Lysosome – the cell’s recycling center – definition, structure, function, and biology
Lysosomes are small organelles that work as the recycling center in the cells. Many lysosomal digesting enzymes break down macromolecules, so they can be reuse…
Mitochondria – the powerhouses of the cell – definition, structure, function, and biology
Mitochondrion is a rod-shaped organelle and its function is to generate energy (ATP) for the cell. Mitochondria contain their own DNA that enconde 13 proteins.
Ribosome – protein factory – definition, function, structure, and biology
Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that make proteins inside cells. Ribosomes consist of two subunits – larger and smaller, made by a complex of RNA…
Different types of Microscopes – light microscope, electron microscope, scanning probe microscope.
Three types of microscopes: light microscopes (compound, stereo, inverted, fluorescence, confocal, and super-resolution microscope), electron microscope, and scanning probe microscopes.
Who Invented the Microscope? History of Microscope
A simple microscope is the earliest type of microscope. It has only one lens and functions as a magnifying glass. Compound microscopes use two convex…
Compound Microscope Parts – Labeled Diagram and their Functions
Microscope parts include eyepiece (10x), objective lenses (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x), fine and coarse focus, slide holder, condenser, iris diaphragm, illuminator, and specimen stage.
What is a Microscope? Function and Magnification
A microscope is an instrument to see objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Microscopes are made up of a…
Green Algae
Green algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. It includes unicellular and multicellular algae, such as seaweeds.
Fern Spores Under a Microscope
Ferns are vascular plants. Unlike other vascular plants that reproduce via seeds and flowers, ferns reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers.
Vacuole Function and Structure – Extra Space Storage
The vacuole is a membrane-bound organelle that is present in all plant cells. The main function is for storage, defense, and acting as a space…
Chloroplast Function and Structure – Solar Panels
The chloroplast main function is to convert energy from the Sun into glucose for growth, a process called photosynthesis. They are in plants and certain…
Nucleus Function
Nucleus is a double-membrane organelle, and it controls cell activities and carries genetic information to pass to the next generation.
Fluorescence Microscope
A fluorescence microscope is an optical microscope that uses fluorescence instead of other light properties to generate an image.
Golgi Apparatus Function – the Post Office inside the Cells
Golgi apparatus is a membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. The function of Golgi apparatus is to process proteins and send proteins to different…
What is Cytoplasmic Streaming?
Cytoplasmic streaming is the movement of the cytoplasm within a cell. It plays an important role in transporting essential molecules across big cells.
Sand Under a Microscope
Have you ever seen sand under a microscope? If not, come to join us. This post showed you how to observe sand under a microscope.
Cell Organelles and their Functions
An organelle is a tiny cellular structure that performs specific functions within a cell, such as a nucleus, mitochondria, ER, ribosomes, lysosomes and Golgi.
Cell Biology on the Dining Table – Plant Cell Model
Plant cells share many organelles in common with animal cells. There are three unique features in plant cells, cell wall, vacuole, and chloroplast.
Microscopy Stains
Microscopy stains enhance the visualization of cells and cell parts under a light microscope. Methylene Blue, Eosin Y, Bismarck Brown Y, Janus Green B, Neutral…
The Natural Habitation and Cultivation of Paramecium
We discuss the place where to find paramecium, how to make paramecium culture at home, how to look at paramecium under a microscope.
How to Set Up Microscope Stations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Our idea is to cover the microscope parts that each user may touch with plastic wrap. Between two users, the plastic wrap cover will be…
Paramecium Reproduction, Physiology, and Behaviors
Paramecium reproduction, aging, learning and memory ability, movement, sensing, feeding behaviors, and their endosymbiotic relationship with algae.
How to Mount a Microscope Slide
Carefully lower the coverslip slowly with an angle. This permits air to escape from the other side so you can make a bubble free microscope…
Hair Under a Microscope
This post discusses the biology, the structure, the stereo and compound microscopic view of hairs, and its application on forensic science.
The Structure of Paramecium Cell
Paramecium uses cilia for movement. It contains two types of nuclei, Macronucleus for gene expression and Micronucleus for genetic material storage.
5 Science Facts Behind Astonishing Electron Microscope Images
Were images taken by electron microscopes? You will learn how to recognize images from EM and the difference between SEM and TEM.
The Biological Classification of Paramecium – Name, History, and Evolution
Paramecium is a unicellular organism with a shape resembling a slipper and 50-300 µm in length. It belongs to Chromista kingdom.
6 Science Humor Images That Make You Smile
A picture is worth a thousand words. I want to share with you 6 science humor images that make me smile. – and also the…
What is Mitosis (Food model of mitosis)
Mitosis is a process of cell division, one cell divides and produces two new cells that are genetically identical.
Why Cell Division is Important
Cell division is necessary for the growth of organisms, repair of damaged tissues, healing and regeneration, and reproduction.
The Function of the Autophagosome and Endosome
Autophagosomes break down the misfunctioned organelles and recycle the nutrient. Endosomes bring outside material into cells.
Monocot vs Dicot plants
I am often amazed by the delicate structure of the cross-section of the plant stems under the microscope. Various sizes of cells arranged in an…
Plant tissue under a microscope – xylem and phloem
Guide to plant anatomy and biology using microscope premade slide sets. We can observed roots, cross section of stems, leaves, pollen grains and seeds.
Cell Biology on the Dining Table – Animal Cell Model Part II
Use this guide to build a creative animal cell model using household items. You will be amazed how much cell biology you will learn.
Cell Biology on the Dining Table – Animal Cell Model Part I
We choose fruit and vegetable to create our own cell model project. For example, we choose avocado seed for representing the cell nucleus.
How to See Bacteria on Your Hand (Bacteria Handprint)
A step-by-step guide to make your bacteria handprint. Bacteria colony morphology differs in shape, size, color, and margin.
Biological Stains for Microscope You Can Find at Home
Biological stains are used for better visualization of microscope specimens. Some pet medicine at your home and food-coloring dye can be used as well.
Facts about Amoeba
Wondering how Amoeba moves? We have educational videos of the Amoeba movement and what to see inside the Amoeba under the microscope.
Observing Bacteria Under the Microscope – Gram Stain Steps
Bacteria are hard to see because they are tiny and colorless. One way is to use a Gram stain. The steps are crystal violet, iodine,…
10 Everyday Things You Should Look at Under a Microscope
They are cheek cells, onion skin, yeast cells, mold, eggshell membrane, water bears, pond water microorganisms, pollen, salt, sugar, pepper, and soap form.
17 Science Facts of COVID-19
Patients with mild or no symptoms can still spread their viruses. The current diagnosis method is Real-Time PCR and the antibody-based diagnosis is coming soon.
How to Find Tardigrades (Water Bears)
We found water bears on the dry moss, frozen lichens on the trees and rocks. In addition, we found rotifer, nematode, and ciliates.
What Living Things You Can See Under a Light Microscope?
Most cells are visible under a light microscope, but mitochondria and bacteria are barely visible. An electron microscope is required for virus and DNA.
Can You See Viruses Under a Microscope?
No. Viruses are too small to be seen with an optical microscope. An electron microscope is required to see viruses.
How to Choose the Right Microscope (Compound Microscope vs. Stereo Microscope)
How to choose the right microscope for your need. We discuss types of samples are suitable for the compound microscope vs. stereo microscope.
13 Tips You Should Know about Taking Care of Your Microscope
Best tips you should know to take care of your microscope. This post includes how to use oil lens and immersion oil to get higher…
How to Use a Hemocytometer to Count Cells
Everything you need to know to use a hemocytometer to count cells, cell concentrations, cell viability, blood cell compositions and the number of sperms.
How to Use Microscope Immersion Oil to Get Higher Resolution Images
This post covers what is microscope immersion oil, why do you need it, when and how to use a microscope immersion oil.
Nikon | 2019 Photomicrography Competition
Nikon is one of the world famous companies manufacturing camera and microscope. It recently announced the result of their annual Small World Photomicrography Competition, now…
2020 Rs’ Science Calendar
2020 Rs’ Science calendar: images of vascular bundle of plant stem, green algae, frontal section of corn seed, Amoeba, diatom, macrophages, fish red blood cells,…
Advanced Microscopy on the Frontier of Science
Microscopes are important to study biology. We discuss light microscopes, fluorescent microscopes, and electron microscopes.
Lesson 7: Grow Your Own Yeasts & Use a Hemocytometer to “Count Cell Density”
A step by step guide for growing your own yeast and for counting the number of yeast cells using a hemocytometer.
Lesson 6: Pond Life Hunter & “A World in a Drop of Water”
We saw amazing plankton tiny creatures in pond life, including ciliates, rotifers, Amoeba, Tardigrades (water bears), worms, and planarians.
Lesson 5: How to Do Scale Casting with Clear Nail Polish & See “Microtopography”
Guide to do scale casting with clear nail polish to see microtopography. We demonstrated plant leaves and hairs as examples.
Lesson 4: How to Use a Microtome & “Amazing Cross-section of a Stem”
A step-by-step guide to use a microtome to create an amazing cross section of plant stem.
Lesson 3: Onion Dissection & “Look at the Plant Cells”
Step-by-step guide for onion dissection to get plant cells, so you can look at plant cells under the microscope.
Lesson 2: Mount a Slide & “Look at Your Cheek Cells“
A step by step guide to show you how to mount a slide for microscope using your cheek cells as an example. We discuss the…
Lesson 1: Prepare a Working Space and Protect Yourself
Prepare a working space and protect yourself. This is an essential step for all science.
The Beginner’s Guide to Microscopy
A microscope guide for beginners: We discussed microscope parts; how to use a microscope; and the most common questions for microscopy.