Laboratory Activity No.

4:

The Compound Microscope

A Laboratory Activity
Presented to:
Eva Grace B. Chavez, PhD

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements
For General Zoology
(BBIO 102)

Maria Yna Tuvilla

Danielle Catherine Quitco

September 10, 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this activity is to know the parts and function of the parts of a microscope and to
familiarize with the use and care of the compound microscope.

Procedures

The microscope has been an essential apparatus in scientific research, allowing scientists

to study organisms and objects closely, more so than what our human eyes are capable of. It has

shown us the structure of living organisms, cells, molecular structures, crystalline structures, and

many more. It has been used by doctors to study how diseases and viruses affect humans and

other living organisms. The researchers studied the different parts of the microscope, studying

the functions of each part and its importance to making the microscope an incredibly important

tool in the field of Zoology. We learned the differences of the parts of the microscope and their

specific purposes, as well as how to use the apparatus. With this, we researched how to properly

handle and look after the microscope to avoid it from being damaged and to prolong its life for

future uses.
 Results and Observations

● Ocular (eyepiece)- It is where the image is magnified and can be seen.

● Body tube- It is a hollow tube through which light travels from the objective to the

ocular.

● Nosepiece- Several objective lenses of varying magnification and numerical aperture are

installed on the revolving nosepiece.

● Arm- The arm of the microscope that supports the body tube.

● Objective Lens- It gathers light from the specimen, magnifies the image of the specimen

and projects the magnified image into the body tube.

● Stage clips- Hold the slide on each end.

● Stage- The horizontal surface upon which the slide is placed

● Diaphragm- It controls the amount of light that enters the lens.

 ● Course/line adjustment knob- A coarse adjustment knob moves the stage up and down,

whereas a fine adjustment knob is adjusted to sharpen the image’s focus.

● Lamp- It is the light source in the microscope which you can turn on and off.

● Base- It is the bottom of the microscope.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that the microscope has many benefits that are used to

enhance and distinguish new observations made by the scientists. It is a powerful tool for

understanding the structures and functions of specimens. Furthermore, a microscope also helps

differentiate and identify compounds and organisms that cannot be easily seen by the naked eye.

Learning how to use it properly aids both the researchers and scientists to know its capabilities

and limitations. Being able to learn how to take good care of the microscope properly could

prevent the microscope from being damaged from misuse and extend the time it can be used.

Each part of the microscope serves an important purpose unique to its function, understanding

what is the use of these parts and how to use them will grant convenience to the individual who

will use the apparatus. The microscope has been used for hundreds of years, giving us the

opportunity to obtain knowledge about the living organisms and objects around us that we are

unable to see without its assistance.

 Questions to Answer:

1. Why is magnification without resolution useless for zoological studies?

Magnification is the process of enlarging an organism in appearance but not in size, while

resolution is the ability of the microscope to show the organism in great detail. With this,

magnification without resolution would allow us to see the enlarged appearance of the organism

but it would not allow us to see it in detail. However, with resolution we would be able to

efficiently distinguish its structure and tell the differences within its structure.

2. What is the function of the following parts of the compound microscope?

a. condenser lens

The condenser lens of the microscope is built in or found below the stage of the

apparatus. Its function is to concentrate the light on a specimen and heighten the resolution for

better observation.

b. Ocular

The ocular or also known as the eyepiece of a microscope is used to magnify the image

of the specimen, allowing us to see its enlarged appearance. Standard microscopes have a

magnifying power of 10x, although other eyepieces ranging from 5x - 30x are available.

c. Body tube
 The body tube of a microscope separates the objective lens and eyepiece. Containing a

system of lens and mirrors to efficiently observe and distinguish a specimen.

3. Determine the total magnification of a specimen when viewed under

a. scanning objective

The total magnification of a specimen under the scanning objective is 4x.

b. oil immersion objective

An oil immersion objective is able to view a specimen because it has the magnification of

100x.

4. Upload a picture of a compound microscope and label the parts.

5. List 5 important things to remember about proper use & care of microscope.
 ● Practice proper handling of microscopes to avoid damage and misuse during

laboratory schedules. Carefully hold the microscope in its base and arm.

● When using your microscope, never allow the lens to touch the slide you are looking

at.

● Always keep your microscope covered when not in use even if the microscope is stored

in a closed space. If the microscope eyepieces must be removed, cover the tubes with

caps or a plastic bag with a rubber band around the eye tube.

● When cleaning after using immersion oil, always ensure that the objectives are

cleaned immediately after use. Objective, eyepieces and condenser may be removed for

cleaning. Use only lens paper and lens cleaner. Do not use solvents.

● Use only special lens paper or wipes for cleaning the lenses.

References:

What Are the Different Magnifications of Objective Lenses? / ACCU-SCOPE News &

Events. (2020). Retrieved September 13, 2021, from Accu-scope.com website:

https://accu-scope.com/news/what-are-the-different-magnifications-of-objective-lenses/#:~:text=

A%20scanning%20objective%20lens%20provides,a%20total%20magnification%20of%2040x.

Compound Microscope Parts. (2021, May 5). Retrieved September 13, 2021, from

Microscope LLC website:

https://www.microscope.com/blog/microscope-101-6/compound-microscope-parts-6
 Microscope Maintenance. (2013). Retrieved September 13, 2021, from

Microscope-shop.com.au website:

https://www.microscope-shop.com.au/microscope_maintenance.html

Gutierrez, A. (2018, December 12). How To Care for Your Microscope. Retrieved

September 13, 2021, from Technology Networks website:

https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/how-to-guides/how-to-care-for-your-microscope-31306

5 Tips to Properly Care for your Microscope | Microscope Care & Handling. (2021).

Retrieved September 13, 2021, from Microscopeworld.com website:

https://www.microscopeworld.com/p-3568-5-tips-to-properly-care-for-your-microscope.aspx

10 Tips For Microscope Care - Edulab. (2017, February 3). Retrieved September 13,

2021, from Edulab website: https://edulab.com/10-tips-for-microscope-care/

Tips to Properly Care for Your Microscope Westlab. (2018). Retrieved September 13,

2021, from Westlab.com website:

https://www.westlab.com/blog/2018/01/23/tips-to-properly-care-for-your-microscope

Definitions of The Parts of The Microscope - Heather Kroening, and Bio -DiTRL. (2001)

Retrieved September 13, 2021, from Biology.Ualberta.ca website:

http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/facilities/multimedia/uploads/alberta/define.pdf