Worksheet 1: Fundamentals in Observing Microorganisms

I. Label the parts of the microscope.

II. Complete the table

Part of a Function
microscope
Base This is the bottom of the microscope. It helps to support the
microscope and a microscopic illuminator is also present in
it.
Fine Adjustment This component is located inside the coarse adjustment knob.
Knob It aids in bringing the material into clear focus at reduced
magnification. When utilizing a high-power lens, it also aids
in general focusing.
Brightness Adjusts the amount of light going to the specimen
Adjustment
 Stage clip Holds the slide in place
Ocular It is the part that is used to look through to view objects or
specimens. It can be accessed from the top portion of the
microscope. They typically have magnification between 5X
to 30X

III. Complete the table for the following microorganisms

Microorgani Cell Shape Cell grouping Domain Medical/Industrial

sms significance
B. subtilis rod-like Diplobacillus or Bacteria subtilis is
streptobacillus commonly used as
an industrial cell
factory, for the
production of
vitamins, inositol,
acetoin,
hyaluronan, and
other chemicals
S. aureus spherical Staphylococci Bacteria It belongs to the
regular flora of
a person's skin
and higher
respiration system.
Although, it is
additionally the
top
the skin's and
supple tissue
infection.
S. volutans helical spirochete Bacteria generates catalase
which breaks
down
 hydroxyl radical
the water, and
oxygen.
Vibrio comma-shape vibrio Bacteria It is the known
d cause of cholera
Penicillium round-shaped filamentous eukaryote Penicillium
sp. species are very
important
economically.
They produce
many food
products, organic
acids, antibiotics
and mycotoxins.
S. cerevisiae Elliptical or coccus or eukaryote Responsible for
spherical Diprococcus wine and beer
fermentation, and
bread leavening

IV. Guide Questions

1. Describe the significance of identifying the microorganisms based on cell shape
and size.

It is important to know the morphological structure of microbes, as it provides us with a

better understanding of microbial physiology, pathogenic mechanisms, antigenic features, and
allows us to identify them by species. In addition, knowledge of microbial morphology can be
helpful in diagnosing disease and in preventing microbial infections.

2. What is the purpose of the oil-immersion objective?

Oil immersion objectives are used only at very large magnifications that require high resolving
power. Objectives with high power magnification have short focal lengths, facilitating the use of
oil. The oil is applied to the specimen (conventional microscope), and the stage is raised,
immersing the objective in oil. Immersion oil increases the resolving power of the microscope by
replacing the air gap between the immersion objective lens and cover glass with a high refractive
index medium and reducing light refraction.

3. Do all microorganisms prokaryotic? Defend your answer.

No, the organisms that constitute the microbial world are characterized as either prokaryotes or
eukaryotes. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes are distinguished on the basis of their cellular
characteristics. Only the single-celled organisms of the domains Bacteria and Archaea are
classified as prokaryotes. Prokaryotes include several kinds of microorganisms, such as bacteria
and cyanobacteria. Eukaryotes include such microorganisms as fungi, protozoa, and simple
algae. So therefore, Eukaryotes also consist of microorganisms. Prokaryotes microorganisms are
just common.