Introduction

Cells are the fundamental unit of all life. These fundamental units can be
broken into two classes of organisms called Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes (Reece et
al., 2014). Each of these two classifications of cells will have different size and
functions allocated to them. In order to further understand the functions of these
cells we must study them in the lab.
Prokaryotes are single celled, simple organisms without a nucleus whereas
Eukaryotes are more complex organisms consisting of a nucleus and a cell
membrane. Eukaryotes can be multicellular as well as single cellular (Recce et al.,
2014). However these two groups of organisms are microscopic and are not visible
to the human eye therefor in order to accurately understand their unique
differences we observe them through light microscopes.
In this experiment we examined the size, structure, and motion of organelles
with in the cell. We examined bacteria and yeasts cells, Elodea cells, human
epithelial cells as well as ciliates and flagellates using the Leica DME microscope in
order to further our understanding of the unique functions of Prokaryotic and
Eukaryotic cells.
Methods
In part one of the experiment we observed the bacteria and yeast culture by
removing a slide from the alcohol jar using forceps using a Kim wipe to dry it as to
not leave fibers on the slip. Then after swirling the culture one drop was placed in
the center of the slide. After culture was applied to the slip a drop of methylene blue
stain is added to the culture on the slide. A cover slip was applied by sliding it at a
45 degree angle until the cover slip contacts the liquid and allow it to drop (Biology

Department, 2015). The slide was then carefully placed on the stage of the
microscope and is held securely be the stage clips. Using the 10x objective lens the
stage was adjusted so that the slide and lens were about 6mm apart. After adjusting
stage to the working distance the 40x lens was used by simply switching the lens
and focusing with the fine focus knob. During this step yeast cell start to become
visible however bacteria are still too small to be seen (Biology Department, 2015).
In order to view the bacteria cell the oil immersion lens is used by placing a drop of
oil on top of the coverslip and allowing the lens to sit in the oil. Finally the
micrometer eyepiece is used to measure the size of each specimen. Recorded
observations.
In part two with a clean and dry slide one drop of distilled water was placed in
the centre of the slide. One leaf was added to the slide making sure as to not fold it
upon itself with a coverslip applied with proper procedure. Once within working
distance of the 10x lens begin to use the stage controls to find the area of the leaf
that looks to be the central vascular tissue (Biology Department, 2015). Observed
the cell through both the 40x and 100x lens for a better visual description of the
cell. Recorded observations.
In part three a slide that was both clean and dry was used to place a drop of
methylene blue stain in the centre. Then using toothpick to scrape off the epithelial
cells on the inside of the cheek which were then placed into the stain. Discarded
toothpick applied a coverslip using proper procedure. Using the 10x adjust the stage
until within optimal working distance (6mm). Then viewed the specimen using the
40x lens. Recorded observations.

In part four a clean slide is used to place a drop of Ciliate culture of which the
name was recorded as well as a drop of Protoslo to slow the cell down (Biology
Department, 2015). Applied a cover slip using proper procedure. The 10x lens was
then used to locate the Ciliate cells. Recorded observations. The same steps are
then repeated for Flagellates .Recorded observations.

References
1. Biology Department. 2015. First Year Biology 1003/1103 Laboratory Manual Fall
Term 2015. Carleton

University Press, Ottawa, ON.

2. Reece, J.B., L.A. Urry, M.L Cain, C.A. Wasserman, P.V. Minorsky, R.B. Jackson, F.
Rawle, D. Durnfird, C.Moyes, S Walde & K. Wilson. 2014. Campbell Biology: Canadian
edition. Pearson Canada Inc., Toronto, ON.