Chapter 1 Practical guidance

These practicals are included to give ideas for activities to support teaching of the Cambridge
International AS and A Level Biology syllabus.

The practicals chosen relate closely to the learning outcomes, and may be used to develop students’
practical skills in preparation for practical assessment. However, they are not intended to form a
complete practical course.

Safety
Although great care has been taken in checking the accuracy of the information provided, Cambridge
University Press shall not be responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.

Teachers and technicians should always follow their school and departmental safety policies. You must
ensure that you consult your employer’s model risk assessments and modify them as appropriate to
meet local circumstances before starting any practical work. Risk assessments will depend on your
own skills and experience, and the facilities available to you. Everyone has a responsibility for his or
her own safety and for the safety of others.

The practicals should be carried out by teachers themselves before they are presented to students.
Additional notes relating to each activity in this chapter are given below, but should not be regarded as
risk assessments.

Eye protection should be worn at all times.

Practical 1.1 A: Calibrating an eyepiece graticule

B: Preparing a slide of onion epidermal cells
It is recommended that a ready-made solution of 2% iodine in potassium iodide is purchased.
The ready-made solution is low hazard.

Practical 1.2 Preparing a slide of human cheek cells

It is recommended that a ready-made solution of 0.1% methylene blue is purchased. The ready-made
solution is low hazard.

Cotton buds, slides and cover slips should all be transferred to a 5% bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
solution immediately after use, and left there for at least 15 minutes. Alternatively, domestic chlorine-
based bleach can be used. This will usually have a concentration of less than 5% and therefore, a lower
hazard rating. It should be labelled ‘irritant’.

Slides and cover slips can then be washed for reuse, following normal procedure. Used cotton buds,
once disinfected, can be disposed of in a sealed bag with the normal refuse.

Practical 1.3 Preparing a slide of Elodea leaf cells

It is recommended that a ready-made solution of 2% iodine in potassium iodide is purchased.
The ready-made solution is low hazard.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology © Cambridge University Press 2014 1

If Elodea is not available, teachers can find a suitable locally available species of aquatic plant. An
alternative is to use leaves of moss plants.

Practical 1.4 Preparing slides of potato tubers and banana fruit to investigate

starch grains
It is recommended that a ready-made solution of 2% iodine in potassium iodide is purchased.
The ready-made solution is low hazard.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology © Cambridge University Press 2014 2