Observing mitosis in plant cells using a light microscope
I can use a light microscope to observe plant cells in different stages of mitosis.
Observing mitosis in plant cells using a light microscope
I can use a light microscope to observe 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 for setting up a light microscope to observe cells, including changing the magnification & focus.
- Explaining observations from microscopy using ideas about what happens during stages of the cell cycle.
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.
Common misconception
Recognising that after cell growth DNA condenses to form visible chromosomes and the nuclear membrane breaks down.
There are 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 practice task question to reinforce this concept.
Equipment
Light microscopes, 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).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
DNA and sub-cellular structures are copied.
Chromosomes line up in the middle, are pulled apart. Nucleus divides.
Division of cytoplasm and cell membrane.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
