Table of Contents
What do stains do to microscope slides?
Microscope cell staining is a technique used to enable better visualization of cells and cell parts under the microscope. By using different stains, a nucleus or a cell wall are easier to view. Most stains can be used on non-living (fixed) cells, while only some types of stain can be used on living cells.
What would I see if I place a cork under a microscope?
Discovery of Cells When he looked at a thin slice of cork under his microscope, he was surprised to see what looked like a honeycomb. Hooke made the drawing in Figure below to show what he saw. As you can see, the cork was made up of many tiny units, which Hooke called cells.
How do you preserve a microscope slide?
Keeping them in a cool, dark location helps slow down the process. Slides should be kept horizontal (flat) with the specimen side up. If they are stored on edge, the cover glass or specimen may shift out of position. Take care not to stack slides on top of one another or apply pressure to the cover glass.
Why do you need to heat fix the slide before you proceed to staining?
Heat fixing kills the bacteria in the smear, firmly adheres the smear to the slide, and allows the sample to more readily take up stains.
Why would a stain be used on a slide?
The main reason you stain a specimen before putting it under the microscope is to get a better look at it, but staining does much more than simply highlight the outlines of cells. Some stains can penetrate cell walls and highlight cell components, and this can help scientists visualize metabolic processes.
What type of stain was used for staining the plant slides you prepared?
Method for plant cells – onion epidemal cells A small square or circle of thin glass called a coverslip is placed over the specimen. It prevents the slide from drying out when it’s being examined. Iodine stain can be used to stain plant cells to make the internal structures more visible.
Why is cork dead?
Cork cells are genetically programmed not to divide, but instead to remain as they are, and are considered dead cells. Each cell wall is comprised of a waxy substance known as suberin, which is highly impermeable to gases and water. Thickness of cork tissue varies from one plant to the next.
Are corks alive?
A mature cork cell is non-living and has cell walls that are composed of a waxy substance that is highly impermeable to gases and water called suberin.
How do you clean a permanent microscope slide?
Cleaning microscope slides
- Carefully remove coverslip and discard into a glass/sharps bin.
- Remove sample e.g. onion or “e” slides, and discard non-hazardous biological samples to general refuse.
- Wash slide in warm soapy water.
- Rinse well in running water.
- Blot dry on low-lint tissue (Kimwipes®)
- Dip into methylated spirit.
Do microscope slides expire?
The surface of the microscope slide can no longer be cleaned. It is no longer suitable for use. According to EN ISO 15223-1 standard, the Use-by date is the date after which the microscope slides are not be used anymore.
What is the purpose of fixing a slide that is to be stained?
The material must be fixed to the slide to prevent it from washing off during staining. This can be done by quickly passing the slide over a gentle flame (the slide should not become to hot to touch) or on a slide warmer. Overheating may alter cell morphology or cause organisms to decolorize more quickly.