Examination + drawing of plant tissue to show xylem + phloem

Question 1

Why do very thin transverse sections need to be cut?

Answer 1

Since if thick sections are cut, light cant be transmitted through it + wont be able to examine the tissue

Question 2

What can you cut thin transverse sections with?

Answer 2

A knife or a hand microtome

Question 3

How do we stop the plant tissue moving in the central chamber of the hand microtome?

Answer 3

Encase it in paraffin wax

Question 4

What is the method? (getting plant tissue into position)

Answer 4

1. Celery placed in central chamber of microtome
2. Nut at bottom is turned + bottom section travels up along bolt pushing dowel + plant tissue specimen upwards

Question 5

What is the method? (cutting the plant tissue)

Answer 5

3. When small section of plant tissue visible, razor blade used to slice through it
4. By adjusting how much nut is turned, can control how much specimen available to cut - adjust setting so sections being cut are very thin

Question 6

When can the celery be stained?

Answer 6

Before the experiment, or on a microtome slide after its been dissected