Question

While preparing a temporary mount of leaf epidermis, it is suggested that instead of a sharp needle, a brush should be used to transfer the peel from Petri dish to slide. This is because

• A. Sharp needle does not allow mounting of peel.
• B. Needles can be used to prevent the entry of bubbles on the mount.
• C. Sharp needle may damage the cells.
• D. Needle does not help in the proper transfer of peel from Petri dish to slide.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Sharp needle may damage the cells.

The correct option is C.

Explanation of the correct option:

• The temporary mount of the leaf epidermis is prepared to visualize the stomatal openings in the leaf.
• During preparation, the peel is transferred from the petri-dish to the slide with the help of a brush.
• The needle is not used to transfer peel as it can damage the cells present in the peel.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

• The needle does not hinder the leaf mounting and is used to place a coverslip over the peel kept on the slide.

Option B:

• The needle is used to put the coverslip over the peel after placing it on the slide. The problem of bubble formation does not occur during the transfer of peel to the slide.

Option D:

• The transfer of peel to the slide is not done by needle because it can damage the cells.

Therefore, the peel from the Petri dish is transferred to the slide with the help of a brush instead of a needle because the needle can damage the cells.