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Selected Laboratory Methods

This section deals with instrumentation and methodology that is applicable to a variety of laboratory studies. The information here might serve as a suitable reference for future laboratory work.

Microscopy

Presented are principles of bright field, oil immersion, dark field, phase contrast, and D.I.C. optics and recommended specimens on which to practice. Methods for measurement with a light microscope are described, including use of a cell counting chamber (hemacytometer) and eyepiece reticule.

Solutions & dilutions

This section distinguishes among types of mixtures and defines the term solution. It describes units and prefixes for volume, amount, and concentration, and presents types of formulas that are used to describe solutions. Examples of how to make solutions are presented. This section also describes how to dilute a solution to final desired concentration or to final concentration and volume, again with examples.

Protein assays

Spectrophotometry & Beer's Law

This section is brief (one page only), but it is important. It includes a procedure for calibrating a relatively simple spectrophotometer, the Spectronic 20.

Fractionation/centrifugation

Here you will find a general scheme for "taking apart" cells and tissues, and separating components by a process called differential centrifugation. It includes the concepts of fractions and yields, describes some limitations on reporting yields, and describes how information related to fractionation is typically presented in a paper.