Complex permanent tissue

=Activity No # 1 - Observation of xylem and phloem=

Estimated Time
30 minutes

Materials/ Resources needed
A stem of a soft plant,blade,dissection needle,glass dish,safranin,cover slip,microscope etc.

Prerequisites/Instructions, if any
Observe the section carefully and try to identify xylem and phloem tissue and draw the picture of the same.

Process (How to do the activity)

 * select a piece of stem of a soft plant.
 * Cut very thin sections of the stem(10 to 20) and place them in a glass dish with water.
 * Select a fine section and transfer it to a glass slide.
 * Add 1 to 2 drops of safranin on the section and wash the extra stain with water.
 * Add 1 to 2 drops of glycerine and cover the section with a cover slip gently and remove the extra stain with a blotting paper.
 * Mount the slide on the microscope and observe carefully.

Developmental Questions (What discussion questions)

 * Name the different types of cells you observed?
 * Did you identify xylem and phloem cells?
 * Where are they situated?a.At the center. b.Intermediate. c.On the outer layer.

Evaluation (Questions for assessment of the child)

 * What is the structure of xylem as you observed?
 * What is the structure of phloem as you observed?
 * How are they arranged in the stem?

Question Corner
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