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

To link back to the topic page Plant tissues Back