Pink Bugs, Purple Bugs

But their small size is a relatively easy problem to solve - simply magnify them using a microscope (you'll see how shortly). There is a much more fundamental problem in visualizing bacteria. Because they: have no bones, hair, teeth or scales are only just over one millionth of a metre thick consist mostly of water they are almost transparent. Therefore, we must use optical tricks to be able to see them. Most frequently, this will be of one of two methods: phase contrast microscopy staining

Either of these methods will make bacterial cells visible under the microscope. Before we can use either method, we need to know how to set up a microscope.