Topic 3 - Lesson 6 (RP)

Question 1

Root Squash Practical - Equipment List

Answer 1

● Garlic root tip
● 1M hydrochloric acid
● Toluidine blue stain
● Distilled water
● Watch glasses
● Sample tube
● Pipettes
● Microscope slides and coverslips
● Forceps
● Filter paper
● Scissors
● Optical microscope

Question 2

Root Squash Practical - Method

Answer 2

1. Cut a 5mm sample of the root tip using a scalpel.
2. Transfer root tip to sample tubes containing HCl and leave for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer to watch glass containing cold distilled water. Leave for 5 minutes.
4. Dry root tips on filter paper.
5. Place tip on a microscope slide. Macerate with a needle to spread the cells out.
6. Add a drop of toluidine blue to the slide and leave to stain for 2 minutes.
7. Lower the cover slip down carefully onto the slide.
8. Wrap in a paper towel and gently ‘squash’ the slide.
9. Place under a microscope and set the objective lens on the lowest magnification
   10.Use the fine adjustment knob to carefully re-adjust the focus until the image is clear