Activity One: Observation Through Microscope: Basic Things

Stomata

Aim: To observe stomata of leaves and describe them.
Apparatus: Compound leaves, forceps, slides, watch-glass, compound microscope, Methylene Blue stain.
Procedure:
Hold a leaf firmly and tear it apart leaving a peeling of bright side of leaf that lies underneath. This peeling contains stomata.
Take 14-15 drops of water in a watch glass and add three drops of Methylene Blue Stain. Insert the peel into this mixture and let it stand for 10 minutes.
Put one drop of water on slide and insert stained peeling into this drop.
Put cover-slip on the slide without letting air-bubble appear on it.
Observe first under 10X magnification and then 45X.

Cheek Cells

Aim: To observe cheek cells of man and describe them.
Apparatus: Forceps, slides, watch-glass, compound microscope, Methylene Blue stain.
Procedure:
Hold a cheek firmly apart and scratch the inner part of it to get a peeling of the inner cheek. This part contains cheek cells.
Take 14-15 drops of water in a watch glass and add three drops of Methylene Blue Stain. Insert the peel into this mixture and let it stand for 10 minutes.
Put one drop of water on slide and insert stained peeling into this drop.
Put cover-slip on the slide without letting air-bubble appear on it.
Observe first under 10X magnification and then 45X.