My’Kahrri McGhee
Name of Professor: Dr. Gerard McShepard
Name of Class: BIO 321L-01 – Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
Date: 6/12/25
Heading:
BIO 321L-01 Cell and Molecular Biology – Laboratory #1 Summary Report – Summer III 2025
Summary of Module 1: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
Laboratory Techniques
Key Words:
● Microscopy
● Cell culture
● Aseptic technique
● Centrifugation
● Pipetting
● Staining
● Magnification
● Resolution
● Objective lens
● Eukaryotic cells
● Prokaryotic cells
Definitions and Techniques:
● Microscopy: A technique used to visualize small objects and details of cell structures not
visible to the naked eye. Light and compound microscopes were introduced in this
module.
● Cell Culture: The process of growing cells under controlled conditions, typically outside
of their natural environment.
● Aseptic Technique: A set of procedures used to prevent contamination of samples and
workspaces by pathogens or unwanted microorganisms.
● Centrifugation: A method to separate components in a mixture based on their density by
spinning them at high speeds.
● Pipetting: A technique used to measure and transfer small volumes of liquids using
micropipettes, ensuring precision and accuracy.
● Staining: The application of dyes to cells to highlight structures and organelles under a
microscope. Common stains include methylene blue and crystal violet.
● Magnification vs. Resolution: Magnification is the process of enlarging the appearance of
an object. Resolution is the ability to distinguish two closely spaced objects as separate.
● Objective Lens: The lens closest to the specimen that collects light and magnifies the
image.
Reflection
Something I Did Know:
I already had knowledge of basic microscope usage, including the purpose of different objective
lenses and how to focus a specimen using the coarse and fine adjustment knobs.
Something I Did Not Know:
Before this module, I did not fully understand the importance of aseptic technique in preventing
cross-contamination during cell culture experiments. Learning the step-by-step approach to
maintaining sterility significantly enhanced my understanding of lab safety and experiment
validity.
Statement Acknowledging Laboratory Reading
I acknowledge that I have thoroughly read and reviewed all the materials provided for Module 1
Laboratory. The concepts and procedures introduced in the laboratory manual and posted
materials were helpful in understanding foundational cell and molecular biology techniques, and
they guided the successful completion of this report.
Works Cited
1. BIO 321L-01 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory Manual – Module 1
2. Course Lecture Notes – Dr. Gerard McShepard, Summer III 2025
3. Alberts, B. et al. (2015). Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th ed.). Garland Science.