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GCSE Biology · key term
A thin piece of glass placed over a specimen to keep it flat and hold the mounting liquid in place.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 4.1.1.2 · Paper 1
Revise: Microscopy Practical and Size EstimationLower a coverslip gently at an angle, using a mounted needle or forceps to control it. Lowering one edge first helps push air out rather than trapping bubbles. The coverslip keeps the specimen flat and retains the liquid beneath it.
Specification 1.6 · Paper 1, Paper 2
A thin piece of glass placed over a specimen to flatten and protect it.
If asked why stain or a coverslip is used, give its purpose: stain increases contrast, while the coverslip keeps the specimen flat and helps to prevent it from drying.
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A coverslip holds the preparation flat, slows drying and keeps the objective away from the liquid.