BIOLOGY Volume 1 - A Guide to General Biology - 2004

5. CELLS

5.12. Microscopy techniques

5.12.3. Temporary mounts

Unlike permanent mounts, temporary slides for light Cell/15.html">Microscopy can be prepared relatively quickly and are well-suited for rapid preliminary investigations. The material is typically fixed, stained, and mounted in an appropriate medium. Sections may be prepared either before fixation or following maceration (for instance, in the case of wood). Sections of fresh material can be cut by hand using a razor blade directly in 70% ethanol, which acts as a fixative. A variety of temporary stains can be used for staining and mounting; some of those suitable for plant material are listed in Table 5.5. Each section should be placed on a clean Glass slide (pre-wiped with alcohol), and a few drops of stain added. When staining with phloroglucinol, a drop of concentrated Hydrochloric acid is also added. The preparation is then covered with a thin coverslip to prevent air and dust contamination and to protect the high-power Microscope objective (Fig. 5.39). If the specimen begins to dry out, or if prolonged examination (exceeding 10 min) is anticipated, the mount should be sealed in glycerol after staining.

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Fig. 5.39. Mounting a specimen and placing a coverslip onto the microscope slide.