The Inverted Phase Microscope

Materials
Inverted phase microscope. Monolayer cultured cells or a suspension of protozoa in a plastic disposable petri plate.

Procedure

1. The components in an inverted phase microscope are inverted. The phase condenser may be an annular ring or a phase slider.
2. Place either a culture flask containing a monolayer of cells or a plastic petri plate containing a suspension of protozoa on the stage of the microscope.
3. Observe the culture with normal bright field and with phase contrast. Note any movements of the cells, and, over a period of time, note any changes in the nuclear material of the monolayer cells.
4. Draw and label your observations.