PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES

[REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS & ANIMALS]

Examining the stages of mitosis
 About 2 mm of a root tip of onion bulb is cut off and placed on a microscope slide.

 A stain e.g. aceto-orcein is added and the root tip macerated using a scapel.

 A cover slip is added and observations made.

 Different stages of mitosis can be observed.

Examining the stages of meiosis

 An unopened bud of Tradescantia is obtained

 The anther is removed and placed on a microscope slide.

 A few drops of hydrochloric acid and acetic-orcein stain are added.

 A cover slip is placed on the anther.

 Pressing the cover slip gives a thin squash, which is observed under the microscope.

 Different stages of meiosis are observed.

To observe the structure of Rhizopus

 Rhizopus grow on moist bread left under suitable temperature

 A piece of moist bread is placed on a petri­-dish or enclosed in a plastic bag and observe
daily for four days.

 Under a low power microscope the sporangia and stolons can be observed.

To examine spores on sori of ferns

 Obtain the fern plant.

 Detach a frond from the plant and observe the under-side using a hand lens to see the
raised brown patches - the sori.

 Open up the sorus to observe the sporangia.

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To examine spores on sori of ferns
 Obtain the fern plant.
 Detach a frond from the plant and observe the under-side using a hand lens to see the
raised brown patches - the sori.
 Open up the sorus to observe the sporangia.
Examine insect and wind pollinated flowers
 Obtain insect pollinated flowers e.g. crotalaria, hibiscus/Ipomea, Solanum, incunum.
 Note the scent, colour and nectar guides.
 A description of the calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium is made.
 Obtain a wmd pollinated flower e.g.,' maize, star-grass, sugar-cane, Kikuyu grass.
 Observe the glumes, spikes and spikelet.
 Examine a single floret, and identify the androecium and gynoecium.
Classifying fruits
 Obtain different fruits - oranges, mangoes, maize, castor oil, bean pod, black jack .
 Observe the fruits, classify them into succulent, dry-dehiscent or indehiscent.
Dissection of Fruits
 Obtain an orange and a mango fruit.
 Make a transverse section.
 Observe the cut surface and draw and label the parts.
 Note that the fruit is differentiated into epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp.
 Obtain a pod of a legume.
 Open up the pod and observe the exposed surface.
 Draw and label the parts.
Note that the fruit wall is not differentiated.
Dispersal of fruits and seeds
 Obtain animal dispersal fruits, like oranges, tomatoes, black jack, sodom apple.
 Identify the way by which each is adapted to dispersal by animals.
 Obtain wind dispersed fruit/seed e.g. Nandi flame, Jacaranda Sonchus, cotton seed,
Tecoma.

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