Biology Lab Activity 1
Biology Lab Activity 1
A microscope is an instrument equipped with a system of lenses designed in a manner that when an object is placed under it,
the object is magnified several times. The study of biology often requires examination of structures that are too small to be seen by the
naked eye. Thus, it is important to learn the parts and functions of this instrument to facilitate biological studies requiring its use.
II. MATERIALS
Virtual microscope, Virtual specimen: letter e
III. PROCEDURE
1. Study the reference guide provided in the virtual lab and click “Learn” to review the different parts of the microscope.
Are typically 10X, but also come in 5,15 and 20x.This is what
Ocular or eyepiece is used to look into your specimens..
Condenser This lense focuses on the light on the specimen.The use of the
condense lens helps increase illumination and resolution.
Mirror The reflective surface directs light through the opening in the
stage to illiminate a specimen.
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SHS STEM 12 | GENERAL BIOLOGY 1 | VIRTUAL LAB 1: COMPOUND MICROSCOPE
MECHANICAL PARTS FUNCTIONS
Draw tube Drawtube is a tube that slides while inside another tube. the
eyepiece is an example of this.
Body tube Refers to the main section of the microscope it separates the
objective and the eyepiece and assures continuous
alignment of the optics.
Coarse adjustment knob moves the objective lenses closer or farther away from the
specimen in large steps
Fine adjustment knob moves the objective lenses closer or farther away from the
specimen in small steps
Revolving nosepiece Also called a nose piece, rotating this allows the objective
lenses to be switched
Stage The main area, the flat surface that holds the slides for
observation
Stage aperture It is the hole in the middle of the stage that allows light to
reach the specimen.
Iris diaphragm It is used to vary the light that passes through the stage
opening and helps to adjust both the contrast and resolution
of a specimen.
Base PAGE 2 of
bottom OFthe
6 support structure of a microscope.
SHS STEM 12 | GENERAL BIOLOGY 1 | VIRTUAL LAB 1: COMPOUND MICROSCOPE
also used in carrying the microscope.
3. Label the microscope.
1. Body tube
2. Revolving nosepiece
10. Arm
3. Low power objective
4. Scanning objective
11. Stage
5. High power objective
8. Light source
14.Base
5. Write down the total magnification of a microscope by multiplying magnification of eyepiece lens with objective lens.
(NOTE: Magnification is inscribed on metal surface of magnifying parts.)
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SHS STEM 12 | GENERAL BIOLOGY 1 | VIRTUAL LAB 1: COMPOUND MICROSCOPE
MAGNIFICATION TOTAL MAGNIFICATION
Ocular or eyepiece = 10 x 10 x
OBJECTIVES
Scanner =4 x 40 x
LPO = 10 x 100 x
HPO = 40 x 400 x
B. MICROSCOPE USE
3. When asked to select the slide, begin with the very first slide (A. letter e).
4. Click on the "Switch Objectives" tutorial under the "Getting started" box and LISTEN!
5. Follow the tutorial prompts to learn how to center the slide and focus the specimen.
6. Once your specimen is in focus using the 4x lens, use the revolving nosepiece at the bottom left of your screen to move the 10x lens
into place. Use the fine focus to adjust.
C. Bacterial Capsule
D. Cheek Cells
A. Letter e
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SHS STEM 12 | GENERAL BIOLOGY 1 | VIRTUAL LAB 1: COMPOUND MICROSCOPE
B. Onion Root Tip
C. Bacterial Capsule
D. Cheek Cells
If you compare the images seen under the LPO and HPO lenses you can see a significant difference in magnification.
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SHS STEM 12 | GENERAL BIOLOGY 1 | VIRTUAL LAB 1: COMPOUND MICROSCOPE
The LPO helps us determine the area and the form of the substance of our specimen because it can magnify to an area
where we can easily identify the characteristics of the specimen, while the HPO helps us determine the characteristics of
the inside of our specimen since its magnify the are very close to the specimen
Two convex lenses can form a microscope. The objective lens is positioned close to the object being viewed. It forms an
upside-down and magnified image called a real image because the light rays actually pass through the place where the
image lies. That is why the letter “e” is inverted.
The microscope is a very expensive tool and we should know how to handle and take care of it. Here are a few things
that we should remember when handling and caring for a microscope.
(1) When you pick up the microscope and walk with it, grab the arm with one hand and place your other hand on the
bottom of the base. (Note) DON'T SWING THE MICROSCOPE!
(2) Never touch the lenses with your fingers. Your body produces an oil that smudges the glass. This oil can even etch
the glass if left on too long. Use only LENS PAPER to clean the glass.(note)TOILET PAPER, KLEENEX, AND
PAPER TOWELS HAVE FIBERS THAT CAN SCRATCH THE LENSES.
(3) When you are finished with your "scope" assignment, rotate the nosepiece so that it's on the low power objective, roll
the nosepiece so that it's all the way down to the stage, then replace the dust cover. (note) DON'T FORGET TO USE
PROPER TRANSPORTING TECHNIQUES!
(4) When the microscope is not in use cover it with a dust cover or store it in a microscope case.
(5) If using immersion oil, be sure to clean the immersion oil lens thoroughly after use.
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SHS STEM 12 | GENERAL BIOLOGY 1 | VIRTUAL LAB 1: COMPOUND MICROSCOPE