Mitosis under the microscope

Principle

Mitosis is observed under the microscope using a prepared specimen. The aim is to identify the different phases of cell division and to practise using the microscope safely.

Tasks

• Microscopy of a micro-preparation of the root tip of a kitchen onion
• Identify the individual phases of mitosis
• Draw a diagram of cells showing the individual phases of mitosis

Learning objectives

• Study mitosis under the microscope
• Identify the individual phases of mitosis under the microscope
• Understand the sequence of mitosis

Benefits

• Basic experiment in biology
• Micro-preparation uses the most suitable plant material for demonstrating mitosis