Light microscopy: observing and identifying microorganisms
I can explain how microorganisms can be observed and identified using a light microscope.
Light microscopy: observing and identifying microorganisms
I can explain how microorganisms can be observed and identified using a light microscope.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A light microscope can be used to observe microorganisms.
- Observations from a light microscope can be used to identify microorganisms, including pathogens causing a disease.
- The observed shape of a microorganism can help to identify it.
- Use of a key and stains can help to identify a microorganism.
- Growing microorganisms in specific conditions can also help to identify them.
Keywords
Microorganism - A living thing that is too small to see with the unaided eye.
Light microscope - A type of microscope that uses visible light and a system of lenses to generate magnified images of small objects.
Pathogen - A microorganism that causes disease.
Key - A series of questions about the features of an organism that help us to identify it.
Stain - A coloured liquid put onto a specimen so that the cells and their structures can be more easily seen with a light microscope.
Common misconception
Students often use the term "zoom in" instead of focus.
You must correct the term "zoom in" to focus. You are not making the image larger, you are focussing to make the image clearer.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Eyepiece lens: viewing lens with ×10 magnification.
Objective lenses: three lenses with different magnifications.
Stage: specimen or slide is placed here.
Light source: illuminates the specimen so that it can be observed.
Coarse focus wheel: for adjusting the focus in larger increments.
Fine focus wheel: for adjusting the focus in smaller increments.
