OVERVIEW
In this chapter we examine the role of diffraction in determining spatial resolution and
image contrast in the light microscope. In the previous chapter we emphasized that
Abbe’s theory of image formation in the light microscope is based on three fundamental
actions: diffraction of light by the specimen, collection of diffracted rays by the
objective, and interference of diffracted […]

Catalase is a non-digestive enzyme produced by the liver. It breaks down the toxin hydrogen peroxide in the body according to the equation H2O2 H2O + O2. The presence of the flammable gas oxygen can be used to detect this reaction. The volume produced can be used to calculate the rate of the enzyme’s activity. […]

Lysosomal digestion can be difficult to demonstrate, but you can easily observe the process of peroxisome enzymes breaking down molecules. One of these, catalase, breaks hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) down to water and oxygen. To function, lysosomal enzymes need an acidic environment. Does catalase also need an acidic environment?
 
Pre-lab Questions
 
What is the pH value of an […]

Materials
pancreas slides, H&E stain
immersion oil
lens tissue and cleaner
eyepiece reticules
stage micrometers
dissecting stereo-zoom microscope
Examine a histological specimen to practice proper focusing of the condenser and setting of the field stop and condenser diaphragms. A 1 m thick section of pancreas or other tissue stained with hematoxylin and eosin is ideal. A typical histological specimen is a section […]

Although the temporal resolution of video cameras is excellent, their sensitivity to light is limited. This is because their quantum efficiency is only moderate (20–30%), the exposure time is short (fixed at 33 ms), and because the zoom microscope electronic noise associated with rapid read rates is high. An image processor placed in-line between the […]

DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSORS
A digital image processors (digital signal processor) are a valuable tool for increasing the contrast, smoothness, and signal-to-noise ratio of the raw microscopy image and for performing complex operations such as background subtraction and enhancement of image contrast. This unit (a dedicated computer) is positioned between the zoom microscope and the TV monitor […]

Dissecting Zoom Microscopes are excellent tools for exploring medium-scaled microscopic objects and specimen aside from being used in biomedical applications. Dissecting microscopes are stereo microscopes with automated zoom capabilities that could be used to show greater specimen detail during dissection. Top lighting is the best kind to use with a dissection, as the light will […]