7/23/2019 Making Slide (Animal Cells)

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1 | Strengthening teaching and learning of cells | Notes for participants Crown copyright 2003

Task B: How to make a slide

(animal cells)

You will need:

Microscope slide

Cover slip

Cotton bud from a newly opened packet

Disinfectant such as freshly prepared 1% sodium chlorate(I) (hypochlorite)

solution

Stain (1% methylene blue in water). Note: Methylene blue will stain if it comes

into contact with the skin.

Small piece of ripped paper towel

What to do

1 Take a new cotton bud and smear it on the inside of a cheek and along the

lower side of the gum. Smear this on the middle of the microscope slide. Throw

the cotton bud into disinfectant straight afterwards.

2 Place a drop of methylene blue solution on the slide.

3 Place the edge of a cover slip next to the liquid.

4 Slowly lower the cover slip onto the cheek cells and liquid. Use a mounted

needle to make this easier.

5 Place the ripped edge of a paper towel next to the cover slip so that it draws

out any excess stain and any trapped air.

6 When you have finished looking at the cells, remember to place the slide andcover slip in disinfectant solution.

Handout 1.14