What could be the cause of poor resolution experienced when observing cells under the microscope?
A common problem resulting in poor resolution is a dirty microscope objective caused by fingerprints or oils. The microscope’s objective should be cleaned prior to use and always after oil immersion. Also, when using oil immersion, it is important to use the specific brand of oil designed for that particular microscope. The use of an incorrect type of coverslip or coverglass could also result in poor resolution. No. 1 and No. 1.5 borosilicate coverglass are recommended for the best resolution. The use of plastic coverslips may affect resolution at high magnification due to refractive index differences between the glass and plastic. Also, the thickness of the coverglass is important for clear resolution. For example, No. 2 round coverglass may be too thick for high resolution. Consult your microscope’s manual for the best information. The coverslipping procedure may affect resolution. A clear seal is required, free of debris and particles. When performing oil immersion, bubbles may resu
