Plant Cell Lab (Makeup)

Purpose: Students will observe plant cells using a light microscope. Two cells will be observed, one from the skin of an onion, and the other from a common aquarium water plant (anacharis). Students will compare both types of cells. See also: Plant Cell Lab for the original lab worksheet

Prelab Questions

1. What is the function of chloroplasts?

2. Name two structures found in plant cells but not animal cells.

3. Name three structures found in plant cells AND in animal cells.

4. What structure surrounds the cell membrane (in plants) and gives the cell support.

Procedure: Go to www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/plantcells.html which contains images of cells as they were viewed in the lab. You will use these images to complete this worksheet.

Part A - Onion Cells

Obtain a prepared slide of onion cells or prepare one yourself. View under the microscope and sketch the cells at each magnification. Label the cells as they appear under high power.

Part B - Elodea Cells

View a prepared slide of elodea (anacharis), which is an aquarium plant. As the slide warms from the light of the microscope, you may see the chloroplasts moving, a process called cytoplasmic streaming.

Post Lab Questions

1. Describe the shape and the location of chloroplasts.

2. Why were no chloroplasts found in the onion cells? (hint: think about where you find onions)

3. Which type of cell was smaller - the onion cells or the elodea cells?

4. Fill out theVenn Diagram below to show the differences and similarities between the onion cells and the elodea cells.