Final answer:
A 1*1 cm microscope slide is used to prepare specimens for microscopic examination. The slide is thin, allowing for illumination and observation of the specimen. The microscope optics invert the image, requiring awareness of this effect for proper specimen analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 1*1 cm rectangle slide designed for a microscope is typically used to host specimens for microscopic examination. When discussing microscopes and cells, it is important to note that light microscopes allow us to see cells, which are often transparent and require special stains to view their components. The rectangle slide is small, usually thin, and allows light to pass through so that the specimen can be illuminated from below or above, depending on the type of microscope.
The characteristics of the image observed through the microscope are uniquely inverted due to the optics of the lenses. For example, an arrangement that is right-side up and facing right will appear upside-down and facing left through the microscope. This is a crucial aspect of microscopy that scientists and students must adapt to when observing samples.
The resolving power of the microscope lenses is also important when observing specimens at different magnifications. Considering that a human red blood cell is about 8 micrometers in diameter and a typical pinhead is around 2 mm in diameter, the scaling that occurs in microscopy is significant. Lastly, when procuring slides, it's important to achieve a single layer of cells for clear viewing. Any discrepancies in cell color, shape, and arrangement can often be signs of improper slide preparation or contamination. The slide itself must be handled with care to prevent scratches or dirt from interfering with the light path and image clarity.