Exercise 1.10 - The Inverted Phase Microscope

LEVEL II

Figure 1.10 Olympus CK12 inverted microscope

Materials

• Inverted phase microscope
• Monolayer cultured cells or a suspension of protozoa in a plastic disposable petri plate

Procedure

1. Using Figure 1.10 as a guide, familiarize yourself with the components of the inverted microscope. Note that the operation of the microscope is the same as in Exercise 1.1, the only exception being that the components are inverted. The phase condenser may be an annular ring or a phase slider as depicted in Figure 1.10.

2. Place either a culture flask containing a monolayer of cells or a plastic petri plate 16 containing a suspension of protozoa on the stage of the microscope.

3. Observe the culture with normal bright field and with phase contrast. Note any movements of the cells and over a period of time, note any changes in the nuclear material of the monolayer cells.

4. Draw and label your observations in the space provided.

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   Drawing of cells observed with inverted phase microscope

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