5. To prepare a temporary mount of leaf peel to show stomata.

AIM:- To prepare a temporary mount of leaf peel to show stomata.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:-

Freshly plucked leaf, Glass slide, Cover slip, Petri dish, A pair of forceps, Needle, Brush, A pair of sharp scissors, Safranin solution, Filter paper, Watch glass, Glycerin, Blotting paper.

PROCEDURE:-

1. Hold a freshly plucked lily leaf, fold it in the center and with the help of your thumb and forefinger in such a way that the lower part of the leaf remains at the lower side.
2. Now gently pull one of the two attached parts of the leaf. You will see a transparent leaf peel on the lower side of the leaf.
3. Cut small pieces on the transparent epidermis into petri dish filled with water.
4. Put a few drops of water in a watch glass.
5. With the help of a brush transfer the pieces of epidermis into watch glass.
6. Add a few drops of safranin to the watch glass of the pieces of epidermis.
7. Wait for about 2 minutes for the peel to take up the stain.
8. Transfer the peel back to the petri dish containing water.
9. Now take a clean slide and put a drop of glycerin on its center.
10. Put the cover slip over the stained peel gently with the help of a needle.
11. Drain out the excess stain with the help of a blotting paper.
12. Examine the slide first under the lower power of the microscope and then under high power.

OBSERVATION:-

1. The epidermis is made up of 4 or 5 layers of cells.
2. The cells are closely packed together with distinct cell walls.
3. The epidermal later is broken at places.
4. Each stomata is guarded by a pair of bean shaped cells.
5. Guard cells are rich in chloroplasts.

CONCLUSION:-

Leaf peel especially from the lower side has many stomata distributed in it.

PRECAUTIONS:-

1. Insure that you are taking the epidermis from the lower side of the leaf as the lower side is rich in stomata.
2. Always use a bush to transfer the peel to the slide.
3. The peel should never be folded.
4. Always use a clean slide and cover slip.
5. Place the cover slip and the slide gently to avoid air bubbles.