Final answer:
Samples for a compound light microscope are typically prepared on glass slides, where they can be wet mounted or fixed with a coverslip. Glass slides serve as the primary base for viewing specimens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Samples for a compound light microscope are typically prepared on glass slides. These slides provide a flat and transparent surface for specimen placement and viewing. When preparing a sample, it may be positioned directly onto the glass slide in the form of a wet mount. In this process, a specimen is placed on the slide in a drop of liquid such as water or a stain, which can enhance contrast and detail. After the liquid is added, a coverslip is gently placed over the sample to flatten it and prevent movement, allowing for clearer observation under the microscope.
In a clinical setting, fixation is another method used to prepare specimens for light microscopy. This involves attaching cells to a slide so their structure can be preserved and made more distinct using special stains or dyes, facilitating detailed study under the microscope.
Therefore, the correct answer is a. glass slides, which are the fundamental component of specimen preparation in light microscopy.