Final answer:
The two possible calculations we can use to estimate cell numbers with the hemocytometer are the direct microscopic cell count and the indirect cell count.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two possible calculations we can use to estimate cell numbers with the hemocytometer are the direct microscopic cell count and the indirect cell count.
The direct microscopic cell count involves transferring a known volume of a culture to a calibrated slide, called a Petroff-Hausser chamber, and counting the cells under a light microscope. By counting individual cells in a number of squares on the chamber and determining the volume of the sample observed, the concentration of cells in the original sample can be estimated.
The indirect cell count involves using a cell counter or electronic particle counter to stain and count the live cells in a culture. This method is faster and more automated than the direct count, but it may not be as accurate.