1. Name _______________________________ Date ____________________ Per. _____
Observing Cells Lab
Instructions: Create a lab report beginning on page 70 of your INB. The title of this lab is
Observing Cells Lab. After reading through the lab procedures, write a thorough
introduction explaining the purpose of this lab. Use your knowledge about plant and
animal cells to add details to the introduction. Write the materials and procedures for
part A under your introduction. Create an appropriate data table under the procedures
for part A. Next, write the materials and procedures for part B and create an
appropriate data table. For part C, go to the websites listed. Complete the virtual DNA
extraction lab first. Then read the procedures for How to Extract DNA from Any Living
Thing. Write procedures for extracting DNA from split peas. After extraction, you will be
looking at the DNA under the microscope, so add that as a step in your procedures and
create an appropriate data table for the lab.
Part A) ONION CELL LAB
Materials:
Onion
Iodine stain
Slide and cover slip
Dropper
Method:
1. Obtain a thin slice of onion from the teacher.
2. Put a drop of iodine stain on a slide.
- Be careful, stains can ruin clothing and other materials.
3. Place onion slice in iodine stain on the slide. The slice should not be wrinkled or
folded.
4. Put a cover slip over the stain.
5. Observe under low, medium and high powers.
6. Draw your observations on your paper for low, medium, and high powers.
a. Label the cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, and any other organelles you
observe (i.e. vacuoles).
7. Place your used materials in the designated area.
Part B) CHEEK CELL LAB
Materials:
Toothpick
Iodine stain
Slides and cover slips
Dropper
2. Name _______________________________ Date ____________________ Per. _____
Observing Cells Lab
Method:
1. Obtain a clean slide and cover slip.
2. Put a drop of iodine stain on a slide.
- Be careful, stains can ruin clothing and other materials.
3. Gently rub the end of a toothpick on the inside of your cheek.
- Be careful! Do not gouge out your cheek.
4. Stir the toothpick in the iodine stain.
5. Immediately, throw the toothpick away.
6. Put a cover slip over the stain.
7. Observe under low, medium and high powers.
8. Draw your observations on your paper for low, medium, and high powers.
a. Label the cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, and any other organelles you
observe (i.e. vacuoles).
9. Place your used materials in the designated area.
Part C) DNA EXTRACTION LAB
Virtual DNA Extraction lab –
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/
How to Extract DNA from Any Living Thing -
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/howto/
