Par-I

Piant ife Experiment 1

Aim
To study the various stages of mitosis in plant cells from permanent slides and draw the labelled sketches.

Materials Required
Permanent slides of various stages of mitosis and compound microscope.

Theory
Mitosis is a type of cell division which is very important in plants. It resultsi increase in the number of cells
which leads to growth. Mitosis results in the formation of two daughter cells from a cell and the daughter
cells formed are identical to the parent cell. They have the same number of chromosomes as the parent
cell.Nuclear division takes place first (Karyokinesis) and it is followed by the division ofthe cytoplasm
(Cytokinesis).

IProcedure
Permanent slides are fixed under the low power of the microscope first and then the high power of the
compound microscope and the cells are carefully observed to identify the stages of mitosis. Labelled
sketches are then drawn.

Observations
Following are the stages of mitosis observed in a plant cell in the permanent slides.

1. Interphase
It is a stage of preparation in which the cell prepares itself to divide. The nucleus becomes slightly
bigger in size. The chromatin fibres and nucleolus are distinct. Synthesis ofnew material takes place
in the cell.
2. Prophase
Following are the changes seen in this stage.
() The chromatin starts changing into thread-like chromosomes (Early prophase).
(i) Each chromosome then divides into two chromatids which are joined by a rounded body called
centromere.
(iit) Nuclear membrane and nucleolus disappear. (Late prophase)

13 Experiments
 3. Metaphase (Meta after)
(i) The chromosomes become short and thick and very distinct.
ii) The nuclear membrane disappears completely.
(iin) A spindle is formed with the help of spindle fibres.
(iv) The chromosomes are arranged in the centre of the spindle. This region is called a..
rial
plate or metaphase plate.
(v) Each chromosome gets attached to a spindle fibre in the centromere region.

4. Anaphase (Stage of separation)

() Each centromere divides into two.
i ) Each chromatid is drawn apart and starts moving towards a pole. (Early Anaphase)
(ii) The spindle fibres contract and at the end of anaphase, an equal number of chromosomes i
present at each of the poles. (Late Anaphase)

Nuclear membrane

Chromatin fibres
Nucleolus
Cell membrane
-Cell wall
Interphase

- Nuclear membrane Disappearing nuclear

membrane
Nucleolus Disappearing nucleolus
-Cell wall
Chromosome
-Cell membrane
(with 2 chromatids)
Chromosomes

Early Prophase Late Prophase

Spindle fibres

Daughter chromosomes
Chromosome with
2 chromatids
Spindle fibres

Metaphase Early Anaphase

- Daughter cell
Daughter chromosomes
- Daughter nucleus
(Chromatids)
Cell plate
NV Nucleolus
Spindle fibres Nuclear membrane
Daughter cell
Late Anaphase
Telophase and Cytokinesis

Fig. Stages of mitosis in a plant cell

Togetherwes Lab Manual Biology (ICSE)-10 14

5. Telophase
(i) At each pole, chromosomes change into the chromatin network.
(ii) Nuclear membrane and nucleolus reappear.
(ii) Two daughter nuclei identical to the parent nucleus are formed.
6. Cytokinesis
The division of the
cytoplasm takes place by a cell plate which extends from the centre to the
sides and two daughter cells are formed.
 Experiment 2
Experiment 2(A)
Aim
To demonstrate the process of diffusion in the laboratory.

Materials Required
Potassium permanganate tablet and beaker containing water.

Theory
Diffusion is the movement of molecules ofa substance from the region oftheir higher concentration to the
region of their lower concentration when they are in contact with each other. It is an important phenomenon
in organisms. Gases reach the cells because of diffusion, movement of molecules in organisms also takes
place because of diffusion.

Procedure
1. Take a beaker containing water.
2. Drop a tablet of potassium permanganate in it.

Beaker
Water

-Molecules of potassium
permanganate difusing
Potassium In water
permanganate

Fig. Experimental set-up to demonstrate the process of diffusion

Observations
The water turns pink in colour.

Conclusion

We conclude that molecules of potassium permanganate diffuse in water because after sometime the water
in the beaker turns pink.

Tagether wcte Lab Manual Biology (IcSE)-10 16

Precautions

1. Clean water should be taken in the beaker.

It should not break
2 The potassium permanganate tablet should be introduced carefully in the beaker.
into pieces.
Experiment 2(B)

Aim
To show that roots ofa plant absorb water.

Materials Required
Two big test tubes, water, oil and a young plant with roots intact.

Theory
Water is very important for plants. It is the medium for
transport of materials since lot of materials dissolve
in water. Green plants use water for photosynthesis. Water is absorbed by the plant from the soil with the
help of the roots.

Procedure
1. Two test tubes are taken. These are labelled A and B.
2. They are filled with water.
3 In 'A' test tube a young plant is kept. The test tube B is without a plant.
4. The level of water in the two test tubes is noted.
5. A few drops of oil are introduced in both the test tubes to prevent loss of water by evaporation.
6. The test tubes are left undisturbed for a while.

Plant with
roots intact

Oil- Oil

- Water

Water

A B

Fig. Roots ofa plant absorb water

Experiments
 Observations
plant was kept
fell after metime.
sometime. In the ther test
other.

The of water in the

level test tubein which the tube, it
remained thesame.
Conclusion
We conclude that roots of a plant absorb water.
Precautions
1. A healthy plant should be taken.
2. The level of water should be carefully noted.
Experiment 2(C)
Aim
To demonstrate osmosis in the laboratory.

Materials Required
Stand, thistle funnel, water, sugar solution, animal bladder or egg membrane (seml-permeable membrane
ane)
and beaker

Theory
Osmosis is a phenomenon in which there is a movement of water molecules from a region of their higher
concentration to a region of their lower concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.

Procedure
1. A thistle funnel is taken.
2. An animal bladder is tied at the mouth of the funnel.
3. The thistle funnel is fixed to a stand in an inverted
-Level rises
manner.
4. A beaker filled with water is taken and kept at the -Initial level

base of the stand.

Stand- -Beaker
5. The thistle funnel is introduced in the beaker. -Water
6. Sugar solution is poured into the stem of the thistle Thiste funnel
Sugar solution
funnel.
-Animal bladder
7. The level of the solution is marked.
8. The apparatus is left undisturbed for a few hours. c

Fig. Experimental set-up to demonstrate osmosa

Observations
The level of the sugar solution rises in the stem of the thistle funnel

Tagether with Lab Manual Biology (ICSE)-10 18

Conclusion

The water from the beaker moves into the thistle funnel through the animal bladder which is the semi-
permeable membrane.

Precautions

1. The animal bladder should be intact.

2.2. The levelof the sugarsolution in the thistlefunnel should be carefullynoted.
Experiment 2(D)
Aim
To demonstrate the process of osmosis with the
help of a potato osmoscope.
Materials Required
Potato, knife, 20% sugar solution, petri dish, beaker, water and long oilpins.

Theory
Osmosis is a process in which there is a movement of water molecules from a regionofhigher concentration
to a region of lower concentration across a semi-permeable membrane. It is a very important process as
1. It helps plants to absorb water from the soil,
2. It helps in movement of water from one cell to another in organisms
3. It helps in many types of plant movements.

Procedure
1. Take a large, firm potato and peel it.
2 Make one end of the potato flat.
3. Make a hollow cavity in the potato as shown in the figure. The sides and base should be intact. The
cavity has to be made in the end opposite to the flat end.

- Potato
Potato
Final level
Initial level Initial level
Sugar solution Sugar solution
-Water Water
- Beaker
Beaker

Initial level of sugar solution in Increase in level of sucrose in

a cavity of potato cavity of potato due to osmosis

Fig. Demonstration of osmosis in an oil potato osmoscope.

4. Fill the cavity about 3/4 with sugar solution and mark its level with a oil pin placed in a slanting
manner. This is the osmoscope.
5. Place the osmoscope in a petri dish which is half flled with wate
6. Leave it undisturbed for about an hour.

19 Experiments
Observations
in the hollow cavity.
It can arked with another
be marked with annst

There is a rise in the level of the sugar solution present

oil pin.
Result
Water enters from the dish into the cavity across the cell membranes of the potato cells becaso.
of
petri
Osmosis.
IPrecautions
1. The osmoscope should be made carefully. The base should not be damaged.
2. The oil pin should be carefully placed to mark the initial level of the sugar solution.
 Experiment 3
Experiment 3(A)
Aim
To show that plants carry out transpiration with the help of their leaves-Bell jar
experiment.
Materials Required
Bell jars, heatlhy green potted
plant, a pot with soil and polythene bag.

Theory
Transpiration is a process in which loss of water in the form of water vapour takes place, from the
parts of the plant body. It is classified as - aerial
1. Stomatal transpiration: The loss of water vapour takes place from the stomata which are minute
pores present on the surface of the leaf. These are surrounded with guard cells. The
the opening and closing of stomata. When the guard cells control
guard cells are turgid the stomata open and when they
are flaccid they close.
2. Cuticular transpiration: In some plants the loss of
water vapour takes place from the cuticle present
above the epidermis of the leaf or stem.
3. Lenticular transpiration: Some of the old stems of
plants have pores called lenticels. When water
vapour is lost through the lenticels it is called lenticular transpiration.
Transpiration rate is affected by a number of factors like humidity, light, temperature, wind, CO,
concentration and water in the soil. These are the external factors. Some of the internal factors are
leaf area and structure of the leaf.
Significance of transpiration
1. It influences absorption of water from the soil.
2. The water absorbed by the plant helps in
photosynthesis.
3. It helps in cooling the plant.
4. It leads to wilting of the plant.
5. Excessive transpiration leads to stunted growth.
IProcedure
1. The potted plant is watered well.
2. The potted plant is kept on a flat surface.
3. The pot and the soil surface is covered with a polythene sheet.
4. The pot without the plant is also kept on a filat surface and covered with
polythene.

Together wih Lab Manual Biology (ICSE)-10

 Droplets of water

Healthy green plant

Soil

Soil
Bell jar Polythene bag
Polythene bag

Fig. Bell jar experiment

5. Both the pots are covered with dry bell jars.
6. They are left undisturbed for about half an hour.

Observations
Drops of water are seen on the inner surface of the bell jar which was used to cover the potted plant. There
were no water droplets in the other bell jar.

Conclusion
Water vapour which is lost from the aerial parts of the plant condenses and so water droplets are seen.
There is no other source of water in the set-up. No droplets are seen on the bell jar which was placed over
the pot without the plant.
Precautions
1. The potted plants should not be exposed to bright sunlight.
2 A healthy plant should be chosen for the experiment.
3. The soil surface should be covered properly with a polythene bag.
4. The bell jar should rest properly on the flat surface to ensure that no air enters.
Experiment 3(B)
Aim
To compare the rate of transpiration from the upper and lower surfaces of a leaf using cobalt chloride paper.

Materials Required
Filter paper, cobalt chloride (CoC1,) solution, glass slides, rubberbands, dessicator anda potted plant.

Theory
Theory is same as 3(A).

Procedure
1. Cut thin strips of filter paper and dip them in CoCl, solution.
2. Dry the cobalt chloride paper strips thoroughly in a dessicator.

23 Experiments
 3. The pink coloured strips become blue when dried in a
dessicator.
4. Two strips are taken and they one is fixed on the lower surface and the other on the upper surface
and rubber bands.
a
leaf with the help of glass slides
5. Observe the time taken for the strip of the lower surface and the strip of the upper surface to change
colour from blue to pink.

Rubber band
Cobalt chloride paper

-Glass slides

Fig. Experimental set-up to compare the rate of transpiration

from upper and lower surface of a leaf.

Observations
It is observed that the strip fixed on the lower surface of the leaf turns pink earlier as compared to the strip
attached to the upper surface.
Conclusion
The strip changed colour from blue to pink because of the water vapour released from the leaf due to
transpiration. Since more stomata are present in the lower surface the strip fixed to the lower surface
turned pink quickly.

Precautions
The cobalt chloride strips should be dried completely.
2. The cobalt chloride paper strips should not be handled with wet
3. The strips should be completely covered with the glass slides.
hands.
4 The strips should be covered with the glass slides and the rubber
bands should be fixed properly.

Tagecher wes Lab Manual Biology (ICSE)-10 24

Experiment 3(C)

Aim

To measure the water taken in by a plant because of transpiration, with the help of Ganong's potometer.

Materials Required
Ganong's potometer, twig of a plant like Coleus, knife, water, beaker and colouring agent (eosin).

Theory
Theory is same as 3(A).

Procedure
1. The twig of a plant is taken.
2. It is cut with a sharp knife and fitted at one end of the capillary tube.
3. The graduated capillary tube is filled with water.
4. One end of the tube is made to dip in a beaker containing coloured water.
5. An air bubble is introduced into the horizontal graduated capillary tube by lifting the bent capillary
tube above the coloured water.
6. As the process of transpiration takes place from the twig the bubble moves forward. This is because
of the suction force which pulls the water from the beaker.
7. Since the capillary tube is graduated the reading would give an idea about the volume of water lost.
8. The air bubble can again be brought into the capillary tube by releasing some water from the stop-
cock.
Twig of Coleus

Water

Capillary tube
Stopcock
-Air bubble

Beaker
Water coloured
with eosin

Fig. Ganongs Potometer

IObservations
As the process of transpiration takes place from the twig the bubble moves forward. This is because of
the suction force which pulls the coloured water from the beaker. Since the capillary tube is graduated the
reading would give an idea about the volume of water lost.

25 Experiments
 Conclusion
of water by the roots. This water then
Transpiration takes place from the leaves and results absorption
in
moves up to the leaves through the stem.

Precautions
should be air spaces.
The entire apparatus should be filled with water. There
no
.
2. The air bubble should be carefully introduced.

Limitations of a Ganong's potometer

the rate of water uptake by a shoot cut from
AGanong's potometer is a device which is used to measure
a plant. It does not measure the transpiration rate directly.
The processes of transpiration and absorption are
is assessed. It is a difficult process
interrelated and so the rate of absorption is measured and transpiration rate
some water is used by the plant
and requires accurate observation hence it is often not used. In this process,
The cobalt chloride
for metabolic activities. The rate at which this water used is not shown by the potometer.
in comparing the rate of transpiration.
paper strip experiment is simpler and it directly helps
 Experiment 4

Experiment 4(A)
Aim
To show that oxygen is evolved during photosynthesis.

Materials Required
Beaker, glass funnel, Hydrilla plant twigs, water, splinter, matchbox, test tube and sodium bicarbonate.

Theory
Photosynthesis is a process in which green plants are able to make their own food in the presence of sunlight
(photo-light; synthesis-to make). The food is prepared with the help of simple raw materials like carbon
dioxide and water. The plants make sugar which on
polymerization forms starch. Carbon dioxide is taken
in by the stomata and water is absorbed from the soil
by the roots. Chlorophyll present in the leaves traps
sunlight. The first phase of photosynthesis is dependent on light but the second phase is independent of
light. This mode of nutrition is called as autotrophic nutrition. The process is represented in the form of an
equationas
6CO,+ 12H,0 Chloroplhvl C.H,0, +6H,O +60,T
Photosynthesis is a very important process because many animals depend on the food which is prepared
by green plants. Moreover oxygen is released which most organisms need for respiration.

Procedure
1. Hydrilla plant twigs are taken in a glass funnel.
2. The funnel is inverted in a beaker containing water.
3. A test tube filled with water is inverted over the stem of the funnel.
4. A pinch of sodium bicarbonate is added in the water contained in the
beaker, so that carbon dioxide
is produced.

Tagether wtot° Lab Manual Biology (ICcSE)-10

 apparatus is kept in
The sunlight for a few hours.

Sun
Gas bubbles

Test tube filled with water

Beaker containing water

Glass Funnel

Hydrilla plant twig

Fig. Experimental set-up to show that oxygen is evolved during
photosynthesiS

Observations
Bubbles are seen rising from the stem of the funnel. After sometime the test tube loses all its water andd
becomes empty. A glowing splinter is introduced in the test tube, it bursts into flames.

Conclusion
The gas evolved in the test tube is oxygen as it supports combustion.

IPrecautions

1. Hydrilla plant twigs should be completely submerged in water.

2. The empty test tube should be carefully removed
by placing the thumb at the mouth of the test
tube.
3. Sodium bicarbonate should be added to the water that the
so plant gets carbon dioxide which is
needed for photosynthesis.
Experiment 4(B)
Aim
To show that carbon dioxide is
necessary for photosynthesis.
Materials Required
Glass bottle, split cork, potassium hydroxide solution, a healthy potted plant with long green leaves, iodine
solution, alcohol, spirit lamp, tripod stand, beaker, water bath containing water and petri dish.

ITheory
Theory is same as 4(A).

29 Experiments
 Procedure
1. A healthy green plant with long leaves is taken.

2. The plant is kept in darkness for 24 hours.

3. The next day, a bottle containing potassium hydroxide is taken and its mouth Is closed with a cork
cork
which is split in the middle.
4. One of the leaves of the plant is introduced through the split cork into the bottle. Only half the leae
leaf
is introduced.

Sun

Split cork

Healthy green potted plant

Potassium
hydroxide
solution

Beaker P e t r i dish

Alcohol Iodine solution

Water bath
containing water

Part of the leaf in the bottle

JL
containing KOH will not give
a blue-black colour with iodine
Tripod stand

Spirit lampp Blue-black colour

Yellow

Leaf being boiled in alcohol

over a water bath

Fig Experimental set-up to show that carbon dioxide is necessaryfor photosynthesis

5. The plant and the bottle are exposed to sunlight for a few hours.
6. The leaf which was introduced in the bottle is removed.
7. It is boiled in alcohol in a beaker which is kept in a water bath.
8. The leaf becomes colourless.
9. The colourless leaf is washed in water and dipped in iodine.

Together witt® Lab Manual Biology (ICSE)-10| 30

Observations

The portion of the leaf which is inside the bottle does not
give a blue-black colour with iodine but the
portion of the leaf which was outside gives a blue-black colour with iodine.
P

Conclusion

The portion of the leaf which was inside the bottle in which there was potassium hydroxide did not get
carbon dioxide due to the absorption of CO, by KOH, so it could not makefood
Precautions

1. The plant should be properly destarched.

2. The split cork should be fit tightly in the mouth of the bottle so that the apparatus is airtight.
Experiment 4(C)

Aim
To show that light is necessary for photosynthesis.

Materials Required
Black strips of paper, glass slides, a healthy green plant, alcohol, water, beaker,
water bath, spirit lamp,
tripod stand, rubber bands, petri dish and iodine solution.

Theory
Theory is same as 4(A).

Procedure
1. A healthy green plant is taken.
2. It is destarched by keeping it in darkness for about 24 hours so that the food made earlier is used uP
by the plant.
3 The next day, one of the leaves is covered in the middle with black strips of paper.
4. The black strips are fixed with glass slides with the help of rubber
The plant is exposed to sunlight for a few hours.
bands.
6. After a few hours, the experimental leaf is removed. It is boiled in alcohol in a beaker over a water
bath.
7. When the leaf becomes colourless it is removed and washed with water.
8. The leaf is dipped in iodine.

Experiments
 Experiment 4(D)

Aim
Healthy green plarM To show that chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis.

Materials Required
strir
ack paper A potted plant with variegated leaves like Coleus/Croton (green in some parts and non-green in some
wth ogiass oloe parts),
pencil, note pad, iodine solution, alcohol, petri dish, beaker, tripod stand, burner and vessel
containing
water.

Pol
Theoryv
Theory is same as 4(A).

Procedure
Beaker
Acohol
1A healthy plant with variegated leaves is taken and kept in darkness for about 24 hours to destarch
odine soulon t
Water bath Peln dsh Blue tiack

Ded nettu
2. Itis exposed to sunlight.
tohe 4ia 3. After 4-5 hours 2 or 3 leaves are plucked.
Tnpod and
Blue black 4. Adrawing of the leaves is made in a note pad to mark the green and non-green parts,
1eaf shrawing isrth wdnertna then boiled in alcohol
Spirit lamp
L4ght s ecessary lor p A ene]
5. The lcaves are over a water bath.
6. The leaves become colourless after sometime
Leal being boiled n
aicohol Over a weler batn 7 They are washed with water and dipped in iodine solution.

Fig. Experimental set-up to show that lighi is necessarn for photasynthesus

Beaker
Observations Alcohol
The portion of the leaf which was covered with the black strips of paper did not tum blue-black when Water bath Petn dish lodine solution
dipped in iodine whereas the rest of the leaf did. containing water

Precautions
Tnpod stand
The plant should be destarched properly
The leaf should be boiled in alcohol over a water bath because if we boil directly, the alcohol can
catch fire. Burner
The black strips of paper should be fixed properly and that portion of the leaf on which the strips be
are altached should not be exposed to sunlight at all. LeafDeing boded in
aiconoi aver a water bath

Observations
The green parts of the leaves turnm blue-black in colour.

Tepedes d Lab Manual Biology (IcSE)-10 Experimentu

 Conclusion
they carry out photosynthesis. Thus, they
s, they make starch
make
the chlorophyll
.
so
The green parts of leaves have
which gives a blue-black colour with iodine.

Precautions
1. The drawing of the leaves should be done carefully.
2. The plant should be well watered.
inflammable.
3. The leaves should be boiled carefully since alcohol is