Key learning points

1. The cells that make up tissue can be viewed using a light microscope.
2. A sample of tissue can be prepared on a slide to view using a microscope.
3. Adding a stain can make it easier to see some parts of cells.
4. Changing the magnification and focus of a light microscope enables stained cell structures to be observed.
5. Observations from a light microscope can be recorded in a scientific line drawing.

Keywords

• Tissue - A tissue is a group of similar cells with the same job working together.

• Slide - To observe a specimen using a light microscope, we have to put a thin layer of it on a glass microscope slide.

• Stain - A coloured liquid put onto a specimen so that the cells and their structures can be more easily seen with a light microscope.

• Scientific line drawing - Observations from a light microscope can be recorded by making a labelled scientific line drawing.

Common misconception