CYTOLOGY
Students use specific fluorochromatic probes, with different emission light, to reveal, in vitro cultures, cell components on the basis of interaction with partly or totally hydrophobic molecules (membrane lipids or lipid droplets). Cationic or pH-dependent emission probes reveal membrane potentials (i.e. mitochondria) and acidic vacuoles, respectively. Moreover, after DNA fluorochromization by morphometry, students evaluate eu-/etherochromatin ratio and recognize mitosis phases.
HISTOLOGY
Laboratory activity consists of a theoretical-practical section in which principles, constitution and use of optic microscope and the steps of histological specimen staging are considered. Later, students, by using, autonomously, histology microscopes examin specimens derived from different animal organs. Observation is aimed at determining the acquisition of knowledge for identification of different animal tissues; microscopic analysis is also integrated by informatic supports.