Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION XI
DIVISION OF DAVAO DEL SUR
INAWAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Inawayan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
School ID: 304278

Earth and Life Science

Performance Task No. 2

Name: _Alejah___Casimero________________________________ Grade and Section: 11

Amethyst________________________

Group Number: _3___________________________ Date: ______________

Experiment # 1: Human Cheek Cell Experiment

Objective: To observe and identify human cheek cells under a microscope, and to learn about the structure
and function of cells.

Materials Needed:

 Microscope - Staining solution (e.g., methylene blue or iodine)

 Microscope slide - Dropper or pipette

 Coverslip - Distilled water

 Toothpick or cotton swab - Paper towels or tissue

 Gloves - Mask

Procedure:

1. Preparation:

o Wash your hands thoroughly and put on gloves (optional).

o Take a clean microscope slide and place it on a flat surface.

o Add a small drop of distilled water onto the slide using a dropper or pipette.

2. Collecting the Sample:

o Using a cotton swab or the end of a toothpick, gently scrape the inside of your cheek. Be sure
to collect a small amount of cells (a few cells are sufficient).

o Gently stir the swab or toothpick in the drop of water on the slide to transfer the cells onto the
slide.

3. Staining the Cells:

o Place a small drop of methylene blue or iodine solution over the cells on the slide. This will
help highlight the structure of the cells.

o Wait for about 1–2 minutes for the stain to take effect.
 4. Covering the Cells:

o Place a coverslip at a 45-degree angle over the stained sample, then gently lower it to avoid
air bubbles.

5. Observing the Cells:

o Start by using the lowest magnification on the microscope to find the cells.

o Once you have located the cheek cells, switch to a higher magnification to observe the details
of the cells, such as the cell membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm.

6. Recording Observations:

o Draw what you observe under the microscope. Label the key structures, such as the cell
membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm.

o Note any interesting features, such as the shape or size of the cells.

Post-Activity Questions:

1. What did you observe when looking at the cheek cells under the microscope?

o Describe the shape and size of the cells.

Answer: Size: Cheek cells are relatively large, easily visible under a standard light microscope.

- Shape: They are generally flat and irregular, often resembling a slightly squashed oval or a polygon.

You may also see a distinct nucleus, a darker, round structure within the cell that contains the cell's genetic
material

o What parts of the cell were visible, and what were their appearances?

Answer: _Cell Membrane: This thin outer layer is often difficult to see clearly, but it defines the cell's
boundary.

- Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance that fills the cell. It appears as a slightly granular, transparent area
surrounding the nucleus.

- Nucleus: This is the most prominent structure in the cell. It appears as a darker, round or oval shape, often
with a denser region called the nucleolus.

2. Why is it important to stain the cells before observing them under a microscope?

o What does the stain reveal about the cells?

Answer: _Nucleus: Stains like methylene blue or iodine will color the nucleus a darker shade, making it
stand out against the lighter cytoplasm. This helps distinguish the nucleus and its structure, including the
nucleolus, which may appear as a darker spot within the nucleus.

- Cytoplasm: Stains can highlight the cytoplasm's granular texture, making it easier to see its boundaries
and differentiate it from the nucleus.
- Cell Membrane: While the cell membrane itself is very thin, stains can sometimes help visualize its
outline, especially in preparation techniques that highlight the cell's outer boundary.

3. How does the appearance of human cheek cells compare to plant cells?

o Are there any major differences in their structures?

Answer: Cell Size: Some cells might be slightly larger or smaller than others.

Nucleus Shape: The nucleus might be more round or oval in some cells, while others could have a slightly
irregular shape.

Cytoplasm Texture: The granularity and density of the cytoplasm could vary.

Presence of Inclusions: You might occasionally see small, dark inclusions in the cytoplasm, which could be
storage granules or other cellular components.

4. What could you do to improve the clarity of your observations in future experiments?

o Discuss ways to reduce air bubbles or get a better focus.

Answer: Reducing Air Bubbles:

- Gentle Application: Apply the cheek cell sample to the slide slowly and carefully, avoiding vigorous
spreading that can trap air.

- Cover Slip Placement: Place the coverslip at a 45-degree angle onto the slide, allowing the liquid to
flow in before gently lowering it down. This helps prevent air from getting trapped underneath.

- Pressing Out Bubbles: If bubbles do form, gently press on the coverslip with a clean fingertip or a
piece of filter paper. This can help push the air out, but be careful not to crush the cells.

Achieving Better Focus:

- Cleanliness: Ensure the slide and coverslip are clean and free of any debris that could interfere with
focus.

- Proper Lighting: Adjust the microscope's light intensity to ensure optimal illumination for viewing
the cells.

- Fine Focus Adjustment: Use the fine focus knob on the microscope to make small, precise
adjustments until the cells are sharp and clear.

- Lowering the Objective: Start with the objective lens at a low magnification and gradually increase
it. This helps avoid accidentally damaging the slide or the cells.

If you were to repeat the experiment, would you change anything? Why?

o Consider different staining methods or different parts of the cheek to scrape for a sample.
Answer:

Staining Methods

Methylene Blue: This is a common stain that highlights the nucleus and cytoplasm, making them easier to
differentiate. It's ideal for general observation of cheek cell structure.

Iodine: This stain is also effective for visualizing the nucleus and cytoplasm, but it can provide a different
contrast compared to methylene blue.

Wright's Stain: This stain is commonly used in blood smears, but it can also be used for cheek cells. It
provides a more detailed differential staining of the cell components, revealing different structures within
the cytoplasm.

Scraping Different Areas:

Inner Cheek: Scraping the inside of the cheek near the gums usually yields a good sample of epithelial cells.

Outer Cheek: Scraping the outer cheek might provide a mix of epithelial cells and cells from the mucous
membrane.

Additional Tips:

Multiple Slides: Prepare multiple slides with different staining methods and scraping locations to compare
the results.

Control Slides: Prepare a control slide with only the staining solution to observe the background color and
any potential artifacts.

Documentation through pictures:

 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION XI
DIVISION OF DAVAO DEL SUR
INAWAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Inawayan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
School ID: 304278

Earth and Life Science

Performance Task No. 2

Name: ____________________________________ Grade and Section: ________________________

Group Number: ____________________________ Date: ___________________________________

Experiment # 2: Observing Plant Leaf Cells Under the Microscope

Objective: To examine the structure of plant leaf cells under a microscope, and understand their functions,
including how they contribute to photosynthesis and plant structure.

Materials Needed:

 Microscope - Forceps or scissors

 Microscope slide - Dropper (for water)

 Coverslip - small container of water/Alcohol

 Plant leaf - Paper towels or tissue

 Gloves - Mask

Procedure:

1. Preparation:

o Wash your hands thoroughly and put on gloves if necessary.

o Prepare a clean microscope slide and coverslip.

2. Preparing the Leaf Sample:

o Take a small, fresh leaf from a plant. A leaf that is thin and not too waxy works best.

o Use forceps or scissors to cut a small, square section from the middle of the leaf.

3. Mounting the Leaf:

o Place the leaf section on the microscope slide.

o Add a small drop of distilled water to the leaf tissue to keep it hydrated and prevent it from
drying out during observation.

4. Covering the Sample:

o Carefully place a coverslip at a 45-degree angle over the sample to avoid trapping air
bubbles. Slowly lower the coverslip to avoid damaging the leaf tissue.
 5. Observing the Leaf Cells:

o Begin by using the lowest magnification on your microscope to locate the leaf cells.

6. Recording Observations:

o Draw what you observe under the microscope. Label the cell wall, chloroplasts, cytoplasm,
nucleus, and any other structures you can identify.

o Note the arrangement of the cells (whether they are in rows, layers, etc.).

Post-Activity Questions:

1. What did you observe when looking at the plant leaf cells under the microscope?

o Describe the shape, size, and arrangement of the cells.

Answer: __Plant leaf cells are typically rectangular or elongated in shape. They are relatively small, usually
measuring around 10-100 micrometers in length. These cells are arranged in a tightly packed, continuous
layer, forming the leaf's structure.

o What visible cell structures could you identify? How did they appear?

Answer: __Under a microscope, you would likely see these structures in plant leaf cells:

- Cell Wall: A rigid, outer layer that gives the cell its shape and protects it. It appears as a thick, clear line
around the cell.

- Chloroplasts: Green, oval-shaped organelles responsible for photosynthesis. They appear as small, green
dots scattered throughout the cell.

- Nucleus: A large, round structure that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA). It often appears darker
than the surrounding cytoplasm.

- Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance that fills the cell and contains various organelles. It appears as a clear
or slightly granular background.

- Vacuole: A large, fluid-filled sac that stores water, nutrients, and waste products. It may appear as a clear,
empty space within the cell, depending on the cell's water content.

2. What role do chloroplasts play in plant cells?

o Why are chloroplasts especially important for leaf cells?

Answer: _Chloroplasts are crucial for leaf cells because they are the sites of photosynthesis, the process by
which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of sugars.

Here's why this is important:

- Food Production: Photosynthesis is how plants make their own food, providing them with the energy they
need to grow and thrive.

- Oxygen Production: As a byproduct of photosynthesis, plants release oxygen into the atmosphere, which is
essential for all living things.

Without chloroplasts, leaf cells wouldn't be able to perform photosynthesis, which is the foundation of their
function and the entire food chain.

3. What is the purpose of the cell wall in plant cells?

o How does the cell wall contribute to the strength and shape of the leaf?

Answer: _The cell wall is like a strong, rigid box that surrounds each plant cell. Here's how it contributes to
the strength and shape of a leaf:

Structural Support: The cell wall provides a framework that keeps the cells in their proper positions,
maintaining the leaf's overall shape.

Rigidity: It gives the leaf its stiffness and prevents it from collapsing under its own weight or from being
easily damaged by wind or rain.

Protection: The cell wall also acts as a barrier, shielding the delicate cell membrane and internal structures
from outside threats.

Imagine a leaf as a building made of many bricks. The cell walls are like the mortar that holds the bricks
(cells) together, giving the entire structure strength and a defined shape.

4. How do plant cells differ from animal cells?

o What key structures are present in plant cells but not animal cells (e.g., cell wall,
chloroplasts)?

Answer: _Here are some key structures found in plant cells but not animal cells:

Cell Wall: This rigid outer layer provides structural support, protection, and helps maintain the cell's shape.

Chloroplasts: These organelles are responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light
energy into chemical energy.

Large Central Vacuole: This large, fluid-filled sac stores water, nutrients, and waste products. It helps
maintain turgor pressure, which keeps the plant upright.

Plasmodesmata: These are small channels that connect the cytoplasm of adjacent plant cells, allowing for
communication and transport of molecules between them.
These structures are absent in animal cells because animals obtain their energy from consuming other
organisms, unlike plants which can produce their own food through photosynthesis.

5. How might the arrangement of cells in a leaf help it perform its function in the plant?

o Think about how the arrangement of cells contributes to the leaf's role in photosynthesis, gas
exchange, and water transport.

Answer: _The arrangement of cells in a leaf is specifically designed to optimize its functions in
photosynthesis, gas exchange, and water transport:

Photosynthesis: Leaf cells are arranged in a tightly packed layer, maximizing their exposure to sunlight.
This allows for efficient light absorption by chloroplasts, the sites of photosynthesis.

Gas Exchange: The leaf's surface is covered with tiny pores called stomata. These pores allow for the
exchange of gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) needed for photosynthesis and oxygen (O2) produced as a
byproduct. The arrangement of cells around the stomata facilitates this exchange.

Water Transport: The leaf's vascular system, consisting of xylem and phloem, is strategically positioned
within the cell layers. Xylem vessels transport water from the roots to the leaves, while phloem vessels carry
sugars produced during photosynthesis to other parts of the plant. The arrangement of cells around these
vessels ensures efficient transport of water and nutrients throughout the leaf.

The organized structure of leaf cells, with their specialized functions, allows the leaf to effectively capture
sunlight, exchange gases, and transport water, making it a vital organ for plant survival.

6. What changes or adjustments could you make in future experiments to improve your
observations?`

o Discuss how using a different staining method or adjusting the magnification could enhance
your observations.

Answer: _Here's how different staining methods and magnification adjustments could enhance observations
of plant leaf cells:

Staining Methods:

Iodine: Staining with iodine helps to visualize the starch granules stored within chloroplasts and other cell
structures. This reveals more details about the cell's energy storage capabilities.

Methylene Blue: This stain is particularly effective at highlighting the nucleus and other cellular
components, providing a clearer view of the cell's control center.

Acetocarmine: This stain highlights the chromosomes within the nucleus, offering insights into the cell's
genetic material.

Magnification Adjustments:
Lower Magnification: Provides a broader view of the leaf's overall structure, showing the arrangement of
cells and how they interact with the vascular system.

Higher Magnification: Allows for a closer look at individual cells, revealing details of internal structures like
chloroplasts, vacuoles, and the cell wall.

By experimenting with different staining techniques and magnification levels, you can gain a more
comprehensive understanding of the complex structure and function of plant leaf cells.

Documentation through pictures:

Rubric for the Cheek Cell and Plant Leaf Microscope Experiments
This rubric will help assess students' performance during both the Human Cheek Cell Experiment and the
Plant Leaf Cell Experiment, focusing on the accuracy, clarity, and depth of their observations, as well as
their understanding of key biological concepts.

Criteria for Assessment:

Needs
Category Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory (2)
Improvement (1)

Sample collection
Cells are collected with Cells are collected Sample is poorly
is acceptable but
Sample great care, ensuring a carefully, but the collected, or there
may have errors
Collection clean and representative sample may be slightly are too many
(e.g., too many
sample. excessive or too small. artifacts or no cells.
cells or too few).

Slide Perfectly prepared slide Slide is well prepared Slide preparation is Poor slide
Preparation with no air bubbles, and with minor air bubbles adequate, but there preparation, leading
coverslip is placed or slight misalignment are noticeable air to significant issues
gently and evenly. of coverslip. bubbles or like many air
misalignment. bubbles or damaged
 Needs
Category Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory (2)
Improvement (1)

cells.

Staining is applied
Appropriate use of Staining is effective, but Staining is poorly
but may not have
Staining stain; staining time is stain may have been applied or skipped,
enhanced cell
Technique perfect, and the cells are applied slightly too making cell details
visibility
visibly enhanced. much or too little. hard to see.
sufficiently.

Clear, detailed
Adequate
observations under all Observations are
Clear observations at observations, but
magnifications. Key cell unclear or focused
Microscopic higher magnifications; some important
structures (nucleus, on incorrect areas;
Observation most key structures are structures are
membrane, cytoplasm) few or no cell
visible. missing or not
are visible and well- structures visible.
visible.
documented.

Drawings are Drawings are

Accurate, detailed, and Clear, accurate
somewhat accurate inaccurate or
well-labeled drawings drawings with most
Drawings but missing details incomplete with
of the cells; all major structures labeled
or not fully minimal or no
structures are labeled. correctly.
labeled. labeling.

Excellent understanding
Basic
of key cell structures
Good understanding of understanding of Lacks
Understanding (e.g., nucleus,
cell structures and their some structures, understanding of
of Cell membrane, chloroplasts)
functions, with minor but key functions basic cell structures
Structure and their functions in
misunderstandings. or details are and functions.
both plant and animal
unclear.
cells.

Responses are
Responses to questions
Responses are clear and Responses are incomplete,
Written are thorough, accurate,
mostly correct, with a somewhat correct, incorrect, or
Analysis and well-explained with
good understanding of but lack depth or demonstrate poor
(Questions) evidence from
key concepts. have minor errors. understanding of the
observations.
concepts.

Excellent lab technique,

Satisfactory lab Poor lab technique
cleanliness, and safety
Good lab technique, technique, but or safety concerns
Lab Technique throughout the
with minor lapses in some minor issues (e.g., messy work
& Safety experiment. No issues
cleanliness or safety. with cleanliness or area, improper
with contamination or
procedure. handling of tools).
errors.

Total Score:
 26–30 points (Excellent): The student demonstrates a deep understanding of both the experimental
procedure and the biological concepts involved. Observations are clear and thorough, with well-
prepared slides and accurate drawings.
 21–25 points (Good): The student shows a solid understanding of the experiment, with minor errors
in observations, drawing, or explanations. Lab work is mostly accurate, with a few minor issues.
 16–20 points (Satisfactory): The student completes the experiment with basic understanding but
lacks detail or has some key errors in procedure, observation, or analysis.
 5–15 points (Needs Improvement): The student struggles with the experimental procedure and the
concepts. There are significant errors in observations, drawings, or understanding of key concepts.