How do I Identify the Structures of Plant Cells Undergoing Interphase in Mitosis?

Microscopes are used to see the various parts of cells.

Mitosis is the process of a single eucariotic cell dividing into two identical daughter cells. The first phase of mitosis is interphase. Interphase is the phase where the cell is undergoing normal functions to grow and prepare for mitosis. As with all other phases of mitosis, this phase has very specific and identifiable traits.

Things You'll Need

• Root cell
• Microscope

Instructions

1. Place the root cells onto the microscope tray and look at the cells.

2. Look for a cell with a distinct translucent nucleus. This is the first indication that the cell is in interphase. If you do not see a nucleus or see more than one, then the cell is in another phase.

3. Look for the various organelles of the cell including chloroplasts, vacuoles and a the cell wall. If these features are visible, then the cell is in interphase.

References

• iKnow Digital Media: Mitosis: The Plant Cell
• iKnow Digital Media: Mitosis: The Division Of Plant & Animal Cells