ChatGPT - Mitosis in Onion Root
ChatGPT - Mitosis in Onion Root
Here’s a detailed write-up for the practical "To identify and study mitosis in onion root tip."
The content is structured to span approximately five pages, with emphasis on detailed
theory and observations.
Aim
To prepare a temporary mount of an onion root tip and study the various stages of mitosis
under a microscope.
Materials Required
2. Watch glass
4. Scalpel or blade
5. Forceps
6. Acetocarmine stain
7. Microscope
9. Spirit lamp
1/4
10. Dropper
11. Needle
Theory
Mitosis is a type of cell division wherein a single cell divides to produce two identical
daughter cells. It is also called equational division since the chromosome number remains
the same in the parent and daughter cells. It occurs in the somatic cells and is crucial for
growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
1. Interphase: Though not a part of mitosis, it is a preparatory phase where the cell grows,
replicates its DNA, and synthesizes necessary proteins.
3. Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the equatorial plate, and spindle fibers attach to
their centromeres.
4. Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and are pulled towards opposite poles.
Onion root tips are commonly used for mitotic studies as they are regions of active cell
division. The cells are large, making the stages easily observable under a microscope.
Procedure
2/4
Place an onion bulb in a beaker filled with water to allow roots to grow (1-2 cm).
Cut the root tips (approximately 1-2 mm) using a sharp blade.
Place the cut root tips in a watch glass and boil them in a mixture of distilled water
and 1-2 drops of HCl for 2-3 minutes.
3. Staining:
Stain the softened root tips using acetocarmine for 10-15 minutes to highlight
chromosomes.
Gently press the cover slip using a needle or tissue paper to squash the root tip and
spread the cells.
5. Microscopic Observation:
Observe the slide under a compound microscope at low and high magnification.
Observations
1. Interphase: Cells show a clear nucleus with indistinct chromatin material. The nucleolus
is visible.
3. Metaphase: Chromosomes align along the equatorial plate. The spindle fibers are
attached to the centromeres.
4. Anaphase: The sister chromatids separate and are pulled towards opposite poles of the
cell.
3/4
6. Cytokinesis: The cytoplasm divides, resulting in two daughter cells.
The slide should show a mix of cells in various stages of mitosis, with clear visibility of
chromosomes during metaphase and anaphase.
Result
The stages of mitosis were successfully observed in the onion root tip cells, confirming the
sequential process of equational cell division.
Conclusion
Mitosis is a vital process for growth, repair, and maintenance of genetic continuity in
organisms. The study of onion root tips provides a clear and detailed understanding of this
process.
Precautions
3. Handle the acetocarmine stain carefully; it can cause stains on clothes and skin.
5. Ensure the slide is clean and free of air bubbles for clear microscopic observation.
This write-up, if written neatly and spaced well, should comfortably fit into five pages.
4/4