Class X Practical: Plant Life - Microscopy (Mitosis Stages)

Objective

To observe and identify different stages of mitosis from permanent slides.

Guidelines

1. Microscope Setup: Place the permanent slide of mitosis stages on the microscope stage. Start with the lowest power objective lens.
2. Focusing: Adjust the coarse and fine adjustment knobs to bring the cells into clear focus.
3. Scanning: Systematically scan the slide to locate cells undergoing different stages of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase).
4. High Power Observation: Once a mitotic stage is located, switch to a higher power objective lens for detailed observation.
5. Identification: Identify the characteristic features of each stage:
   • Prophase: Chromosomes condense, nuclear envelope disappears.
   • Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
   • Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
   • Telophase: Chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes reform, cytokinesis begins.
6. Drawing: Draw neat, labeled diagrams of each identified mitotic stage.

Expected Outcome

Ability to recognize and differentiate between the various stages of cell division (mitosis) in plant cells from prepared slides.