A Scenario-Based Study of Root Tip Mitosis

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2010, Volume 31

Bonner, J. M.

Abstract

This workshop presents a scenario-based method of introducing students to the cell cycle. In the scenario, students are presented with a crop that might be affected by a soil fungus that secretes a lectin-like substance into the soil. In a blind study of exposed and unexposed root tips, students stain the tips, count the cells, compare the percentage of cells in mitosis in the two sets of tips, and use chi-square analysis to determine whether the difference is significant. This activity can be carried out in a 3-hour laboratory period if adequate pre-lab preparation is done by students.

Keywords:  mitosis

University of Delaware (2009)