RP Flashcards
(9 cards)
1
Q
What stain is used for onion cells?
A
Iodine solution - staind starch in organelles and improves contrast
2
Q
Why use the root tip?
A
It is a region of active cell division/mitosis
3
Q
Why is hydrochloric acid used?
A
To break down the cell wall and soften tissue for squashing
4
Q
Why stain the cells?
A
To make chromosomes visible under the microscope
5
Q
What does no change in mass indicate?
A
The solution is isotonic to the plant tissue
6
Q
Why blot the tissue before weighing?
A
To remove surface water and avoid skewing results
7
Q
How is percentange change in mass calculated?
A
((final mass - initial mass)/initial mass) times 100
8
Q
Describe how you would prepare and observe a slide of onion cells to measure cell size?
A
- Peel a thin layer of epidermis from the onion and place it on a clean microscope slide
- Add a few drops of iodine solution to an stain the cells and improve contrast
- Place a coverslip over the tissue at an angle to reduce air bubbles
- Use a mounted needle to press down gently and avoiid breaking the coverslip
- Observe under low magnification, then switch to high power for detail
9
Q
A
