Investigating mitosis in allium root tip squash

Talking about what chromosomes do during mitosis could be very interesting, but seeing them for yourself adds an extra dimension.

Take a look at our A-level set practical resource Microscopy of Root Tip Mitosis which uses toluidine blue to stain the root tips. This protocol reduces hazards involved and is also very quick, meaning that students can spend plenty of time in the lesson lookig for dividing cells under the microscope.

An excellent protocol, updating the Science & Plants for Schools original (Student Sheet 17), is also available from Practical Biology.

You may want to use our floating garlic method to grow the allium roots.