Biology – The microscope in cell studies | e-Consult
The microscope in cell studies (1 questions)
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Two possible reasons for the distorted cell appearance and difficulty in seeing nuclear details are:
- Insufficient Hydration: If the cheek cells were not adequately hydrated before the coverslip was applied, the cells may have shrunk or become distorted due to water loss.
- Air Bubbles: Air bubbles trapped under the coverslip can refract light and distort the image, making it difficult to see cellular details, particularly the nucleus.
Improvements to the preparation:
- Ensure adequate hydration: Ensure a sufficient amount of water is used to fully hydrate the cheek cells before applying the coverslip. This can be achieved by gently adding water drop by drop.
- Careful Coverslip Application: Lower the coverslip very slowly and carefully at a 45-degree angle to minimize air bubble formation. If air bubbles do form, gently tapping the coverslip with a pen or lightly tracing around the bubble with a sharp pencil can sometimes dislodge them.
- Use a mounting medium: A mounting medium (e.g., glycerol) can be used to provide better hydration and prevent distortion. This is particularly useful for delicate specimens.