Microscopy and cells (CCEA)Using a light microscope

To examine cells and learn more about their structure, we need to be able to see them in very fine detail.

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Using a light microscope

A light microscope

When using a light microscope it’s important to start with the low power as the will be wider, increasing the number of cells you are able to see.

This makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.

Then, ensuring the cells are in the middle of the field of view, rotate a higher powered lens into place and begin to focus to view the cells in more detail.

Extra care is needed here because the high-powered lens can become damaged as it’s very close to the slide.

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