BUKIDNON STATE UNIVERSITY

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700

Tel (088) 813-5661 to 5663; TeleFax (088) 813-2717, www.buksu.edu.ph

Name: GALANIDA, CHARMAINE FEY L.

Section Code: A469

Activity No. 7 Mitosis in Onion Root Tip Experiment

Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell division).
Onion is a monocot plant. Monocotyledonous plants possess large chromosomes that are
clearly visible. Hence, their root tips are used to demonstrate mitosis in this experiment it is
because the meristematic cells that are situated in the tip of the roots render the most desirable
and suitable raw material to study the different stages of mitosis.

Objective:

• To observe and identify cells in various stages of mitosis, including interphase,

prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
• To gain insights into the dynamic processes of the cell cycle and how cells progress
through different phases.
• To develop skills in the preparation of microscope slides and the use of a light
microscope for the detailed examination of cellular structures.

Materials:

• Compound microscope
• Needle
• Acetocarmine stain
• Vial
• Water
• Dropper
• Burner/alcohol lamp
• Match/lighter
• N/10 Hydrochloric acid
• Filter paper/tissue paper
• Coverslip
• Aceto alcohol (Glacial acetic acid and Ethanol in the ratio 1:3)
• Glass Slide
• Onion root peel
• Forceps
• Blade
• Watch glass

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 BUKIDNON STATE UNIVERSITY
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700
Tel (088) 813-5661 to 5663; TeleFax (088) 813-2717, www.buksu.edu.ph

Procedure:

1. Take out root tips and put them into the glass slides.
(Root tips are preserved for 48 hours, after 48 hrs. it was transferred to 70% Isopropyl)
2. alcohol for future use.
3. Remove the excess part of the root tip.
4. Add 2 to 3 drops of HCl and wait for 8 to 10 mins.
5. Remove HCl with the help of tissue paper to stop further effects on the root tip.
6. Wash the root tip with water, and take it out with tissue paper.
7. Add Aceto-carmine stain over the tip.
8. To increase the temperature and speed up staining, use an alcohol lamp to warm the
slide
9. for about 5-8 mins.
10. Make sure that the slide should not overheat. Add two more drops of stain and avoid
tissue
11. drying till the root tip become darker (dark pink color).
12. Turn off the alcohol lamp. Wash the root tip with water and take out the excess stain
using
13. tissue paper.
14. Put the coverslip. Place the slide in between the fold of the paper and add pressure.
Make
15. sure to fully squash the onion root tip.
16. Place under a microscope with different objectives.

Observations:

• The slide containing the stained root tip cells is placed on the stage of the compound
microscope. The nucleus is visible and as I did a closer viewing, lots of prophase stages
but I have seen Metaphase and Anaphase.

Questions:

1. Why is the stain acetocarmine used in this experiment?

• Acetocarmine is employed in mitosis experiments on onion root tip cells due to its
ability to enhance contrast, highlight chromosomes, and selectively stain nuclear
structures, providing a practical and effective solution for visualizing and studying
the various stages of cell division under a light microscope.

2. In your observation, what is the best time to harvest onion root tips and why? In the early

morning (12:00-1:00am) or at noon time (12:00-1:00pm)?

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 BUKIDNON STATE UNIVERSITY
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700
Tel (088) 813-5661 to 5663; TeleFax (088) 813-2717, www.buksu.edu.ph

• The optimal time to harvest onion root tips for mitosis experiments is in the early
morning around 12:00-1:00 am, as this period typically coincides with heightened cell
division activity, favorable growth conditions, and reduced stress on the plant,
ensuring a more representative and consistent sample for observation.

3. Aside from onion, can you suggest any other raw material for the study of mitosis?

(Mention 2)

• Garlic Root Tips

• Lily Flower Buds

4. In this activity, why are monocots preferred?

• Monocots, exemplified by onions, are frequently preferred for mitosis studies due to
their actively dividing root tip cells, clear cellular organization, accessibility, large and
distinctive cells that facilitate microscopic observation, and their overall suitability for
providing a consistent and educational experimental setup.

5. Where does mitosis occur?

• Mitosis occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and is a fundamental process essential
for growth, development, and tissue maintenance, ensuring the accurate distribution
of genetic material to produce genetically identical daughter cells.

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 BUKIDNON STATE UNIVERSITY
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700
Tel (088) 813-5661 to 5663; TeleFax (088) 813-2717, www.buksu.edu.ph

DOCUMENTATION

A. SET UP AT HOME

B. Growing of onion root tip at home

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 BUKIDNON STATE UNIVERSITY
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon 8700
Tel (088) 813-5661 to 5663; TeleFax (088) 813-2717, www.buksu.edu.ph

C. Materials needed for mitosis in onion root tip experiment

METAPHASE

ANAPHASE

D. Anaphase and metaphase observed

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