Microscopy and Photomicrography

By Amanda M. Icazatti Burtelll

The majority of the things we study are perceived by the naked eye, but there is much more than meets the eye. Microscopes give us the opportunity to investigate and analyze about microorganisms and microscopic parts, as cells, in much details.

There are different kinds of microscopies. Every microscopy is used for different purposes and requires a specific preparation of the specimen. Phase contrast microscope is used for living specimen without the need of applying a dye to the sample. Something that characterized this type of microscopy is the halo, which the specimen would have around it. The Normaski microscope enhances the contrast of transparent samples, giving a perspective similar to the phase contrast microscopy, except that there is no halo. A Dissecting microscope is used for the examination of three-dimensional specimens, rather than examining specimens in slides providing an advantage in scientific projects which requires the dissection and study of an organism and its parts. In Black field and Bright field microscope, the field around the specimen would be black and bright, respectively, which permits to contrast the unstained samples. Depending on the approach scientists want to obtain and the type of specimen being studied, different microscopy techniques can be applied. These microscopy techniques refer to the way the specimen is being cut and manipulated for the study. There are transverse, longitudinal, tangential, and cross sections that can be made to the sample.

As part of the learning process each of the students was taught to use a specific microscopy. Then we were paired to serve as mentors, as a way to reinforce what we had learned. I was instructed on how to manage a Bright-Field microscopy and educated my partner on its use. My partner taught me how to use Phase Contrast, and I was able to observed Elodea nucleus and other cell structure with it.

Knowing how to manipulate microscopes and the different techniques that are applied to samples has enriched my process as a science student because is a knowledge that can be applied to all my courses and future goals. The use of a microscopy can give scientists different perspectives on the behavior and characteristics of an organism and it represents a very useful tool that can lead to a better understanding of biological processes.