Name of Experiment: Introduction to Microscope and Microscopic

Observation of Microorganisms

Name:

Student ID:

Date of the experiment was performed: 30 September 2022

Module Code: PHC62104

2. Aims and objectives
To become familiar with the operation of the light microscope by utilizing all magnification
power and oil immersion viewing of microorganisms.

3. Results

Organism 400X Magnification 1000X Magnification

Staphylococcus
sp.

Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2

Stained in blue. They form in cluster in figure 1.1. They appear spherical
in figure 1.2. Cocci form grape like clusters.
Mixed Bacillus

Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2

Stained in purplish-blue. They form in cluster in figure 1.1.

Bacillus sp.

Figure 3.1 Figure 3.2

Appear pink. In figure 3.1, they form in cluster

Aspergillus
conidiophores

Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2

Appear green. Filamentous form in figure 4.1. In figure 4.2, it forms in

rod shape
Saccharomyces
sp.

Figure 5.1 Figure 5.2

In figure 5.2, the specimen are globose and ellipsoid in shape

Organism Low Power ( 40 X TM) High-dry Power (1000 X TM)

Cheek cell
samples

(Animal cells)

Cytoplasm Nucleus

Figure 6.1 Figure 6.2

Stain in blue. From figures 6.1 and 6.2, the nucleus can be seen clearly.
4. Discussion

The total magnification is the product of the ocular and objective lenses. (Smith B., n d). The
objective has a magnification of 5x and the eyepiece magnification is 20x. Thus the total
magnification is 5/times 20 = 100. The specimen is seen 100 times larger than it is when the
total magnification is 100. Oil immersion can increase the resolving power of a microscope.
Oil has the same refractive index as glass and thus oil immersion technique can magnify the
microscopic view of the specimen. The refractive index of oil and glass is the same which is
n=1.51. By using the oil immersion technique, light refraction can be minimized by eliminating
the refractive index differences that are present in the optical system. A brighter and clearer
image will be produced as the medium increase the numerical aperture of the objective and
more lights are gathered. (Otterstrom.J). Without the oil immersion technique, light refraction
occurs as light travels from the glass to the air and is refracted back to the glass of the objective
lens. Immersion oil with the same optical density as glass can therefore reduce light refraction,
making objects sharper and brighter. The internal structures of specimens such as a nucleus can
be seen under 1000x magnification. As for the result of cheek cell samples, the nucleus and
other internal structures such as cytoplasm can be seen clearly under 1000x magnification by
using the oil immersion technique.

5. Conclusion
In a nutshell, this practical session helps us better comprehend how to operate a microscope. A
light microscope is important for microbiological research and it is a powerful tool for
understanding the structure and function of microorganisms. Understanding the capabilities
and limitations of the light microscope is critical for achieving the best microscopy findings.
This experiment proved that a clearer image of the specimen will be produced with a higher
magnification of the lens. By using the oil immersion technique, the resolution can be
increased as less light is being refracted to the lens. According to the findings, bacteria, fungi,
and animal cells have their own unique morphologies. The resolution of the specimen changes
with the magnification level, and the emergence of microbes also varies.

6. Self-reflection
Throughout this practical session, I had a deeper understanding of the technique of using a
microscope via hands-on experience. I learned about the function and anatomy of the light
microscope, the oil immersion technique in light microscopy as well as the use of the
microscope in the correct way. The skills in preparing cheek cells and oil immersion techniques
are developed. I thoroughly grasped the procedure as well as the precautions of the experiment
after watching the demonstration video, which give me a better understanding of the procedure
of this experiment. I had a wonderful experience in this practical session and I am looking
forward to the next practical session.
7. References
Ford, B. J., & Shannon, R. R. (1999). Microscope - The compound microscope | Britannica.
In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/technology/microscope/The-compound-microscope

Mokobi,F. (2020, April 8). Light microscope-definition, principle, types, parts,

magnification. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from Microbe Notes website:
https://microbenotes.com/light-microscope/#what-is-a-light-microscope

Smith, B. (n.d.). How to Calculate Magnification on a Light Microscope. Retrieved

September 27, 2021, from Sciencing website: https://sciencing.com/calculate-magnification-
light-microscope-7558311.htm