The onion peel cell experiment is very popular for observing a plant cell structure. Onion is a eukaryotic plant that contains multicellular cells. We know that the cell is a structural and functional unit of life that builds up living structures. The bulb of an onion is formed from modified leaves. Like plant cells, onion cells
have a rigid cell wall and a cell membrane enclosing the cytoplasm and nucleus. Onion epidermal cells exist as a single layer that serves as a protective skin. It separates the thick, juicy scale leaves of the onion. Thus, the bulb of onion is formed from modified leaves. The epidermal cell of an onion bulb is simple and transparent. Its microscopic observation introduces the general view of plant anatomy to the students. Firm and medium-sized onions are generally used to visualize the onion’s epidermal cells. This post explains the theory, requirements, and procedure of the onion peel experiment. Also the observation, result and precautions of the experiment are also discussed.
ObjectiveThe main objective of performing the onion peel cell experiment is to observe the arrangement and structural components of the onion epidermis. The following facts about the onion peel cell experiment play a significant role in educating students:
RequirementsWe need the following glassware and reagents to prepare a temporary slide of an onion peel. Materials required to separate onion skin
Materials needed to stain and mount the onion peel
TheoryAn onion is a multicellular plant. The presence of a rigid cell wall and a large vacuole is a characteristic feature of a plant cell. Thus, onion being a plant, comprises features common to plant cells. Like plant cells, onion cells consist of a cell wall and cell membrane surrounding the cytoplasm, nucleus and a large vacuole.
Video: Onion Peel Cell ExperimentProcedure of Onion Peel Cell ExperimentThe steps to perform the onion peel cell experiment are as follows: Steps to separate an onion peelA. Take an onion, separate its outermost peel and chop it into two equal halves. B. Then, take one fleshy scale leaf of a chopped onion bulb and split it into two. C. Then carefully pull a thin, transparent epidermal peel from the convex surface of the scale leaf using forceps. D. Then, wash the separated peel in the Petri plate containing water. You can cut the onion peel into small rectangular pieces using a blade. Steps to stain and mount an onion peelE. After that, transfer the onion peels into the Petri plate containing diluted safranin stain. Leave the peels undisturbed for about 3 minutes. F. Finally, rinse the extra stain of the peel by again dipping it in the Petri plate containing water. G. With the help of a brush or forcep, transfer the peel to the centre of a clean glass slide. H. Then, to mount the onion peel, add a drop of glycerine over the centre of the slide. Glycerine prevents the peel from drying up. I. After that, carefully mount a cover slip over the centre of the prepared slide by slowly lowering it with a needle. During this stage, you need to avoid the entry of any air bubbles. J. Using a piece of blotting paper, remove extra glycerine from the margins of a cover slip. K. Observe the temporary slide under the compound microscope.
Observation
ResultOnion epidermal cells are rectangular and compactly arranged (with no intercellular spaces). There is a distinct cell wall, a prominent nucleus and a vacuole. Precautions
ConclusionTherefore, the onion peel cell experiment is an engrossing activity that can help a student to observe and study the plant cell structure. Students can prepare the temporary slide and observe the differences between the slide with stained onion skin and the slide without any stain. The microscopic observation of onion peel cells will allow students to closely examine each component of onion cells. What is the observation of onion cell?Observations. There are a large number of regularly shaped cells lying side by side and each cell has a distinct cell wall. A distinct nucleus is present on the periphery of each cell. Lightly stained cytoplasm is observed in each cell.
What is the aim of onion cell experiment?Activity: Observing Onion Cells. Goal: To observe, identify and describe the basic organelles of a non-green plant cell. Background Information: All living things are made up of small units called cells. That is, cells are the basic building blocks of living things just as atoms are the basic building blocks of matter.
What are the observation of onion peel under microscope?Onion cell under a microscope
You can see large, rectangular interlocking cells and observe visible cell wall, nucleus, large vacuoles, and some granules.
What is the discussion of onion cell experiment?The onion peel cell experiment is very popular for observing a plant cell structure. Onion is a eukaryotic plant that contains multicellular cells. We know that the cell is a structural and functional unit of life that builds up living structures. The bulb of an onion is formed from modified leaves.
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