Preparing stained root cells to observe mitosis

Question 1

Briefly outline how you would prepare stained root cells to observe mitosis

Answer 1

1) Cut off end of root tip
2) Place root tip in ethanoic acid
3) Place root tip in HCl (60 degrees water bath)
4) Rinse tip in distilled water + dry
5) Apply DNA stain. Rinse + dry
6) Transfer root tip onto microscopic slide + add a drop of water
7) Cut off the unstained part of the root
8) Cover with a coverslip and squash

Question 2

Why do we squash the root cell at the end of the procedure?

Answer 2

To ensure we view one layer of cells

Question 3

Why do we use ethanoic acid?

Answer 3

Acts as a fixative - stabilises structures

Question 4

Why do we use DNA stain?

Answer 4

Enables us to see the structures more clearly