In this virtual lab you will examine microscope slides of stained sections of onion root tip cells and identify and count cells in various stages. Because the tip of a plant root is constantly growing, the cells are constantly replicating their DNA and undergoing mitosis.
Click the Activity button below to access the Mitosis Online Lab worksheet. When you have completed this worksheet, submit it to your teacher.
Examine the image of the prepared microscope slides of onion root tip cells on each tab below and answer the questions on the accompanying worksheet.
Slide 1
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This image shows a prepared slide of a section of onion root tip viewed under a microscope. Examine the cells on the slide and identify a cell in each of the following phases: interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase/cytokinesis.
Click the name of each phase below to reveal a cell in that phase on the image of the prepared onion root tip slide above.
| Phase | Example Cell |
|---|---|
Interphase
|
In interphase, the cell is functioning normally or preparing for mitosis. |
Prophase
|
In prophase, the chromosomes have condensed and can be seen through a light microscope. |
Metaphase
|
In metaphase, centromeres, which are at the opposite ends of the cell, use spindle fibers to place the chromosomes along the midline of the cell. |
Anaphase
|
In anaphase, the sister chromatids begin to separate, moving toward opposite ends of the cell as the microtubular spindle fibers shorten. |
Telophase / cytokinesis
|
In telophase, two nuclei develop and encompass the chromosomes at each end of the cell. By the end of telophase, the cytoplasm has begun to divide. |
Examine the cells in this image, which shows a prepared slide of a section of onion root tip viewed under a microscope.
Examine the cells in this image, which shows a prepared slide of a section of onion root tip viewed under a microscope.
Examine the cells in this image, which shows a prepared slide of a section of onion root tip viewed under a microscope.
