What is the magnification power of the ocular lens in a standard microscope?

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Prepare for the TAMU BIOL206 Introductory Microbiology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The magnification power of the ocular lens in a standard microscope is typically 10x. This means that any object viewed through the ocular lens will appear ten times larger than its actual size. This standardization allows for consistency in microscopy, making it easier for scientists and students to compare observations and results across different microscopes and studies.

Higher magnification powers, such as 15x or 20x, are generally found in specialized ocular lenses but are not the standard in most educational or basic laboratory settings. Meanwhile, 5x lenses are often used for low-power viewing but are less common as a standard ocular lens in microscopes designed for general use. Thus, while other magnification levels could exist, the ocular lens's commonly accepted magnification in standard microscopes is indeed 10x.