Practical 5
Investigating mitosis
To be able to prepare and stain a root tip to observe the stages of mitosis under a
microscope.
Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells. It is
important for development and growth as it populates an organism body with cells and
replaces old damaged cells. Mitosis consists of 4 phases: Prophase - chromosomes
condense and spindle fibres begin to emerge from the centrosomes; Metaphase -
centromeres reach opposite poles and chromosomes line up at the equator of the spindle;
Anaphase - the sister chromatids separate at the centromere, the spindle fibres begin to
shorten and the separated sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles; Telophase -
chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to decondense, nuclear envelopes begin to
reform around each set of chromosomes and the the spindle fibres break down[1]
Equipment:
● Garlic Roots
● Hydrochloric Acid
● Acetic Alcohol (ethanoic alcohol)
● Ice-cold distilled water
● Water bath at 60°C
● 2 watch glasses
● Test tubes
● Microscope (with magnification between x100 & x400) and microscope slides
● Soft tissue paper
● Pipettes
● Scalpel
Risk Assessment;
➔ Probability/severity of risk: 1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High/Likely
➔ Total Risk: 1, 2,3, 4, 6, 9
Risk: Hazard: Probability: Severity: Total Risk: Precaution:
hot liquid Burns 1 3 4 Take care when
handling hot liquids;
Hold the top of test
tube to avoid burning
fingers
acetic stain 2 1 3 If it spills clean up
orcein stain quickly and wash
hands to prevent
stains
Sharp Injuring 2 2 4 Take care when
objects yourself using this equipment,
(Scalpel) always use safely
and securely
Investigating mitosis
To be able to prepare and stain a root tip to observe the stages of mitosis under a
microscope.
Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells. It is
important for development and growth as it populates an organism body with cells and
replaces old damaged cells. Mitosis consists of 4 phases: Prophase - chromosomes
condense and spindle fibres begin to emerge from the centrosomes; Metaphase -
centromeres reach opposite poles and chromosomes line up at the equator of the spindle;
Anaphase - the sister chromatids separate at the centromere, the spindle fibres begin to
shorten and the separated sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles; Telophase -
chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to decondense, nuclear envelopes begin to
reform around each set of chromosomes and the the spindle fibres break down[1]
Equipment:
● Garlic Roots
● Hydrochloric Acid
● Acetic Alcohol (ethanoic alcohol)
● Ice-cold distilled water
● Water bath at 60°C
● 2 watch glasses
● Test tubes
● Microscope (with magnification between x100 & x400) and microscope slides
● Soft tissue paper
● Pipettes
● Scalpel
Risk Assessment;
➔ Probability/severity of risk: 1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High/Likely
➔ Total Risk: 1, 2,3, 4, 6, 9
Risk: Hazard: Probability: Severity: Total Risk: Precaution:
hot liquid Burns 1 3 4 Take care when
handling hot liquids;
Hold the top of test
tube to avoid burning
fingers
acetic stain 2 1 3 If it spills clean up
orcein stain quickly and wash
hands to prevent
stains
Sharp Injuring 2 2 4 Take care when
objects yourself using this equipment,
(Scalpel) always use safely
and securely
