Posts that relate to the Keyword: sample

Testing the Hand Microtome

A few days ago I ordered a microtome. Here is a video showing you the different parts: Now it’s time to test the device. The first sample is a carrot. It can be cut into the right shape to fit into the specimen holder of the microtome and it is sufficiently solid to allow for [...]

Parts of a Microtome

Here I’m unpacking my new hand microtome and explaining the different parts. A hand microtome (or cylinder microtome) is a device used to make thin cuts of a specimen for microscopic observations. The video briefly illustrates the different parts of a hand microtome.

Making a wet mount microscope slide

This post explains how to make a wet mount. Video included!

Making mounts of pollen grains

Permanent slides of pollen grains can be used as a reference for identifying unknown pollen samples. It is therefore important, that the pollen grains remain in an authentic, natural shape. The preparation and mounting of the pollen can introduce artifacts: the pollen may lose some of its pigment, start to shrink and shrivel or absorb [...]

Observing Brownian Motion

Brownian motion is the random movement of particles. It is possible to observe this movement under the microscope.

Staining Yogurt Bacteria

School microscopes are often not equipped with phase contrast optics, which would be suitable for viewing bacteria. It is possible to see bacteria also in regular bright field, but the results are better if they are stained. Yogurt bacteria are safe for the use in schools.

Observing Plasmolysis

It is possible to observe the plasmolysis of cells under the microscope. When salt water is added to onion cells, then the cells will lose water due to osmosis, this can be observed.