Fig. 1.2.2 A plant cell under a light microscope
Fig. 1.2.3 An animal cell under a light microscope
Preparing a specimen of onion cells to view under a light microscope 1. Following the steps below, prepare a specimen of onion cells.
Fig. 1.2.4 Preparing a slide of onion cells to view under a light microscope
Cut an onion with a knife Cut an onion with a knife
Cut an onion with a knife Cut an onion with a knife
Remove an inner layer Remove an inner layer
Remove an inner layer Remove an inner layer
Peel off a thin layer of cells with tweezers
Peel off a thin layer of cells with tweezers
Peel off a thin layer of cells with tweezers
Peel off a thin layer of cells with tweezers
2. Look at the onion cells under the light microscope.
3. Draw and label what you see at each of the three total magnifications (x 40, x 100 and x 400), both with and without a stain (add 2–3 drops of iodine to your specimen with a dropper).
4. Describe the shape of plant cells. Why did you use a stain on your specimens?
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Place a drop of water on top of the slide and then place a thin layer of onion cells on top. Slowly add a cover slip. Mount on the stage and view under magnification x 40
Place a drop of water on top of the slide and then place a thin layer of onion cells on top. Slowly add a cover slip. Mount on the stage and view under magnification x 40
Place a drop of water on top of the slide and then place a thin layer of onion cells on top. Slowly add a cover slip. Mount on the stage and view under magnification x 40
Place a drop of water on top of the slide and then place a thin layer of onion cells on top. Slowly add a cover slip. Mount on the stage and view under magnification x 40
