The dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous leaf under the microscope

Principle

Using a prepared leaf cross-section specimen, the differences between monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous leaves are examined under the microscope. The aim is to identify the characteristic features of both leaf types, such as the arrangement of the vascular bundles and the structure of the mesophyll, while at the same time practising the safe use of the microscope.

Tasks

• Microscopically examine both a dicotyledonous and a monocotyledonous leaf cross-section
• Identifying the differences between the two leaf types
• Schematically drawing the two cross-sections

Learning objectives

• Studying the leaf anatomy of dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants
• Identifying the differences between the two leaf types
• Understanding the functions of the individual leaf components

Benefits

• Elementary experiment in biology
• Microslide contains leaf cross-sections of both plant types