Stage 6 Biology: Patterns in Nature
Student: __________________ Date: ___________
First Hand Investigation: Observing Plant and Animal Cells Using a Light Microscope
Purpose: To investigate the structure of plant and animal cells under a light microscope
Materials:
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Compound Microscope
Glass microscope slide
Cover slip
Scalpel
50mL beaker
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Water dropper
Iodine or toluidine blue stain
Onion
Prepared cheek cell slide
Paper towel
Procedures:
Part A: Onion Cells
1. Carefully put one drop of water and one drop of stain on the centre of a glass slide
2. Remove the skin of an onion and carefully lift a thin section of onion tissue from the
surface of one of the layers.
3. Cut a piece about 1cm in area and place this in the drop of water and stain.
4. Carefully lower the coverslip to avoid trapping air bubbles between the slide and
coverslip
5. Using a paper towel, carefully soak up any excess water and/or stain.
6. Look at the image under the microscope. Start out at the lowest power
7. Sketch and label a diagram of the image in the area below (Cell Membrane, Nucleus,
Cytoplasm). Be sure to record the power used and draw the size of the cell as it fits in
the field of view for the stated magnification.
Stage 6 Biology: Patterns in Nature
Student: __________________ Date: ___________
Part B: Animal Cells
1. Using a prepared slide of stained cheek cells, observe and draw these as seen
under high power.
2. Label the Cheek Cells you in your diagram above (Cell Membrane, Nucleus,
Cytoplasm). Be sure to record the power used and draw the size of the cell as it
fits in the field of view for the stated magnification..
Discussion:
1. Describe the safety precaution you needed to take while performing this experiment
to investigate cells using a light microscope:
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2. When drawing scientific diagrams of cells viewed under a light microscope outline
two rules you need to follow:
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Stage 6 Biology: Patterns in Nature
Student: __________________ Date: ___________
Stage 6 Biology: Patterns in Nature
Student: __________________ Date: ___________
Stage 6 Biology: Patterns in Nature
Student: __________________ Date: ___________