Chapter 2, Problem 1Q

What, if any, practical value do these techniques have?

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The practical values of these techniques.

Introduction:

Mounting is the procedure followed for observing a specimen under the microscope successfully. It includes placing the microorganism on glass slide, placing an immersion liquid (not always) and covering it with a coverslip that helps in holding the specimen at a place, equal distribution of any immersion liquid( if used), protection of specimen from accidental contact or dust and preventing contact of specimen and objective lens of the microscope.

Explanation of Solution

Mounting media is generally used for embedding and highlight the specimen during mounting. A good mounting media have properties like a similar refractive index as that of a glass slide (reduces the refraction of light), stability, solubility in the medium in which the specimen has been prepared, avoid fading of specimen stain and it should not react with the specimen.

A proper mounting of a specimen helps in observing the shape, size, and motility of the microorganism. It also helps in identifying the specimen under observation.

Conclusion

Practical values of mounting include identification of specimens and observing its motility, size, and shape.