Observing Mitosis

Outcome: Chromosomes stained blue use orcein ethanoic stain

Method: Place test tube 2cm3 1M HCl into 60oC waterbath. Cut off 1-2cm root tip garlic root. Put in watch glass contain 2cm3 acetic alcohol for 12mins. Remove then place into another watch glass contain 5cm3 ice cold distilled water. Leave for 4-5mins, then remove & dry. Place tips into heated HCl for 5mins then repeat process again by step 3. When tips fragile, transfer 1 tip to microscope slide, cut 4-5mm from growing tip (site of mitosis) & keep tip. Gently macerate w/ mount needle, add 1 small drop of orcein ethanoic stain & leave 2mins. Add coverslip & blot with filter paper. View under microscope & identify stages of mitosis.

Calculations:Percentage cells in each stage mitosis Mitotic index = number cells contain visible chromosomes/total number cells in field view

Evaluation Index: Resolution microscope Human error counting number cells Enough time in solutions enable successful maceration/staining.

Method