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Multiple Choice
Why are wet mounts commonly used to view biological specimens in the laboratory?
A
They permanently preserve specimens for long-term storage.
B
They enhance the staining of cellular structures.
C
They increase the magnification power of the microscope.
D
They allow observation of living cells in their natural state.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the purpose of a wet mount: A wet mount is a technique used in microscopy where a specimen is placed in a drop of liquid (usually water or a saline solution) on a slide and covered with a cover slip. This method is commonly used to observe living organisms or cells in their natural state.
Recognize the advantages of wet mounts: Wet mounts allow for the observation of dynamic processes, such as movement, cell division, and interactions between cells, which are not possible with fixed or stained specimens.
Eliminate incorrect options: Wet mounts do not permanently preserve specimens for long-term storage, as the liquid can evaporate and the specimen may degrade over time. They also do not enhance staining, as staining is typically done on fixed specimens. Additionally, wet mounts do not increase the magnification power of the microscope; magnification is determined by the microscope's lenses.
Focus on the correct option: Wet mounts are specifically used to observe living cells in their natural state, allowing researchers to study biological processes as they occur in real time.
Conclude the reasoning: The correct answer is that wet mounts allow observation of living cells in their natural state, which is essential for studying dynamic biological processes and behaviors.