The Nature of Science Activity Examine leaf stomata
When nail polish is applied and removed from the underside of a leaf it will pick up an imprint of the tiny pores called stomata. This can be viewed using a microscope.
Apparatus Green leaf without a waxy covering (cuticle), for example a leaf from a horse chestnut tree, ash, etc.
Clear nail polish Sticky tape Microscope slide
Method 1. Pick a flat green leaf without a cuticle. 2. Place the leaf face down on your desk. 3. Paint a small section of the underside of the leaf with clear nail polish. Be careful to avoid the midrib. Allow to dry.
4. Carefully place a piece of sticky tape over the dried polish. 5. Peel off the tape and stick onto a microscope slide. 6. Examine the slide under a microscope.
Results Draw a diagram of the small structures you see.
Glucose produced in the leaves during photosynthesis is transported around the plant in special cells called phloem cells. Water is transported in special cells called xylem cells.
Phloem cells
Xylem cells
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Fig. 4 Microscopic image of phloem and xylem cells.
