LAB WORK – 3 & 4
1 Fig. 2.2 is a photomicrograph of a stained transverse section through a stem of a different type
of plant. You are not expected to be familiar with this specimen.
(i) In Fig. 2.2 the line X is drawn across the length of an air space. Use the line X and the
magnification to calculate the actual length of the air space, in µm. You may lose
marks if you do not show your working.
2 Fig. 2.1 is a photomicrograph of a stained transverse section through part of a plant leaf
from a different type of plant. You are not expected to be familiar with this specimen.
(i) In Fig. 2.1 the lines P, Q, R and S are drawn across the length of four vascular bundles. Use
the lines P, Q, R and S and the magnification to find the actual length of each of the vascular
bundles in µm. You may lose marks if you do not show your working.
3 Fig. 2.2 is a photomicrograph of a stained transverse section of a different root. You are
not expected to be familiar with this specimen.
In Fig. 2.2 the line X–Y is drawn across the diameter of the root. Use the line X–Y and the
scale bar to calculate the actual diameter of the root. You may lose marks if you do not
show your working or if you do not use appropriate units.
4. The calibration of the eyepiece graticule scale is: 1 eyepiece graticule division = 39.7 µm.
(a) Use the calibration of the eyepiece graticule scale and Fig. 2.4 to calculate the actual
width of the vascular bundle, shown by line X - Y.
Show all the steps in your working and use appropriate units.
actual width of the vascular bundle = ......................................................... [3]
(b) Fig. 2.2 is a photomicrograph of yeast cells
Use a sharp pencil for drawings. Make a large drawing of the 5 whole cells shown in the area
on Fig. 2.2. [4]
(c) Fig. 2.3 is a photomicrograph of a stained transverse section through two blood vessels,
B1 and B2.
(i) Draw large plan diagrams of the two blood vessels, B1 and B2, shown in Fig. 2.3. You are
expected to draw the correct shape and proportions of the different tissues.
(ii)Annotate your drawings in (c)(i) to describe three observable differences between B1 and B2
by: • drawing label lines to B1 and to B2 that show these differences
• describing next to each line how each feature is different. [3]
(iii) State which blood vessel, B1 or B2, carries blood under high pressure. Give one reason for
your choice.
blood vessel ....................................................
reason ............................................................................................................................... [1]
(iv) Use the scale bar in Fig. 2.3 to calculate the magnification of Fig. 2.3. Show all the steps in
your working and use appropriate units.
magnification × ...........................................................[2]
[Link] prepare a microscope slide of cheek cells, stain them and examine them using a light
microscope.
Method
1. Set up the microscope using the lowest power objective lens.
2. Wipe one side of the cotton bud down the inside of your cheek. The cotton bud will pick
up cheek cells without damaging any tissue.
3. Rub the side of the cotton bud with the cells on it onto the centre of a microscope slide.
4. Put one drop of methylene blue stain on top of where the cells have been put on the
slide.
5. Carefully place one side of the coverslip into the methylene blue using a mounted
needle.
6. Slowly lower the other side of a coverslip onto the slide. Take care not to trap any air
bubbles between the cover slip and the slide.
7. Observe the slide under the microscope using low power. Then change the objective to
a higher power magnification.
Concentrated methylene blue is toxic if ingested and it causes irritation when in
contact with the skin and eyes. Wear gloves
Preparing the microscope slide – ONION
1. Use a pipette to place a droplet of water onto a microscope slide.
2. Take a piece of onion and Peel a thin, transparent layer of epidermal cells from the
inside of an onion.
3. Use the forceps to gently place the cells into the water droplet.
4. Add a few drops of iodine solution onto the onion cell using a pipette.
5. Use a mounted needle to lower the coverslip over the specimen. Lower at an angle to
prevent the formation of air bubbles.
6. Use a paper towel to absorb any excess water on the microscope slide.
How to prepare the microscope slide
Place a drop of fluid in the center of the slide.
Position sample on liquid, using tweezers.
At an angle, place one side of the cover slip against the slide making contact with outer
edge of the liquid drop.
Lower the cover slowly, avoiding air bubbles.
Remove excess water with the paper towel.