Dorothy Rica G.

de Asis Group 2 July 12, 2016

Mitosis

Introduction
This laboratory exercise is done in order to observe mitosis through the observation of
an onion root tip. Different cyctochemical techniques are also used in the preparation of
the mitosis slide.

Objectives
1. To be able to observe mitosis using an onion root tip.
2. To know the appearance of different stages of mitosis.

Materials
Onion root tip glass slide cover slip compound microscope
Ethanol aceto orcein scalpel chloroform beaker

Procedures
1. Cut onion root tip about 1mm long.
2. Prepare fixative solution in a beaker (3mL chloroform, 1mL ethanol)
3. Transfer onion root in the fixative solution. Soak for 45 minutes
4. After 45 minutes, place one root tip on the slide. Macerate gently.
5. Add one drop of aceto orcein. Stand for 10 minutes. Cover. Blot. Focus under the
microscope.
6. Observe stages of mitosis.

Analysis and Interpretation

It can be known that the mitosis is already occurring in the cells of the onion root tip. We
can observe the different stages like prophase and metaphase.
Conclusion
In this laboratory exercise, the objectives are met. It can be observed that mitosis is
occurring in the onion root tip.

Problems encountered during and after slide preparation

A problem that was encountered is putting too much amount of aceto orcein. Because
of this, some the onion root tip’s parts are not visibly seen.