Practical 2

Question 1

where in plants can cells undergoing mitosis be found

Answer 1

meristem tissue at shoot and root tips

Question 2

what is the mitotic index

Answer 2

the ratio of cells undergoing mitosis to the total number of cells in a sample

Question 3

outline the procedure to prepare a root tip slide

Answer 3

1. warm HCl to 60c in water bath
2. cut root tip using a scalpel and add to the HCl and leave for 5 minutes
3. remove from HCl and wash with distilled water
4. cut the tip of the root tip sample and place on slide
   5 add a few drops of stain to make chromosomes visible

Question 4

state the formula for the mitotic index

Answer 4

number of cells with visible chromosomes/ number of cells in sample

Question 5

state the hazards and precautions for the reagents used in this procedure

Answer 5

HCl- corrosive, avoid contact with skin, wear eye protection
scalpel- cut away from fingers