How To Make A Microtome
If we are going to do an experiment with the use of a compound kids microscope, it is necessary that the sample that we are going to examine is thin enough for the light to pass through. Transmitted light microscopy is the technique of examining transparent specimens by passing light through them, with the microscope illumination source on the opposite side as the microscope objective. Samples that are not thin enough will be hard to see under a transmitted light microscope because the light cannot pass through. To be able to make a clean-cut sample, we need to use a microtome. A microtome helps in cutting very thin sections or slices of a sample so that its structure can easily be seen under the transmitted light microscope.
We can make our own microtome right in our own home. All we need to have is a thread spool, waterproof glue, waterproof marker with a fine point and popsicle stick. We also need a flathead metal bolt that can be fitted inside the hole of spool and a metal nut as well. Go to the kitchen and get a piece of carrot, a bowl of water and a knife. Other microscope supplies that are needed include tweezers, a microscope slide and cover slip as well.
The first thing that we need to do in order to make our own microtome is to glue the nut to the spool. While waiting for it to set, also glue the popsicle stick to the head of the bolt. The popsicle stick functions as a handle for the microtome.
When the glue has already set, screw the metal bolt into the nut. Be sure that the bolt is not screwed tightly. Then thread it on and leave a space inside the spool. This space is where we will put the sample.
With the use of the fine-point waterproof marker, mark two X’s on the bottom of the spool. This should look like a pie with eight sides. The marks will serve as a marker when you turn the handle of the bolt. This will make each section of your sample have the same thickness.
To use our newly-made microtome, we have to cut a sample with the knife. To do this, make sure the bolt is not fully screwed into the nut. Request an adult to cut you a sample that will fit inside the space at the top of the spool. If there are any empty spaces or your sample is oddly-shaped, use a piece of carrot to fill in the spaces.
With the help of an adult, slice across the top of the sample and dip the blade into a bowl of water. The section will be floating off the blade. To cut another section, turn the handle again and dip it into the water. You can continue the process of dipping and cutting until you have the sections that you need.
Transfer the sections to the microscope slide with the use of tweezers. Make a wet mount by placing a drop of water on the sample with the use of an eyedropper. Lower the cover slip over the drop of water and the sample. Be sure that there are no air bubbles that are trapped in-between the slide and the cover slip. Blot up excess water. To prevent evaporation, seal the cover slip with a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
Now that we know how to make a microtome, it will be easier to perform our experiments with the use of a compound light kids microscope.
