slide, making them easier to see. Tissue paper is like a
helper that soaks up extra liquid on the slide, keeping our view clear. Then
there's the pipette, which helps us measure and move liquids precisely. We
might use it to put stains or solutions on the specimen to make them stand out
more.
One special solution we use is called Methylene Blue. It's like a paint
that gives color to different parts of cells, making them easier to tell apart. So,
these tools, microscope, slide, cover slip, toothpick, tissue paper, pipette, and
Methylene Blue Solution, all work together like a team, helping us discover
and understand the hidden details of microorganisms.

Equipments and Function

Material

1. Microscope - The microscope is the primary tool for

magnifying and visualizing tiny objects or
specimens. It allows for detailed observation of
structures at the cellular or microorganism
level.

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 2. Slide - The slide serves as a platform for mounting
and securing the specimen. It provides a flat
and stable surface that can be easily
maneuvered under the microscope.

3. Cover Slip - Placed over the specimen on the slide, the

cover slip serves to protect the specimen from
the external environment, preventing
dehydration and maintaining optimal
conditions for observation. It also helps to
flatten the specimen for clearer imaging.

4. Toothpick - Simple tool for handling small specimens.

Used to transfer specimens onto the slide or
manipulate them for better positioning.

5. Tissue Paper - Tissue paper is commonly used to blot excess

liquid from the slide, preventing oversaturation
that could distort the specimen or affect the
quality of observation.

6. Pipette - The pipette is employed for precise

measurement and transfer of liquids. In this
context, it can be used to apply stains or
mounting solutions to the specimen,
enhancing contrast and visibility.

7. Methylene - Methylene Blue is a common biological stain

Blue Solution used to enhance the visibility of cellular
structures by imparting color to certain
components of the cells. It helps in
distinguishing different parts of the specimen
and provides contrast for better observation.

Methods
Ma’am IC helped us carefully place a drop of methylene blue onto the
slide, noting the caution about potential stains on clothes and skin. Using the
flat side of a toothpick, I gently scrape the inside of my cheek, ensuring a
thorough collection of cells. The stained end of the toothpick is then stirred
into the methylene blue, and I dispose of it properly. Placing a coverslip onto
the slide, I begin my observation with the scanning objective lenses, adjusting
focus with the coarse adjustment knob. At this magnification, cells come into
view, appearing remarkably tiny. Shifting to low power and adjusting with the
coarse adjustment knob again, I can see cells, although they are small and
present as nearly clear, purplish blobs. It's essential to note that if something

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 appears very dark purple, it's likely not a cell. Once I locate a cell, I smoothly
switch to high power and fine-tune the focus using the fine adjustment knob.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Figure 1. Slide containing samples of the Human cheek cells which was provided by me.

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 When beginning the exploration under the microscope, I opted for the
scanning objective lenses as my initial point of focus in the search for the specimen.
These lenses, typically characterized by their lower magnification power, serve as an
ideal starting point in the microscopic examination.

Having successfully located the specimen, the cheek cells, identifiable by their
dark bluish hue on the screen, I proceeded to transition to the low-power lenses for a
more detailed examination. The decision to switch to low power is strategic at this
stage of microscopic observation.
Low-power lenses, characterized by a slightly higher magnification than
scanning lenses, allow for a more focused and closer inspection of the specimen.
While the scanning lenses provided an initial overview, the transition to low power
permits a more nuanced exploration of the cheek cells, revealing additional details
and structures that might not have been clearly visible at the scanning level.

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 I continued to enhance my investigation by switching to the high-power lenses
as the observation developed and details became more visible via the low-power
lenses. In order to reveal more intricate characteristics and nuances inside the cheek
cell specimen, it is imperative that you take this intentional move toward higher
magnification throughout the microscopy process.
The cheek cells got much larger and more distinct under the high-power
lenses. A closer, more thorough examination was made possible by the enhanced
magnification, which also made it easier to see specific parts and structures. At lower
magnifications, the various components of the cheek cell, which might have
appeared blended or unclear, became surprisingly discernible.
This increased magnification provided a better resolution, resulting in a more
thorough comprehension of the morphology of the cells. Nuclei, organelles, and
other previously difficult-to-identify cellular components now become more clearly
visible. The improved clarity made it easier to recognize and analyze certain
components inside the cheek cells, giving a more thorough and realistic
representation of their composition.

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IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
In this study's observation of human cheek cells through microscopic
examination was demonstrated. The cheek cell specimen was successfully
identified and analyzed thanks to the methodical use of necessary
instruments like the microscope, slide, cover slip, toothpick, tissue paper,
pipette, and Methylene Blue Solution. A thorough inspection was guaranteed
by the methodical transition from scanning to low-power and finally
high-power lenses, which progressively revealed finer details and structures
within the cells.
Examining cheek cells under the microscope's high-power lenses
revealed an astonishingly detailed picture of cellular architecture. The
double-layered structure that was clearly visible was the nuclear membrane,
which surrounded and protected the nucleus inside. The dynamic, gel-like
substance that makes up the cytoplasm was clearly visible, demonstrating its
function as a setting for different cellular organelles and activities. The cell
membrane that forms the cheek cell's outer border was also clearly visible,
even at higher magnification. It is thin and semi-permeable. The high-power
lenses not only made it easier to distinguish these basic structures, but they
also made it possible to investigate the spatial relationships between them in
greater detail, providing a more complex understanding of the composition of
the cheek cell. This trip through the microscopic world highlighted the critical
role that high magnification plays in revealing the secrets hidden within the
microscopic world of cheek cells.

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V. REFERENCES
Human cheek epithelial cells | Olympus LS. (n.d.). Olympus - Life
Science Solutions.
https://www.olympus-lifescience.com/en/microscope-resource/primer/te
chniques/dic/dicgallery/cheekcellslarge/

Molecular expressions microscopy primer: Specialized microscopy

techniques - Differential interference contrast image gallery - Human
cheek epithelial cells. (n.d.). Molecular Expressions: Images from the
Microscope.
https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/techniques/dic/dicgallery/cheekcell
ssmall.html

Methylene blue, 1%, 30 ml. (n.d.). Home Science Tools.

https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/methylene-blue-30-ml