Monthly Archives: September 2010

Microscopy is as much art as it is science. The microscopic world of “brass and glass” as it is sometimes referred to, is almost always a prisoner of the source of illumination. Sunlight, candlelight, incandescent light, fluorescent light, high pressure … Continue reading →

Prokaryotic cells are defined as cells that lack a membrane bound nucleus. There are two basic types: domain Bacteria and domain Archaea. Prokaryotics average 1.1-1.5 um in width and 2.0-6.0 in length. Because they are such simple organisms there are … Continue reading →

Fluorescence microscopy is a valuable tool in the study of cells and their biological activity. Immunofluorescence adds to the utility of this study by the specificity of the technique. Antibodies to specific molecules in the cell are conjugated with fluorphores. … Continue reading →

Temperature has a significant impact on the growth of microorganisms. They can grow over a broad temperature range that extends below 0 degrees C. to greater than 100 degrees C. There are four groups based on the organism’s temperature requirement. … Continue reading →

There are many reasons to want a microscope from simple curiosity about the “invisible” world around us to a real need based on furthuring ones education or a new job requirement. To most people, the term microscope refers to a … Continue reading →

Cytology is the study of cells. The study of cells truly began to blossom in the 1830′s with the work of German biologist Matthais Schleiden, a botanist, and Theodor Schwann, a zoologist. Their contribution: all organisms are composed of cells. … Continue reading →

Laboratory notebooks are designed in accordance with GLP. Lab notebooks in the research laboratory must be auditable and are considered a legal document. Laboratory notebook paper must be acid free for long term storage. Lab notes must be able to … Continue reading →

Ultraviolet light has lethal effects on most species of bacteria and causes damage to all bacteria. Ultraviolet (UV) light is nonionizing short wavelength radiation that falls between 4nm and 400nm in the visible spectrum. The shorter the wavelength the more … Continue reading →

A molecule composed of one or more polypeptides is a protein. There have been over 100,000 proteins identified and as much as 50% of the dry weight of cells is composed of them. Therefore, the study and comprehension of proteins … Continue reading →

Ever wonder what the hazard symbols in the diamond placards on the sides of tank trucks are telling us? The signs are notifying us of the possible chemical hazards posed by the contents of the truck. The blue portion of … Continue reading →