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lab 2 final

The document outlines an experiment to visualize the different phases of mitosis in onion root tip cells, emphasizing the importance of mitosis in cell division and tissue growth. The procedure includes preparing slides with specific materials and observing various stages of mitosis under a microscope, with findings indicating that prophase is the longest phase. Additionally, it addresses precautions, questions about mitosis, and alternative materials for study.

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Kunwar Aryan Singh
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4 views

lab 2 final

The document outlines an experiment to visualize the different phases of mitosis in onion root tip cells, emphasizing the importance of mitosis in cell division and tissue growth. The procedure includes preparing slides with specific materials and observing various stages of mitosis under a microscope, with findings indicating that prophase is the longest phase. Additionally, it addresses precautions, questions about mitosis, and alternative materials for study.

Uploaded by

Kunwar Aryan Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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KUNWAR ARYAN SINGH

2023UCE0054
Lab 2: Visualisation of different phases of Mitosis in onion root tip cells.

Aim: - This experiment will focus on understanding cell division in plant cells. Cell division is of two
types mitosis and meiosis. Apart from gametes involved in reproduction, most of the cells undergo
mitosis for cell division and tissue growth. In this experiment using onion root tip cells we will
observe and study the different stages of mitosis and to quantify the frequency of cells undergoing
mitosis.

Theory:- Mitosis is a process of cell division that occurs in all eukaryotic cells. It is responsible for the
growth and repair of tissues, as well as for the production of genetically identical daughter cells from
a single parent cell. Mitosis is a highly regulated and complex process, involving the replication and
separation of chromosomes, and the partitioning of cytoplasmic contents. The mitotic process
consists of several distinct stages, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During
prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope breaks
down. During metaphase, the chromosomes line up along the equatorial plane of the cell. In
anaphase, the sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell. In telophase,
the chromosomes decondense, and the nuclear envelope reforms around the two sets of
chromosomes. Finally, the partitioning of the cytoplasm occurs called Cytokinesis. Mitosis is essential
for the proper functioning of multicellular organisms, and any disruption in the process can lead to
developmental abnormalities and diseases such as cancer. Understanding the mechanisms
underlying mitosis is, therefore, of fundamental importance for both basic and applied research.

Procedure: -

Materials required:
Onion bulb,
Sharp blade or scalpel
Microscope slides and coverslips
Glacial acetic acid
Ethanol
1% Hydrochloric acid
Aceto-carmine stain
Microscope
Stopwatch or timer
Distilled water
paraffin wax or nail polish.
Preparation of slide:

Take one or two preserved roots, wash them in water on a clean and grease free
slide.
Place one drop of HCl on the root tip followed by 2–3 drops of aceto-carmine stain
on it.
Put the root tips in the test tube containing dilute aceto-carmine solution and place
the test tube in the water bath at 60°C for about 10 mins.
Now cut the comparatively more stained (2–3 mm) tip portion of the root and retain
it on the slide and discard the remaining portion.
Put a drop of water on the root tip and mount a cover slip on it avoiding air bubbles.
Place the slide in between the folds of blotting paper using the fingers in such a way
that the cover slip mounted on the slide is properly held.

Observations/Data:

Pictures obtained on microscope of different phases :

Prophase

Metaphase

Anaphase
Telophase

Conclusion:
The experiment successfully demonstrates the different stages of mitosis in onion root tip
cells. Most cells are observed in prophase, indicating it's the longest phase, while fewer are in the
later stages like anaphase and telophase. This shows the organized and regulated nature of cell
division, essential for growth and tissue repair.

Precautions:

Make sure to handle the acid and stain with care, wear gloves, and work in a well-ventilated
area. Dispose of the chemicals and tissues properly in their respective discarding bins.

Questions & Answers :

Q.1. Why is mitosis also referred to as the equational division?


Mitosis is referred to as equational division because it results in two daughter cells that are
genetically identical to the parent cell, with each having the same number of chromosomes. The
genetic material is equally divided, ensuring the chromosome number remains constant in the
daughter cells.
Q.2. To study mitosis, what is the best time to harvest onion root tips and why?

The best time to harvest onion root tips for studying mitosis is about two hours after sunrise. This is
because cells in the root tips are actively dividing during this time, allowing for a higher number of
cells to be captured in different stages of mitosis, making the observation more effective.
Q.3. Other than an onion, can you suggest any other raw material for the study of mitosis.

Other than onion, garlic root tips or the root tips of bean plants (such as broad beans or fava beans)
can be used for the study of mitosis. These root tips, like onion, have actively dividing cells, making
them suitable for observing different stages of mitosis.

Q.4. Why is the stain acetocarmine used in this experiment?


Acetocarmine is used in this experiment because it stains chromosomes, making them more visible
under a microscope. This helps in clearly identifying and observing the different stages of mitosis, as
the chromosomes become distinct and easier to study during cell division.
Q.5. Where does the spindle fibre originate from?
The spindle fibers originate from the centrosomes (also known as microtubule-organizing centers) in
animal cells. In plant cells, which lack centrosomes, spindle fibers form from other microtubule-
organizing regions within the cell. These fibers play a key role in separating chromosomes during
mitosis.

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