Introduction: Cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms. Plant and animal cells have unique structures and functions that can be observed under a microscope. In this practical investigation, we will learn how to use a microscope and examine the differences between plant and animal cells by observing and drawing their structures.

Keywords: Microscopic observation, plant cells, animal cells, microscope, structure, function.

Equipment:

• Microscope
• Glass microscope slides
• Coverslips
• Water
• Dropper
• Scissors
• Onion
• Iodine solution
• Methylene blue solution
• Paper towels
• Pencil and paper for drawing

Method:

1. Prepare the microscope:

• Place the microscope on a flat surface.
• Plug it in and turn it on.
• Adjust the light source to the appropriate level.
• Place a glass microscope slide on the stage.

2. Observe plant cells:

• Cut a thin slice of onion and place it on the microscope slide.
• Add a drop of water to the onion slice.
• Place a coverslip over the onion slice.
• Adjust the focus and observe the onion cells under low and high magnification.
• Use a pencil and paper to draw the structures observed.
• Add a drop of iodine solution to observe the nucleus more clearly.

3. Observe animal cells:

• Place a drop of methylene blue solution on a clean microscope slide.
• Add a drop of water to the methylene blue solution.
• Place a thin slice of animal tissue (such as the lining of the cheek) on the microscope slide.
• Place a coverslip over the animal tissue.
• Adjust the focus and observe the animal cells under low and high magnification.
• Use a pencil and paper to draw the structures observed.

Calculations/Expected Findings: There are no calculations involved in this practical investigation. The expected findings include the observation and drawing of plant and animal cells and the identification of their structures and functions.

Conclusion: Through this practical investigation, we can learn how to use a microscope and examine the unique structures and functions of plant and animal cells. By observing and drawing the cells, we can gain a better understanding of the characteristics that distinguish plant and animal cells from each other. This knowledge can be applied to many areas of biology, from basic research to medical diagnostics.

Questions:

1. What is a microscope used for in this investigation?
2. What are the differences between plant and animal cells?
3. What is the purpose of adding iodine solution when observing plant cells?
4. What is the purpose of adding methylene blue solution when observing animal cells?
5. How can observations of cells under a microscope be used in biology?

Answers:

1. The microscope is used to observe and draw plant and animal cells.
2. Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, while animal cells do not. Animal cells have centrioles, while plant cells do not.
3. Iodine solution is used to observe the nucleus more clearly.
4. Methylene blue solution is used to stain the animal cells so that their structures can be more easily observed.
5. Observations of cells under a microscope can be used in biology for a variety of applications, such as basic research, medical diagnostics, and biotechnology.

• Practical Biology