Class X Practical: Animal Life - Blood Cell Identification

Objective

To identify different types of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) from a permanent blood smear slide under a microscope.

Guidelines

1. Microscope Setup: Place the permanent slide of a blood smear on the microscope stage. Start with a low power objective lens and then switch to high power or oil immersion for detailed observation.
2. Focusing: Adjust the focus to get a clear view of the blood cells.
3. Identification: Systematically scan the slide and identify the following:
   • Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Biconcave, anucleated, numerous, pale yellow in color.
   • White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Larger than RBCs, nucleated, less numerous. Differentiate between:
     • Granulocytes: Neutrophils (multi-lobed nucleus, fine granules), Eosinophils (bi-lobed nucleus, coarse red granules), Basophils (lobed nucleus, coarse blue/purple granules).
     • Agranulocytes: Lymphocytes (large, round nucleus, scanty cytoplasm), Monocytes (kidney-shaped nucleus, abundant cytoplasm).
   • Platelets (Thrombocytes): Small, irregular fragments, anucleated, clumped together.
4. Drawing: Draw neat, labeled diagrams of each identified type of blood cell.

Expected Outcome

Ability to distinguish and identify the different types of blood cells based on their morphology (size, shape, nucleus, presence/absence of granules) from a prepared blood smear.