Using Microscopes and Making Cell Slides
Your microscope is basically your window into the invisible world of cells. To calculate the total magnification, simply multiply the eyepiece magnification by the objective lens magnification - dead simple maths that might come up in your exam.
Making a proper slide takes a bit of practice, but it's worth getting right. Start by cutting an onion and using forceps to peel off a thin layer from the inside surface. Pop this onto your microscope slide and spread it out nicely.
Next, add a drop of iodine using a pipette - this stains the cells and makes important bits like the nucleus stand out clearly. Finally, lower your cover slip carefully from one end to avoid trapping air bubbles, which will mess up your view.
Top tip: Always lower the cover slip from one side rather than dropping it flat - this prevents those annoying air bubbles that ruin your specimen!
