Question

Give the steps involved in preparing a slide of onion cells to be viewed under a microscope.

Answer 1

Aim:

To prepare a slide of onion cells to view under a microscope.

Material required:

Onion, forceps, watch glass, water, dropper, iodine solution, cover slip, filter paper and microscope.

Procedure or steps involved:

1. Remove a fleshy leaf from the onion bulb.
2. Strip a thin layer with forceps.
3. Place a piece of it in a drop of water on a clean side.
4. With a dropper, add a drop of iodine onto it.
5. Gently cover with a cover slip.
6. Use a piece of filter paper to remove excess liquid from the slide. This type of slide is known as wet mount.
7. Place the slide on the microscope and observe.