Name: Aleah A.

Balaoro Course: BSED SCIENCE 2 Date of Submission: 07/10/2022

Laboratory Exercises No. 4

Light Microscopy Observation of Some Microbial Organisms

Rationale:

The light microscope is an important tool in the study of microorganisms,

particularly for identification purposes. Essentially, a light microscope magnifies small
objects and makes them visible. Observing bacteria and other microorganism using light
microscopy is not expensive, it is easy to prepare and observe samples. In this activity,
specimen from the commercial slides will be used for the learners to observe and identify
obvious cellular structures and appendages.

Objectives:

At the end of the laboratory exercises, it is expected that students should:

1. Identify the vital cellular structures of the microorganisms observed.
2. Compare the microorganisms observed in terms of sizes, shape and cellular
organelles found.
3. Learn some aspects of the biology of microorganisms through their cellular
structures and functions.

Materials:

Compound light microscope

Commercial slides (Paramecium and Euglena cells)

Procedures:

1. Using light microscope, place the specimen (prepared microbial cells) on the
stage and fasten it using the stage clips.
2. Observe carefully both specimen and take a clear micrograph using your
mobile phone.
3. You may share good images of the micrographs you have taken to the class.

Activity / Self-assessment Questions:

1. Using to the micrographs of the representative specimen you observe for

microorganisms i.e. paramecium and bacteria, draw (using pencil) both the
microorganisms and identify the various cell organelles and appendages that
you found. In identifying the cellular structures, you may refer to other sources
such as books, websites, and other references to guide you further.
2. Compare both microorganisms in terms of the cell shape and size as well as
the cell organelles found and their relative sizes.
3. How will you relate the cell structure and function of the Paramecium and
Euglena to their biology as protozoan and green microalga, respectively? Cite
example.

Conclusion: (implication of the over-all knowledge obtained from the activity)

 Worksheet (Lab Exercises No. 4)

1. Microalgal Cell vs. Protozoan Cell (Structural)

Euglena Paramecium
name of microalgal cell specimen name of protozoan cell specimen

_____400x______ ____400x_______
magnification magnification

2. Microalgal Cell vs. Protozoan Cell (Contextual)

Aspect of Comparison Microalgal Cell Protozoan Cell

a. Cell shape Elongated oval with
Elongated or tear drop shape rounded or pointed
ends/ slipper shape
b. Cell size
(compare Euglena's is smaller than that of Paramecium is slightly
specimen with Paramecium. larger than the
(0.05mm) Euglena
similar
(0.05 to 0.32 mm)
magnification)

c. Visible cell The visible cell

organelles found The visible cell organelles found in organelles found in
Euglene are the following: Paramecium are:
Nucleolus, Nucleus, Flagellum, Cilia, Pellicle, Anal
Pellicle, Chloroplast, Cytoplasm, Pore, Oral groove,
Protoceptor, Stigma, Rough ER, Micronucleus,
Smooth ER, mitochondria. Macronucleus, Food
Vacuole, Cytoplasm,
Anterior Contractile
vacuole.
d. Relative sizes of - Euglena is a one short flagellum -Short cilia usually 2-
cell organelles (2.6 micrometer in length) 10 µm long and 0.5
µm wide
 3. Paramecium and Euglena are both aquatic organisms. They have chloroplasts for

photosynthesizing. Euglena is a significant environmental component because they

function as primary producers, food for other species, and decomposers. A euglena is a

microalga. They are photosynthetic and contain chlorophyll. The periplast is a flexible cell

membrane seen in moving algae like Euglena.

Paramecium is a genus of unicellular ciliated protozoa. They are found in

freshwater, marine, and backwater areas. Paramecium has a threadlike extension called

cilia, in addition to its locomotive function, it also aids in the ingestion of food.

Conclusion: (implication of the over-all knowledge obtained from the activity)

We can see and observe the Euglena and Paramecium using a microscope. At 40X,

Euglena appears as tiny particles. When magnified to 100x and 400x, they appear green or light

green in color, with dark spots inside and a whip-like tail. They appeared green because of the

green algae they eat and the chloroplast, which helps with photosynthesis. Euglena's is smaller

than Paramecium's (0.05 mm). On the other hand, a protist with a single cell is called a

paramecium. They are usually oblong or slipper-shaped and covered in short hairy structures

called cilia. They also have green pigment, as seen in the microscope. The Paramecium is slightly

larger than the Euglena (0.05 to 0.32 mm). The Euglena and Paramecium differ in shape, size,

and organelles, but some organelles, like pellicles, cytoplasm, and nucleus, are present in both

cells. Their cell structure and functions are related to their biology as protozoan and green

microalgae.