Onion Root Tip

[ Start Page | Whitefish Page

Onion root tips are often used in lessons on mitosis because they contain actively dividing cells in the root meristem, making it a great resource to observe different stages of the cell cycle, including mitosis.

The root tips are usually soaked in a solution to soften them, making it easier to squash them on a slide for microscopic observation. To enhance visibility under the microscope, the root tips might be stained with dyes that will increase contrast of chromosomes for easier viewing.

Click on the highlighted areas below to view cells in different phases.

For each cell, indicate the phase it is in. This also includes interphase.

full onion tip click1 click2 click3 click4 click5