Expt#: 1

Title: Cell Biology

Aim: To observe and draw the structures of typical plant cells

Apparatus: microscope, slide, coverslip, razor blade, filter paper, water bottle, ruler.

Materials: onion epidermis, elodea leaf, dilute iodine solution.

Method:

Onion Epidermis: A leaf from inside the onion was taken. A small piece of thin skin was taken
from the inside of the leaf and placed on the slide. A drop of dilute iodine solution was added.
The tip of a pencil was used to release the coverslip onto the slide. Excess liquid was removed by
placing the blotting paper at the edge of the coverslip. Three adjacent plant cells were examined
under low power (x 40) and medium power (x 100) and if possible at high power (x 400). The
actual length of the specimen at the selected total was calculated using the ocular in the
microscope. The instructions given for drawing and the requirements for labelling were
followed. The cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus and cytoplasm were identified and drawn. The
title, view , name of the specimen and magnification was included. All labels were annotated.

Elodea: Repeat the steps used in the Onion Epidermis.