Lab # ______: Observing Mitosis in Plant and Animal Cell
Date: __________
Purpose – To observe plant and animal cells in various stages of mitosis.
Procedure
1. Obtain a prepared slide of plant tissue that has been stained to make the chromosomes visible under the light
microscope.
2. Observe the cells on low power looking carefully at the chromosomes. Move the slide around until you find
an area where the cells appear to be actively dividing.
3. Switch to high power and look for a cell that appears to be in PROPHASE. Sketch the cell carefully,
showing the chromosomes and their position.
4. Look for a cell that appears to be in METAPHASE. Sketch the cell carefully, showing the chromosomes
and their position.
5. Look for a cell that appears to be in ANAPHASE. Sketch the cell carefully, showing the chromosomes and
their position.
6. Look for a cell that appears to be in TELOPHASE. Sketch the cell carefully, showing the chromosomes and
their position.
7. Repeat the procedure with a prepared slide of animal tissue.
Discussion Questions
1. How are mitosis and cytokinesis in plants similar to mitosis and cytokinesis in animals?
2. How are mitosis and cytokinesis in plants different from mitosis and cytokinesis in animals?
3. How does the number of chromosomes in each of the daughter cells produced in mitosis compare to the
number of chromosomes in the original cell?