Observing mitosis in plant cells using a light microscope (including PMAT)
You can use a light microscope to observe and identify plant cells in different stages of mitosis.
Observing mitosis in plant cells using a light microscope (including PMAT)
You can use a light microscope to observe and identify plant cells in different stages of mitosis.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A light microscope can be used to observe plant cells in different stages of mitosis (e.g. from onion root tip).
- The parts of a light microscope and their functions.
- The sequence of steps to set up a light microscope to observe cells, including changing the magnification and focus.
- Explaining observations from microscopy using ideas about what happens during the cell cycle (including PMAT).
Common misconception
Recognising the difference between images of interphase and prophase. In particular, the idea of DNA condensing to form visible chromosomes during prophase.
There are two slides that aim to show the difference between DNA held within the nucleus and visible chromosomes where DNA has condensed. There is also a check for understanding question and practise task question to reinforce this concept.
Keywords
Light microscope - A type of microscope that uses visible light and a system of lenses to generate magnified images of small objects.
Mitosis - A type of cell division that produces genetically identical cells.
Lens - A piece of glass or other transparent material with curved sides, used in a microscope to magnify objects.
Magnification - Making small objects appear larger in order to see more detail.
Focus - A point where light rays converge to form an image with clarity.
Equipment
Light microscopes and prepared slides.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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