Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Discovering Plant Tissues in a New Dimension
 



Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2016, Volume 37

Adolfina R. Koroch, Thomas S. Villani, & James E. Simon

Abstract

In botanical laboratory courses students observe different tissues using thin sections of various organs. Visualization of whole plant organs is limited by the low clarity of the tissues, and thus requiring a clearing procedure to improve the visualization. This lab exercise uses a new clearing agent (Visikol™) and allows students to easily observe and study whole mount plant organs in three dimensions. This exercise helps to understand and reason about the relationship between structure and function of plant tissues. This hands-on experience motivates and engages students in biology classes, and excites them to learn more about the world of botany.

Keywords:  plant anatomy

Boston University (2015)