Core Practical 6 - Looking At Plant Stems

Question 1

What is the aim of the plant stem practical

Answer 1

To observe and identify the vascular bundle in a plant

Question 2

Whats the method for the vascular bundle cpac

Answer 2

-Separate the rhubarb tissue to contain vascular tissue
-Macerate the tissue on a microscope slide
-Add methylene blue to stain the cell walls
-Add a drop of glycerol to keep the cell moist

Observe the cell using a microscope
Measure the length using an eyepiece graticule + calibrate

Question 3

What are the main risks of the vascular bundle experiment

Answer 3

Methylene blue - As a stain its hard to remove

Coverslips - can shatter easily (glass can pierce skin)

Mounted needle - the end of a mounted needle is sharp and therefore can hurt you