| (1) | Cover slips typically serve several other functions as well. It keeps the sample in place (either through the weight of the cover slip or, in the case of wet mounts, through surface tension), and protects it from dust and accidental contact. |
| (2) | It protects the microscope objective from contacting the sample and vice versa; in oil-immersion or water-immersion microscopes, the cover slip prevents contact between the immersion liquid and the sample. |
| (3) | Cover slips can be glued to slides to seal the sample and slow down dehydration and oxidation of the specimen. |
| (4) | Microbial and cell cultures can be grown directly on the cover slip before being placed on the slide, and specimens can be permanently mounted on the cover slip rather than on the slide. |
Complaint
