Microscopy: Principles and Practices of Aseptic
Technique, Specimen Handling, Slide Preparation,
Staining Methods Including Simple, Gram, Acid-
Fast, Capsule, and Endospore Stains; Microscopy
Using Bright-Field, Dark-Field, Phase-Contrast,
Fluorescence, and Oil Immersion Lenses;
Microscope Operation Including Usage, and
Microbial Control on Skin, Surfaces, and in the Air;
Historical Contributions of Leeuwenhoek, Hooke,
Koch, Pasteur, Semmelweis, Jenner, Lister, and
Gram; Functional and Structural Differences
Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic
Microorganisms; Practical Applications in Microbial
Identification, Bioremediation, Biotechnology, and
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Describe the position of your hands when carrying the microscope to and from your laboratory
bench.
One hand should be under the base of the microscope to support its weight and one hand
should be on the arm for balance
Differentiate between the limit of resolution of the typical light microscope and that of unaided
human eye.
The limit of resolution of the unaided human eye is 0.2 mm.For the typical light microscope, the
limit is 0.2 µm.
What two adjustments can be made to the condenser?
The condenser height and diaphragm can be adjusted
, . What effect do these adjustments have on the image?
Illumination of the specimen is increased when the condenser is raised and the diaphragm is
opened.
are condenser adjustments, generally preferred over the use of the voltage control?
Unlike the voltage control, condenser adjustments will increase illumination without affecting
the bulb life.
When using the oil immersion lens, what four procedures can be implemented to achieve the
maximum resolution?
The maximum resolution with the oil immersion lens is achieved by using a thin layer of oil,
using a blue filter over the light source, raising the condenser light to its highest point, and
opening the condenser diaphragm
Why is it advisable to start first with the low power lens when viewing a slide?
The oil immersion lens has the smallest working distance and one runs the risk of striking the
slide with the lens when trying to achieve focus. Starting with the low power lens, which has a
larger working distance, and progressing up to the oil immersion lens is advised.
Why is it necessary to use oil in conjunction with the oil immersion lens and not with the other
objective lenses?
Oil is used with the oil immersion lens because the small working distance does not allow
enough light to enter the lens. The oil, which has the same refractive index as glass, directs
more light into the lens.
What is the relationship between the working distance of an objective lens and its magnification
power?
As the power of the objective lens increases, the working distance decreases.
This objective lens provides the highest magnification =
Oil immersion
This objective lens provides the second highest magnification =
High-dry
This objective lens provides the lowest magnification =
= Low power
This objective lens has the shortest working distance =