The new equipment (phase contrast microscopes, microscopes equipped for fluorescence, photomicroscopy, and video analysis) will permit an upgrading of the cell biology laboratory in three specific ways: (1) New experiments and exercises are now possible. These include but are not limited to, a microscope techniques exercise, detailed analysis of amoeboid and flagellar (ciliary) movement, cytochemistry, protoplast isolation and manipulation, and muscle contraction. (2) The new equipment will permit the inclusion of student projects as a focal point for the course. (3) Several current experiments will also improve by allowing for greater image resolution, fluorescent staining of certain cell components and quantitation. These experiments include mitosis and cell cycle analysis, flagellar regeneration studies, cytoplasmic streaming analysis, and plant nuclei isolation. The microscope equipment will have the largest impact on Cell Biology students. In addition, the Developmental Biology course and the Senior Research course will benefit.
