Lab Rep 1

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS TACLOBAN COLLEGE
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Name: Reign Ceasa D. Rosada 2022-03885

BS - BIOLOGY BOT 111.1 JK
Excercie #2
PLANT CELLS
Introduction
Plant cells are the basic unit of life in organisms of the kingdom Plantae. They are eukaryotic,
meaning they have a true nucleus and many different organelles, unlike prokaryotic cells, which
only have one. Each organelle in the plant cell undertakes a unique task. Plant and animal cells are
similar in many ways. However, they are distinguished by the presence of a cell wall that provides
structural support and the specialized role of organelle, the chloroplasts, which create sugars via
photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon
dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar; hence plants are autotrophic since they
produce their food and do not have to consume any other organisms. (2023)
In this exercise, different types of plant cells are observed under the microscope, and
different parts or structures of plant cells will be identified. Specifically, the Cork Cells, Onion
Epidermis, Elodea Leaf, Potato Tuber, Tomato Pulp Cells, Tomato Epidermis, and Zebrina Stem
are the cells that will be observed in this exercise.
Objectives
The main objective of this exercise is that the students will be able to Identify the major
parts of a plant cell. It also gives the student a chance to measure the estimated size of a cell. So
the students will be able to accurately sketch and identify the different organelles and other
cellular components of the cells examined in this laboratory exercise
Procedure
CORK CELLS
Cork cells compose the protective, water-repellent tissue in the bark of stems and trunks.
The cork cells are deemed dead since they are genetically programmed not to divide; however,
they continue to function in supporting the plant and protecting it from pathogens and desiccation.
To observe the cork cells, a thin section of the cork was sliced using a razor, making it as thin as
possible. Then a wet mount was prepared, a drop of water was added, and the thin section of the
cork was carefully placed into the glass slide. A cover slip was placed on top. After the wet mount
was prepared, the specimen was observed under the microscope.
ELODEA LEAF
Elodea is an aquatic plant that is widespread in pond environments. The leaves of Elodea
are quite thin at only two cell layers thick. This makes Elodea an ideal specimen for observing
photosynthetic cells and organelles. To be able to observe these cells, a wet mount was prepared.
A small cut of the elodea leaf was placed in a glass slide, a drop of water was added, and a cover
slip was placed. After preparing the slide, the specimen was observed under the microscope.
TOMATO PULP
Many fruits and flowers are brightly colored. These red and yellow colors result from the
presence of specific pigments within the cells of these organs. Those pigments are contained
within chromoplasts, plastids that contain pigments other than chlorophyll. To be able to identify
the chromoplast in this cell, a sample tomato pulp that was closest to the epidermis was sliced. A
drop of water was added to the glass slide, and the sample tomato pulp was placed into the glass
slide. Then a cover slip was placed on top.
ONION EPIDERMIS
The onion bulb is composed of layers of thick leaves. Bulbs are modified as storage organs
for the plant. To observe the cells in these layers, a wet mount and a small sample of onion
epidermis from one onion bulb scale were prepared. A drop of water was added, and the sample
onion epidermis was laid flat on the glass slide. Then the cover slip was placed on top and was
observed under the microscope.
TOMATO EPIDERMIS
The tomato's epidermis is the fruit's outer covering; it is often referred to as the skin. These
cells, and many others in plants, are interconnected by small extensions of the plasma membrane
that extend through holes in the cell wall, called plasmodesmata. A wet mount of the sample
tomato epidermis was prepared to identify the plasmodesmata. A drop of water was added, and
the sample tomato epidermis was carefully placed into the glass slide. A cover slip was placed on
top. After the wet mount was prepared, the specimen was observed under the microscope.
POTATO TUBER
Potatoes are modified stems that grow underground and are used for storing starch as a
food reserve for the plant. These modified stems are called tubers. To observe the potato tuber
cells, a wet mount should be prepared. A thin section from the interior of a potato was cut. A drop
of water was added to the glass slide. After adding water, place the sample potato tuber into the
glass slide, then place the coverslip on top. After the wet mount was prepared, the specimen was
observed under the microscope.
ZEBRINA STEM
Zebrina is a common plant for groundcovers and hanging baskets. It produces long, thin,
needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, usually referred to as raphides, because of their elongated
shape. A wet mount of the zebrina stem was prepared to observe the zebrina stem. A thin section
of the cross-section of the Zebrina stem was cut. After adding water, place the sample Zebrina
stem into the glass slide, then place the coverslip on top. After the wet mount was prepared, the
specimen was observed under the microscope.
Data and Results
CORK CELLS
Under a microscope with a low magnification of

x10, the cells are close together and can be seen to be mostly
in rows and appear to be larger and elongated in shape
compared to other cell types. In a higher magnification, a
separation between the cells can be observed known as
lenticels, which grow from the cork cambium. Their walls
were substantially thicker, and the presence of suberin, a
complex lipid that confers enhanced cell rigidity. The
thicker wall allowed the cork cells to act as a barrier,
protecting the plant from factors such as water loss and
physical damage. (Galleries | Cork Cells, n.d.)
Figure 1.1 Cork cells under
40x magnificaton
Parts of the cork cell
Cell wall
Cell membrane
Figure 1.2 Drawing of cork cells
4
0
The size of a single cell was determined using the following method.
Size of a single cell

= diameter of field/ number of cells visible
= 0.7 mm/ 253
= 2.8 μm
Figure 1.3 Cork cells under

10x magnification
4
0
x
m
a
g
ELODEA LEAF
This leaf cell of Elodea exhibits the typical

characteristics of a plant cell. It has a nucleus and a
rigid, flattened, and elongated structure with distinct
cell walls that give it a box-like form. The cell wall of
Elodea leaf cells acts as a protective covering, while the
plasma membrane regulates the exchange of ions and
molecules into and out of the cell. Numerous
chloroplasts enable the cell to produce its food via
photosynthesis. The central vacuole occupies the
majority of the cell's volume. It is transparent, but you
Figure 2.1 Elodea leaf under can see where it is pushing the chloroplasts against the cell
40x magnification wall, especially near the edges of the cell.
Parts of the elodea leaf cells 4

0
x
m
chloroplast a
g
n
nucleus
i
Central vacuole
f
i
Cell membrane
c
a
tFigure 2.1 Drawing of
o Elodea leaf cells
n
TOMATO PULP CELLS
Under a microscope, it was found that the tomato

pulp's cells had an irregular spherical shape and had no
sign of red color. Compared to the cell wall of tomato
skin, which appears to be much thicker, the cell wall of
this cell is incredibly thin. Numerous organelles, such
as the chromoplasts and nucleus, were present in the
cell's cytoplasm. The cell membrane was clear and
easily discernible, surrounded by a well-defined cell
wall.
Figure 3.1 Tomato pulp under
40x magnification
Parts of the elodea leaf cells
Cell wall
chromoplast
nucleus
Figure 3.2 Drawing of

Tomato pulp cells
4
0
ONION EPIDERMIS
When observed under the microscope, onion cells

exhibited a characteristic shape unique to their tissue type.
Since onions do not contain starch, they could not react
with the iodine stain completely compared to the other
specimen, but they slightly helped show the organelles
clearly. The iodine plasma membrane enclosing the
cytoplasm and other cellular organelles in these cells was
clear and well-defined. The cell wall of onion cells was
also visible, appearing as a rigid, slightly transparent
structure surrounding the plasma membrane.
Figure 4.1 Onion epidermis
under 40x magnification
Parts of the onion epidermis
Cell wall
Cell membrane
Cell membrane
nucleus
cytoplasm
Onion Epidermis cells
4
TOMATO EPIDERMIS
The tomato epidermis cell was observed to have a

circular shape with a well-defined plasma membrane and
cell wall. The cell wall structure is semi-thin, but it is
strong enough to hold the pulp in without breaking. These
cells have a yellowish-red tint which is present because of
the chromoplast. Plasmodesmata, small channels
connecting adjacent plant cells, were also observed in the
epidermis cells, suggesting a high degree of intercellular
communication.
Figure 5.1 Tomato epidermis

Parts of the tomato epidermis
Cell wall
Plasmodesmata
Cytoplasm

tomato epidermis cells
v
POTATO TUBER
It was noticed that the stained potato tuber cell

has a different spherical form. Cell wall cytoplasm and
blobs, collectively referred to as the leucoplast, were
present in this cell. The cell wall was discovered to be
relatively thick, contributing to the cell's overall
stability by providing a sturdy external structure. In
addition, Plastids (Amyloplasts) were identified
dispersed throughout the cell. The absence of
chloroplasts in the cell is because chloroplasts require
heat and light to function, neither of which is present in
the soil where potatoes are grown. Figure 6.1 Potato tuber
Parts of the potato tuber
Intercellular spaces
vacuole
plastids
Cell wall

potato tuber cells
ZEBRINA STEM
4
Under a microscope, it was noticed that the Zebrina 0
stem cell was round and light green. The cell wall was x
visible and appeared slightly thicker in distinct areas, m
especially near the cell poles. In addition, the presence of a
raphides, which are needle-like crystal formations, in the g
cytoplasm indicates the existence of calcium oxalate n
crystals. i
f
i
Figure 7.1 Zebrina stem under
c
40x magnification
Parts of the potato tuber a
t
o
n
v
raphides

zebrina stem cells
4
v
Answers and discussion
1. The primary difference between the shape of cork cells and that of epidermal cells lies in
their dimensions and orientation. Cork cells are typically larger and must be more
consistently shaped and sized. They possess cell walls that allow them to serve as a
protective barrier for the plant. This thickened cell wall is a characteristic feature of cork
cells and is known as suberin. In contrast, epidermal cells are smaller, longer, and more
"brick" shaped. They possess a thinner cell wall and are often arranged in a closely packed
formation that covers the plant's surface. This compact arrangement of epidermal cells
helps to create a barrier against external stimuli such as pathogens, water loss, and
mechanical damage.
2. The thickness of the cell wall can be different in different species because it depends on
the type of cell and the physiological properties of the organism. For instance, the cell walls
of cork cells are much thicker than those of epidermal cells. A thicker cell wall helps
support the cell more than it helps bring nutrients into it. The thicker the cell wall, the more
rigid the plant is. Epidermal cells, on the other hand, have a thinner cell wall. This is
because they can act as a barrier between the plant and its environment while still giving it
enough mechanical support and stability. (Nature Education, 2010)
3. Raphides are elongated calcium oxalate crystals found in various plant species and serve
as storage and protection. Raphides are typically found in cells with high cytoplasmic
content, such as mesophyll cells, and are created by forming calcium oxalate crystals.
Plastids, on the other hand, are membrane-bound organelles that generate and store.
Chloroplasts, leucoplasts, and chromoplasts are the types of plastids
4. Chromoplasts, Leucoplasts, Chloroplasts, and Amyloplasts are the different types of

plastids that was observed. Plastids are organelles that are surrounded by a membrane and
are very important for how nutrients are stored and made. Chromoplasts, leucoplasts,
chloroplasts, and amyloplasts are all types of plastids. They all have a double membrane
system, their own genetic material, and a central stroma. These plastids have important
jobs to do inside the cell and are necessary for the health and survival of the organism as a
whole.
5. The primary function of the plant epidermis is to make the cuticle a functional barrier of
the cell wall that keeps water from leaking out too much and keeps harmful substances and
pathogens from getting into the plant. The epidermis is also an important foundation
between the plant and its environment.
6. Plasmodesmata are tubes that connect one cell to another. It enables the transport of
molecules from small photosynthetic products to large proteins and mRNA between cells.
Plasmodesmata are vital for the transport of nutrients in vascular tissue. Plant cells, unlike
animal cells, do not move during development. Hence their presence is important. (What
Are Plasmodesmata, 2018)
7. The primary distinction between chloroplast and chromoplast is that chloroplast is the
pigment that gives plants their green color. In contrast, chromoplast is a pigment whose
hue ranges from yellow to red. Chloroplasts are usually located in the plant's epidermal and
mesophyll cells. Chloroplasts contain chlorophylls and other carotenoids, whereas
chromoplast contains carotenoids in general. Both chloroplast and chromoplast are colored
plastids found in plants. Chloroplasts are necessary for photosynthesis, while chromoplasts
are responsible for pigment synthesis and storage. (Lakna, 2019)
8. Crystal growth transforms harmful toxins into insoluble forms that do not affect the cell. It
stores energy-rich compounds like sucrose, starch, and calcium oxalate. These energy
reserves can be accessed during stressful periods or when the plant needs energy for growth
or reproduction. In addition, the creation of crystals can serve to manage the osmotic
balance inside the plant, thereby minimizing osmotic stress-induced cell damage. Crystals
can also be utilized as a defense mechanism to prevent animals or humans from consuming
the plant.
CONCLUSION
Studying plant cells and organelles from diverse plant species has provided a thorough knowledge
of the intricacy of cell structures. The distinctive features of plant cells include chloroplasts, cell
walls, and intracellular vacuoles. The Zebrina stem, Elodea leaf, Potato tuber, Onion epidermis,
Cork cells, Tomato pulp, and Tomato epidermis exhibited unique morphological and functional
properties of their respective cell components. Plant cells possess unique properties, such as
chloroplasts, cell walls, and intracellular vacuoles, which highlight these structures' vital role in
plant physiology.
It was determined through the activity that plant cells generally have cell walls. The cell wall is
the plant's defensive and semi-permeable outer layer, whose primary job is to give the cell structure
and stability and filter molecules entering and leaving the cell. Almost all plant cells extracted
from the inside of a plant tend to have thinner cell walls to prevent water loss. For the cell to live
and carry out its specific duties, it requires a constant water supply and a few necessary chemicals.
Some cells have a natural color that they radiate without using a stain. These colors are the result
of specialized plastids. Chloroplast, chromoplast, and amyloplast are considered plastids, but their
functions are distinct.
This activity emphasizes how plant cells and their organelles are diverse and adaptable, enabling
them to thrive in various environmental circumstances. The outcomes of this activity are evidence
of the depth and intricacy of the cellular processes in plants and the relevance of conducting further
research in this area. This clarifies that studying these plant cells has improved students'
understanding of botany and deepened their passion for plant biology. This information will be a
springboard for additional research in the area and add to our understanding of the kingdom
Plantae.
References
Cork Cells. (n.d.). Microscope.com. https://www.microscope.com/cork-cells/
Epidermis (Plant) - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Www.sciencedirect.com.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/epidermis-
plant#:~:text=The%20major%20function%20of%20the
Galleries | Cork Cells. (n.d.). Nikon’s MicroscopyU. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from
https://www.microscopyu.com/gallery-images/cork-
cells#:~:text=Cork%20cells%20are%20genetically%20programmed
Lakna. (2019, March 12). What is the Difference Between Chloroplast and Chromoplast.
Pediaa.com. https://pediaa.com/what-is-the-difference-between-chloroplast-and-
chromoplast/#:~:text=The%20main%20difference%20between%20chloroplast
Nature Education. (2010). Plant Cells, Chloroplasts, Cell Walls
| Learn Science at Scitable. Nature.com.
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/plant-cells-chloroplasts-and-cell-walls-
14053956/
What are Plasmodesmata? (2018, July 26). News-Medical.net. https://www.news-
medical.net/life-sciences/What-are-
Plasmodesmata.aspx#:~:text=Plasmodesmata%20facilitate%20the%20movement%20of
(2023). Coursehero.com. https://www.coursehero.com/file/55540019/Exercise-2-Plant-
Cellsdocx/https://www.coursehero.com/file/55540019/Exercise-2-Plant-Cellsdocx/

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UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS TACLOBAN COLLEGE

Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Name: Reign Ceasa D. Rosada 2022-03885

Data and Results

Under a microscope with a low magnification of

Parts of the cork cell

Figure 1.2 Drawing of cork cells

Size of a single cell

Figure 1.3 Cork cells under

This leaf cell of Elodea exhibits the typical

Parts of the elodea leaf cells 4

TOMATO PULP CELLS

Under a microscope, it was found that the tomato

Parts of the elodea leaf cells

Figure 3.2 Drawing of

When observed under the microscope, onion cells

The tomato epidermis cell was observed to have a

Figure 5.1 Tomato epidermis

Parts of the tomato epidermis

Figure 5.2 Drawing of

It was noticed that the stained potato tuber cell

Parts of the potato tuber

Figure 6.1 Drawing of

Figure 7.2 Drawing of

Answers and discussion

4. Chromoplasts, Leucoplasts, Chloroplasts, and Amyloplasts are the different types of

Cork Cells. (n.d.). Microscope.com. https://www.microscope.com/cork-cells/

Epidermis (Plant) - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Www.sciencedirect.com.

Nature Education. (2010). Plant Cells, Chloroplasts, Cell Walls

| Learn Science at Scitable. Nature.com.

What are Plasmodesmata? (2018, July 26). News-Medical.net. https://www.news-

(2023). Coursehero.com. https://www.coursehero.com/file/55540019/Exercise-2-Plant-

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