Observing Mitosis

Question 1

With what are the chromosomes stained blue?

Answer 1

Orcein ethanoic stain

Question 2

Equipment (15 things)

Answer 2

Garlic roots, sharp knife, hydrochloric acid, ethanonic alcohol, orcein ethanonic stain, ice cold distilled water, water bath, watch glass, test tube, pipette, microscope slides, forceps, mounted needle, filter paper, microscope

Question 3

Method: 7 steps

Answer 3

1.Place hydrochloric acid in waterbath
2. Cut off root tip from garlic&place in acetic alcohol for at least 12 mins
3. Remove then place in another watch glass containing ice cold distilled water leave for 4-5 mins then remove&dry
4.Place tips in heated hydrochloric acid
for 5 mins then repeat the process again by placing tips back into acetic alcohol ect…
5.transfer tip to microscope slid, cut the tip of the tip, &with a mounted needle add 1 small drop orcein ethanoic stain
6. Add coverslip and blot with filter paper
7.view under microscope &identify stages of mitosis

Question 4

Possible evaluations (3things)

Answer 4

Resolution of the microscope
Human error in counting number of cells
Enough time in the solutions to enable successful maceration or staining