COMPARING PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This laboratory is aimed to help students distinguish between plant and animal cells. Students will
have an opportunity to prepare a wet mount of a plant cell and have an opportunity to practice their
scientific drawing skills.
PART A: PLANT CELL (ONION)
PURPOSE:
 To measure the field of view under low, medium and high power.
 To prepare a wet mount of a plant cell and examine the distinguishing structure of this cell
type
 To prepare an accurate scientific drawing of the plant cells observed
MATERIALS:
Compound Light Microscope
Iodine staining dye (Lugol’s)
1 Microscope Slide
Paper towel
1 Cover slip
Plastic, transparent ruler
Onion peel
PROCEDURE:
1. Obtain a compound light microscope and set it up on your lab bench
2. Use the plastic ruler to determine the diameter of the field of view under low power. Record this
measurement in Table 1: Microscope Measurements.
3. Use this value to calculate the diameter of the F.O.V in medium and high power. Record these
values in Table 1: Microscope Measurements
4. Clean a microscope slide and cover slip, holding them by the edges so that you do not leave
fingerprints on them. Lay them on a clean, dry surface.
5. Obtain a piece of onion and carefully break it in two. The two pieces should be held together by a
thin membrane. Carefully peel away this thin outer skin.
6. Place the thin skin in the centre of the clean microscope slide. Try to lay it as flat as possible (no
wrinkled). Use a toothpick to flatten/straighten out the skin.
7. Prepare a wet mount of the onion skin using Iodine. Place 1-2 drops of Iodine onto the onion skin.
8. Carefully slide the coverslip onto the prepared slide until it catches liquid on its edges. Carefully
lower the coverslip and press the top gently to remove any excess air bubbles.
9. Place the slide on the stage and observe the specimen under low power. Ensure that the arrow
located in the field is pointing on the cell you want to observe.
10. Without moving the stage, change objectives and observe the specimen under medium power
(focus only using the fine adjustment knob)
11. Under high power, draw and label what you see. Remember to look at your biological diagram
checklist.
12. Using the value of the diameter of the field of view under high power in Table 1, estimate the size
(width) of a single onion cell and record your estimate in the space provided. Show your
calculations.
13. When finished, return the revolving nosepiece to the low power objective. Turn off the light
source. Lower the stage and remove the slide from the stage.
14. Remove the coverslip and dispose of the thin skin in the garbage. Clean and dry the slide and
coverslip. Return them to their appropriate containers
15. Tidy up your lab bench and return the microscope to their proper holding area.
PART B: ANIMAL CELLS (CHEEK)
PURPOSE:
 To use the microviewer to view a prepared animal cell under high magnification
 To prepare an accurate scientific drawing of the animal cells observed
MATERIALS:
1 Microviewer Booklet – Cells of the Body
Microviewer
PROCEDURE:
1. Obtain a microviewer booklet “Cells of the Body” and take out the microslide viewer located inside
the booklet
2. Obtain a microviewer from your station.
3. Place the microslide viewer through your microviewer.
4. Insert the numbered end through moving it from right to left.
5. View image number 1: Cheek cells. Note the magnification on the booklet for this slide. Ensure
this magnification is specified in your scientific drawing.
6. Draw and label what you see. Remember to look at your biological diagram checklist as a
reference.
OBSERVATIONS:
Refer to Student Worksheet
NAME: ________________________________________________
DATE: _________________________________________________
STUDENT WORKSHEET: COMPARING PLANT AND
ANIMAL CELLS
OBSERVATIONS:
Table 1: Microscope Measurements
OBJECTIVE
Low
MAGNIFICATION
DIAMETER OF FIELD OF VIEW (µm)
Medium
High
Show your calculations below:
DIAMETER OF FIELD OF VIEW (MEDIUM POWER):
DIAMETER OF FIELD OF VIEW (HIGH POWER):
PART A: ONION CELL
SIZE (WIDTH) OF A SINGLE CELL UNDER HIGH POWER:
Calculations:
PART B: CHEEK CELL
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How does the appearance and arrangement of plant cells and animal cells differ?
2. Which cells appear larger, plant or animal cells?
3. What structures can be seen in an onion cell?
4. Provide two reasons why you were not able to see all the organelles studied in class?
5. If a more sophisticated microscope was used that could provide greater magnification of
the specimen, what would you see in the onion cells that you would not see in the
cheek cells?
6. Suggest some reasons why Iodine was used in the plant cell preparation?