1.
Onion Cell Practical
Aim: To make and view your own slide of the cells of an onion bulb using a light
microscope.
Instructions
1. Cut an onion in half and remove the thin inner epidermis (thin internal layer) from
one of the leaves with forceps.
2. Cut this up into small squares about 5 mm square.
3. Place a square of epidermis on a slide, trying to get it as flat as possible. Then
place a drop of dilute iodine solution on top to stain the cells.
4. Place a coverslip over the top, lowering it carefully down so that air bubbles are
not trapped – use the end of a mounted needle to help you.
5. Place the slide under the low-power lens of the microscope, focusing carefully.
Then switch to high power and focus using the fine adjustment.
6. Draw (in pencil) three or four adjacent cells in the circles on this page. You should
show as much detail as possible, especially at the point where they join together. Repeat
this for another magnification.
7. Try to label any structures present in your cells.
8. Remember to note the magnification you are using.
Magnification: ___________ Magnification:___________
2. Cheek Cell Practical
Aim: To make and view your own slide of your own cheek cells.
Instructions
1. Gently scrape the inside of your cheek with a sterile cotton bud.
2. Now smear the scrapings onto the middle of a clean microscope slide.
3. Place your used cotton bud in a beaker of disinfectant.
4. Place a drop of dilute methylene blue on top to stain the cells.
5. Place a coverslip over the cells, lowering it carefully to avoid air bubbles.
6. Place the slide under the low-power lens of a microscope, focusing carefully.
Then switch to high power and focus using fine adjustment.
7. Draw (in pencil) two or three cells in detail in the circle below. Repeat this for a
different magnification.
8. Label any structures present in your cells.
9. Remember to note the magnification you are using.
Magnification: _________ Magnification: __________
