Observing cells under a microscope

O/L Science · G.C.E. Ordinary Level · Grades 10–11

Aim

To observe cells with a compound microscope and calculate the magnification.

Apparatus

• Compound microscope
• Slides and cover slips
• Onion peel, methylene blue / iodine

Method

1. Mount the specimen on a slide, stain it and add a cover slip.
2. Focus first with the lowest power objective (4×).
3. Switch to 10× and 40× and make drawings.
4. Total magnification = eyepiece × objective.

Conclusion

As magnification rises fewer cells are seen but more detail (nucleus, cytoplasm) appears. Plant cells have cell walls; animal cells do not.