Final answer:
As magnification increases, the visibility and definition of cellular components such as the nucleus become more evident; however, cell membranes do not shrink, and neither mitochondria multiply nor vacuoles disappear due to magnification changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stella observes red and white blood cells at varying levels of magnification using a microscope. When magnifying blood cells with a light microscope, certain structures within the cells become more prominent. With increased magnification:
- The nucleus of the white blood cells becomes more visible, illustrating option a). This is because the nucleus is the control center of the cell that contains the genetic material and under higher magnification, details are more distinct.
- The cell membrane does not shrink, but it may appear closer and more defined as magnification increases, allowing for better observation of the cell's boundary. Therefore, b) is incorrect.
- Mitochondria do not multiply when changing magnification. Magnification only enlarges the appearance of these organelles, making them more visible if they are present. So c) is incorrect.
- Vacuoles do not disappear with changes in magnification. If visible at lower magnification, they may become better resolved or easier to distinguish at higher magnifications, thereby invalidating option d).
The key change during the transition from low to high magnification is primarily related to the increased visibility and definition of cellular components, rather than physical changes such as shrinking or multiplying of cellular structures.