The kit provides the clip on microscope, a slide, a cover slip and pipette for each student.
Not provided are the elodea plants (common aquarium plant) and water.
Observe that the cytoplasm of cells is in motion – cytoplasmic streaming.
Directly observe chloroplasts. Draw and label visible parts of the plant cell.
Learn about photosynthesis and its importance to both plants and animals.
to the image on the next slide.
then examined your own slide of onion cells.
But looks can be deceiving!
an aquarium plant
This leaf has only two
layers of cells.
find these items:
of the coverslip
over the
elodea leaf,
as shown.
let the cover slip gently drop onto
the wet tissue. Be sure the coverslip lays flat and that there are no air bubbles.
single leaf
from your
elodea plant
and place it
on the slide.
a small drop of tap water
onto the elodea leaf.
the excess water
on the OUTSIDE of the
coverslip with paper.
1. Use the two metal clips to hold
the microscope slide in place.
2. Center the sample over
over the microscope lens.
3. Turn on the light source.
4. Pinch open the clamp.
5. Gently line up the microscope
lens with the camera lens.
The cells will come into view
WHEN the two lenses are lined up.
6. Now use the clamp to hold
the microscope in place over
the camera lens on the device.
follow the directions in the video.
BE SURE TO TURN ON THE LIGHT!
This coloration is caused by compartments within each plant cell called
CHLOROPLASTS.
chloroplasts.
of elodea cells.
Recall that the interlocking of many
cells gives strength and form to the roots, stems and leaves of a plant.
for making each cell. This information is called “genetic” information.
The genetic information in the nucleus is encrypted in the molecule called -- Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid -- DNA!
inside the enlarged elodea cell?
This NUCLEUS is often obscured by the chloroplasts. Label it.
What does the nucleus DO
one elodea cell
with the nucleus visible.
is surrounded by a thick surface or wall?
Label this the CELL WALL.
What does the cell wall DO
• protect the cell
• maintain the cell’s shape
• prevent excessive water uptake
• are made up of cellulose
that encircles the cell. It is difficult
to distinguish at this magnification
but label it the PLASMA MEMBRANE.
What does the plasma membrane DO
The CYTOPLASM in elodea is packed with chloroplasts. The chloroplasts use sunlight,
water and carbon dioxide to make sugar.
Chloroplasts are sugar factories!
The PLASMA MEMBRANE
controls what goes in and out of a cell.
that is OUTSIDE the nucleus.
Label it on your elodea cell diagram.
What does the cytoplasm DO
waste product -- oxygen (O2)!
This O2 goes into the air and is
the very oxygen that you need to breathe.
and use it to combine two simple molecules: carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and
water (H2O) from the ground to make sugar!
dioxide
inside plant cells that capture energy
from sunlight to make sugar.
has made to life on this planet.
photosynthesis because humans
and all animals must breathe
in oxygen to live!
From Photosynthesis
stored in the plants.
must eat to live.
We need energy from food.
We cannot make our
own food as plants do
from sunlight and basic
ingredients (H2O, CO2).
So we must eat plants
or other animals that
eat plants to survive.
water
carbon dioxide
glucose
ingredients required
for photosynthesis
key product
of photosynthesis
product of
photosynthesis
outer layer made of
cellulose. Name it
inside a plant cell that
stores most of the DNA
of photosynthesis
a plant green
chloroplasts do
green wavelengths of white light!
carbon dioxide to make
glucose, a sugar.
