To Prepare a Temporary Mount of a Leaf (Class 10 Biology Practical)
To prepare and observe the internal structure of a leaf section under a microscope, identifying vascular tissues and mesophyll.
TL;DR: To prepare and observe the internal structure of a leaf section under a microscope, identifying vascular tissues and mesophyll.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
Aim: To prepare and observe the internal structure of a leaf section under a microscope, identifying vascular tissues and mesophyll.
Materials Required
- Fresh leaf (Hibiscus, Rhoeo, or similar)
- Microscope slides
- Cover slips
- Distilled water
- Safranin dye
- Scalpel or razor blade
- Compound microscope
- Dropper
Theory
A leaf has an upper epidermis, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, lower epidermis, and vascular bundles. A cross-section of the leaf shows these layers distinctly. The vascular bundles contain xylem and phloem for transport. Safranin staining helps visualize the tissues clearly.
Procedure
- Take a fresh green leaf and select a portion suitable for sectioning
- Using a sharp scalpel, carefully cut a very thin cross-section of the leaf midrib
- Place the thin section on a microscope slide
- Add a drop of distilled water to the section
- Carefully lower a cover slip to avoid trapping air bubbles
- Gently apply safranin stain by dropping it at the edge of the cover slip
- Allow it to diffuse for 2-3 minutes
- Observe under low magnification first, then switch to high magnification
- Identify and draw the different layers: upper epidermis, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, lower epidermis, and vascular bundle
Observation
The leaf cross-section shows a clear upper epidermis (single layer of rectangular cells), palisade mesophyll (vertically arranged cells with chloroplasts), spongy mesophyll (loosely arranged cells with large intercellular spaces), lower epidermis (with stomata), and a vascular bundle containing xylem and phloem.
Result
The temporary mount clearly displays the internal structure of the leaf with all major tissues visible. The safranin staining helps distinguish the different cell types and tissue organization.
Precautions
- Cut thin sections to allow light to pass through
- Avoid trapping air bubbles under the cover slip
- Use distilled water to prevent salt crystal formation
- Apply stain gently to avoid displacing the section
- Focus carefully as the section may be fragile
Viva Questions
What are the different layers of a leaf cross-section?
A leaf has upper epidermis, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, lower epidermis, and vascular bundles.
What is the function of the palisade mesophyll?
The palisade mesophyll contains abundant chloroplasts and is responsible for photosynthesis.
Why does the spongy mesophyll have large intercellular spaces?
Large intercellular spaces allow for gas exchange within the leaf and help in transpiration.
What do vascular bundles contain?
Vascular bundles contain xylem (for water transport) and phloem (for food transport).
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