The maximum resolution for a light microscope is about 0.05 µm to 0.2 µm.

The maximum magnification for a light microscope is about x 1,500.

Specimens are stained to increase contrast to make the cell components visible. 

1. Use a pipette to place a drop of water onto the glass slide. 
2. Use forceps to place a thin section of the specimen onto the water.
3. Add a few drops of stain.
4. Slowly add a cover slip onto the specimen.

Differential staining is using more than one chemical stain to help distinguish between cells or organelles.

The difference is that a wet mount involves placing the specimen onto a drop of water, a dry mount does not.

The lowest power objective lens is always used first. 

The coarse focus is always used first to get the image roughly in focus.

1. Clip the slide onto the stage.
2. Select the objective lens with the lowest power.
3. Use the coarse focus to move the stage just below the objective lens. 
4. Look down the eyepiece and use the coarse focus to get the image roughly in focus. 
5. Use the fine focus to make the image clearer. 
6. Swap to a more powerful objective lens and refocus.

Biologists use biological drawings to record observations when looking at specimens.

1. A title 
2. The magnification or scale 
3. Smooth, continuous lines 
4. Labels 
5. Accurate sizes of structures