Microscopy - preparing slides

Question 1

Preparing an onion slide -

Answer 1

• cut square of onion tissue
• use forceps to peel of inner epidermis layer
• place epidermis onto centre of microscope slide, ensuring it is flat
• add 2 drops of iodine to cover strip

Question 2

how do we lower coverslip onto any slide

Answer 2

• use a mounted needle

Question 3

Preparing cheek cells

Answer 3

• use marker to place a dot in the slide centre
• Turn over slide
• gently swab a cotton bud inside your mouth against your cheek
• Dispose of cotton bud with disenfectant
• add 2 drops of methelyne blue
• use a mounted needle to lower coverslip
• Use a paper towel to blot away excess stain