Question

Describe, fully, how you could use a microscope to observe some blood cells.

Answer 1

To observe blood cells using a microscope, you will need a microscope, microscope slide, cover slip, a sample of blood, and a dropper.

• First, clean the microscope slide and cover slip with a cleaning solution and let them dry.
• Next, use a dropper to place a small drop of blood in the center of the slide.
• Place the cover slip over the blood drop carefully, ensuring there are no air bubbles.
• Place the slide on the microscope stage and secure it with the clips.
• Turn on the microscope and adjust the objective lens to the lowest magnification.
• Use the coarse adjustment knob to bring the blood cells into focus.
• Once you have located the blood cells, you can increase the magnification by adjusting the objective lens to a higher magnification.
• Observe the blood cells under the microscope and take note of their shape, size, and color.
• To get a better view of the blood cells, you can adjust the focus using the fine adjustment knob.
• Once you have finished observing the blood cells, turn off the microscope and remove the slide.

Answer 2

Place a drop of blood onto a microscope slide. Add a drop of stain to the blood to make the cells easier to see. Carefully place a coverslip over the drop of blood. Sliding it slightly along the microscope slide will spread out the blood cells making them easier to see.