Name: _____________________________________________ Per: ______ Date: ________

Observing Cells Using a Microscope Student Sheet

Biology 112.34.4 & 5B
Objectives:
– Students will demonstrate the proper use of a microscope.

– Students will observe cells using a microscope.

– Students will compare the differences between various types of cells.

Problem: What are similarities and differences between different types of cells?

Pre-Lab Discussion:
1. Why do scientists use microscopes?
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2. Why might it be a good idea to keep your microscope at least 10 cm from

the edge of the table?

3. Why should a microscope slide and coverslip be held by their edges?

4. When making a wet-mount slide, why is it important to eliminate air bubbles from the slide?

Comparative Investigation Procedures Day 1 – Prepared Glass Slides:

5. The magnification of microscope is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the objective by the
magnification of the eyepiece. Complete the total magnification calculations in the table below.

Total
Objective Magnification Eyepiece
Magnification
Red
Yellow 10 X
Blue

6. Draw exactly as it appears in your viewing field for each magnification. Add color and details.

Red (4x) Blue (40x)

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 Read the label on the prepared slide. What type of cell did you observe? __________________________
7. Draw exactly as it appears in your viewing field for each magnification. Add color and details.
Blue (40x)

Read the label at the station. What type of cell did you observe?
__________________________

8. Draw exactly as it appears in your viewing field for each magnification. Add color and details.
Blue (40x)

Read the label at the station. What type of cell did you observe?
__________________________

Comparative Investigation Procedures Day 2 – Practice Preparing a Wet-Mount Slide:

9. Draw exactly as it appears in your viewing field for each magnification. Add color and details.
Red (4x) Blue (40x)

10. How does the position of the letter “E” as seen through the microscope differ from how it normally appears?

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11. How does the ink observed under the microscope compare to the normal view?

Comparative Investigation Procedures Day 3 – Preparing a Wet-Mount Slide:

12. Draw exactly as it appears in your viewing field for each magnification. Add color and details.
Red (4x) Blue (40x)

13. The elodea plant is a freshwater aquatic plant. How do the elodea cells (above) differ from the cells you
observed on Day 1?

Analysis: Match the following organelles identified in the image to their various functions in the cell.

A. Strong supporting
1. Cell Membrane layer around the cell
= ____ membrane in plants,
algae, some bacteria
B. Thin, flexible
2. Nucleus barrier around a cell;
= ____ regulates what enters
and leaves the cell
C. Material inside
3. Cytoplasm the cell membrane –
= ____ not including the
nucleus
D. In cells, structure
4. Cell Wall that contains the
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= ____ cell’s genetic material
Animal Cell versus Plant Cell
(DNA)
5. You observed Animal, Plant, and Protist cells during this investigation; these are eukaryotes. What is the
major difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

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6. You notice that some Bacillus cells you observe red using high power were still extremely small and had no
dark round body inside them. Are these cells prokaryotes or eukaryotes? How do you know?

Conclusions: Read and answer the problem for this laboratory investigation. What are similarities and
differences between different types of cells? Use specific examples from the lab. Write your answer in
complete sentences.

Future Careers: Did you know that a biological scientist studies living organisms and their relationship to the
environment? Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in biological science, and many offer
advanced degrees. Median annual wages of microbiologists were $64,350 in May 2008. (From the BLS)

For information on careers in cell biology, contact: American Society for Cell Biology, http://www.ascb.org

Lab Component Points Received

Participation 10
Pre-Lab Discussion 4
Day 1 4
Day 2 3
Day 3 2
Analysis Questions 6
Conclusion 6
Total 35

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