Unit 2

Practical
Use of light microscope to make observations of transverse sections of roots, stems and leaves
Activity 1
a) Find and paste suitable, simple diagrams of light microscope and electron microscope.

b) Compare the light microscope with an electron microscope.

Light Microscope Electron Microscope

c) Compare the two types of electron microscopes; transmission electron microscope and scanning
electron microscope.

Transmission Electron Microscope Scanning Electron Microscope

d) i) Find and paste microscopic diagrams (with the arrangement of cells; similar to the given
diagram) of following given issues.
Transverse section of dicotyledonous plant leaf
Transverse section of monocotyledonous plant leaf
Cross section of stem
Cross section of leaf
Xylem tissue
Phloem tissue

Eg:

ii) For each tissue make a plan drawing/sketch and a drawing of detail cellular structure across a
thin layer.
Follow the instructions given below.
- Whole section is not needed to make a drawing; a thin partial section is better than a thick
whole section
- Plan drawing should only consist of lines to indicate the thickness of each tissue; no cells
should be drawn
 - Detail cellular structure ;
Should at least consist of one cell of each tissue in detail
start with an outline
keep cells large and think about proportions
do not use shading or colour
- Use a sharp HB pencil.
- Keep lines clear and continuous, not feathery or sketched
- Draw label lines in pencil with a ruler. Lines should not have arrowheads and should just touch
the item to be labelled.
-
Following given format should be used for all listed tissues
1. Transverse section of dicotyledonous plant leaf
Microscopic diagram

Plan drawing (line diagram)

Detail cellular diagram of a thin section