Mouth epidermal cell with bacteria

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Mouth epidermal cell with bacteria

A very simple way of getting cells for viewing under the microscope is to take a smear from the inside of your cheek. The cells are very transparent and can be hard to see unless stained, say with dilute ink. This cell was viewed using phase contrast microscopy which gives a similar effect and reveals a number of interesting features. The irregular polygon of the cell clearly contains a central nucleus. However, the nuclei of mouth cells often show quite unusual shapes, this one is bi-lobed, others can have three lobes, many of course appear just as a single oval. The nuclei of course contain DNA and mouth swabs are therefore a favorite method now of collecting samples for DNA tests in medicine or forensic science. The surface of this cell is covered with circa 100 rod shaped bacteria. Many of the bacteria in and on our bodies are actually useful in that by occupying space, they prevent more dangerous bacteria colonising in a prelude to disease. Balsam Post cover, issue No. 50, January 2001.

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1992-2002 Contents

Balsam post 1992-2002 home

1992-2002 Cover index