NAME: Ira Ricalde & Mar Vincent Dela Vega DATE PERFORMED: 01/07/26
GROUP NO.: 3 DATE SUBMITTED:
EXERCISE 1
THE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE
I. INTRODUCTION
The compound microscope is considered one of the most essential
instruments in biological studies because it allows organisms and cellular
structures that are too small to be seen by the unaided eye to be
observed. Through the use of multiple lenses, specimens are magnified so
that their size, shape, arrangement, and other morphological
characteristics can be examined.
The compound microscope is an essential tool in biological studies
because it allows cells and microorganisms that cannot be seen by the
naked eye to be observed in detail through the use of multiple lenses
(Tortora, Funke, & Case, 2021). Understanding the parts of the microscope
and their functions is important for proper handling and for obtaining
clear and accurate observations (OpenStax Biology, 2020). Wet mount
preparation is commonly used to observe fresh specimens such as
bacteria and cheek cells in their near-natural state under different
magnifications (Leboffe & Pierce, 2025).
In this experiment, the parts of the compound microscope and their
functions were studied, and the proper procedures for handling and using
the microscope were practiced. Wet mount preparations of bacteria and
cheek cells were also prepared so that the microscope could be used to
observe specimens under different magnifications.
II. OBJECTIVES
At the end of the experiment the students can:
1. Identify the different parts of the compound microscope, and
2. Be able to manipulate the microscope correctly.
III. MATERIALS
Compound Microscope
Distilled Water
Toothpick
Glass Slide
Coverslip
IV. PROCEDURE
A. Prepared slide of bacteria
The experimenters located the different parts of the microscope and knew
its function.
1. The microscope was manipulated by focusing the slides on the
scanner.
2. After focusing, the objectives were shifted from LPO to HPO. The
adjustment knob was then manipulated to bring the image to sharp
focus.
3. The shape, color and morphological characteristics of the bacteria
were then observed.
4. Then, the observation was drawn and the total magnification of the
specimens was computed.
B. Inner Cells
1. 2 drops of distilled H2O were placed on a glass slide.
2. Using a toothpick, the inside of the cheek was gently scraped off for
3-5 minutes.
3. The tip of the toothpick was then dipped into the water in the glass
slide and was moved in a circular motion.
4. A cover slip was placed over the sample. Then it was positioned on
the microscope for observation.
5. The cells and the characteristics were then observed.
C. Teeth
1. On the glass slide, 2 drops of distilled water were added.
2. The front teeth were gently scraped off by using toothpick.
3. The tip of the toothpick was then dipped into the water.
4. The cover slip was placed over the specimen.
5. Then the glass slide was placed into the microscope for observation
of the characteristics of the cells.
V. DATA AND RESULTS
A. Draw and label the parts of the microscope.
B. Draw the bacteria as seen under the microscope and indicate the color,
shade and other morphological characteristics.
Bacteria LPO HPO Characteristics
1. Neisseria Shape: Diplococci (pairs
of round cells)
Color (Gram stain):
Gram-negative (pink/red)
Other characteristics:
Non-motile; often
kidney-bean shaped in
pairs
[Link] Shape: Rod-shaped
vulgaris (bacilli)
Color (Gram stain):
Gram-negative (pink)
Other characteristics:
Motile; occurs singly or
in clusters; capable of
swarming on agar
3. Shape: Spherical (cocci)
Streptococcus
Color (Gram stain):
foecalis
Gram-positive (purple)
Other characteristics:
Arranged in chains;
small, smooth cells
[Link] Shape: Rod-shaped
Coli (bacilli)
Color (Gram stain):
Gram-negative (pink)
Other characteristics:
Usually single or in
pairs; may have flagella
for motility
5. Acetobacter Shape: Rod-shaped
(bacilli)
Color (Gram stain):
Colorless to pale green
(wet mount)
Other characteristics:
Occurs singly; produces
acetic acid; small and
smooth
6. Shape: Rod-shaped
(bacilli)
Color (Gram stain): Can
be Gram-positive
(purple) or Gram-
negative (pink/red),
depending on the
species
Other characteristics:
Can occur singly, in
pairs, or in chains; some
form spores; some are
motile with flagella
[Link]/Inner Shape: Irregular, flat,
cells round to oval
Color (stained): Pale
pink or translucent
Other characteristics:
Nucleus visible;
cytoplasm lightly
stained
8. Teeth cells Shape: Flat, polygonal,
irregular
Color (stained): Light
yellowish or translucent
Other characteristics:
Cytoplasm less distinct;
nucleus may be visible if
stained
VI. QUESTIONS
1. What are the mechanical, magnifying and illuminating parts of the
microscope? What are the uses of each?
Mechanical Parts
These parts support the microscope and help move or adjust its
components.
● Base – The bottom part that supports and stabilizes the microscope.
● Arm – Connects the base to the body; used to carry the microscope.
● Body Tube / Head – Holds the eyepiece and objectives at the correct
distance.
● Revolving Nosepiece – Holds the objective lenses and allows
switching magnification.
● Stage – The flat platform where the slide is placed.
● Stage Clips – Holds the slide in place.
● Coarse Adjustment Knob – Moves the stage up or down quickly for
initial focusing.
● Fine Adjustment Knob – Moves the stage slowly for sharp and clear
focus.
● Inclination Joint – Allows the microscope to tilt for comfortable
viewing.
Magnifying Parts
These parts magnify the specimen so it can be seen clearly.
● Eyepiece (Ocular Lens) – The lens you look through; usually
magnifies 10×.
● Objective Lenses – The main lenses that provide magnification:
o Scanning Objective (4×) – Used to locate the specimen.
o Low-Power Objective (10×) – Used for general viewing.
o High-Power Objective (40×) – Used to see fine details.
o Oil Immersion Objective (100×) – Used for very small details with oil.
Illuminating Parts
These parts provide and control light to make the specimen visible.
● Light Source / Illuminator – Provides light for viewing the specimen.
● Mirror (for non-electric microscopes) – Reflects light toward the
specimen.
● Condenser – Focuses light onto the specimen.
● Iris Diaphragm – Regulates the amount of light passing through the
specimen.
● Condenser Adjustment Knob – Raises or lowers the condenser to
control light focus.
2. The mirror of the microscope has plain and concave surfaces. When will
you use the plain surface? The concave surface?
The mirror of the microscope has two surfaces: plain and concave, and
each is used under different lighting conditions. The plain (flat) surface is
used when there is strong or bright light, such as when working near a
window or in a well-lit room, because it reflects light evenly without
focusing it. On the other hand, the concave surface is used when the
available light is weak or dim, since it gathers and concentrates the light
onto the specimen, making the image brighter and easier to see.
3. What objective is use when observing fresh specimen?
When observing a fresh specimen, the low-power objective is usually
used. It provides a wider field of view, allows more light to pass through,
and reduces the risk of damaging the specimen or the slide, which is
important when the specimen is still alive or unstained.
VII. CONCLUSION
In this experiment, the different parts of the compound microscope
and their functions were identified. Proper handling and manipulation of
the microscope were practiced, including the correct focusing technique
and the use of different objectives to obtain a clearer image of the
specimen. Wet mount preparations were made and observed so that the
morphological characteristics of bacteria and inner cheek cells could be
examined. Through this activity, skill in microscope use was developed
and a better understanding of its importance in biological studies was
achieved.
VIII. REFERENCES
Leboffe, M. J., & Pierce, B. E. (2025). Microbiology: Laboratory theory and
application (3rd ed.). Morton Publishing Company.
OpenStax. (2020). Biology 2e: Principles of biology for college students.
OpenStax, Rice University.
Tortora, G. J., Funke, B. R., & Case, C. L. (2021). Microbiology: An introduction
(13th ed.). Pearson Education.