Observing xylem and phloem using a light microscope: practical
I can use a light microscope to observe xylem and phloem, and calculate the actual size of the structures.
- Year 11
- AQA
Observing xylem and phloem using a light microscope: practical
I can use a light microscope to observe xylem and phloem, and calculate the actual size of the structures.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The parts of a light microscope and their functions.
- The method for using a light microscope to observe xylem and phloem, including changing the magnification and focus.
- Light microscopy can be used to observe xylem and phloem in a cross-section of a plant shoot, root or leaf.
- The magnification and actual size of structures observed with a microscope can be calculated.
Keywords
Light microscope - an instrument that uses visible light and lenses to magnify a viewed specimen
Magnification - the number of times greater in size the viewed object is compared to its actual size
Xylem - specialised vessels in plants that transport water and mineral ions
Phloem - specialised vessels in plants that transport sugar, amino acids and other nutrients
Common misconception
Incorrectly calculating the total magnification by adding the magnification of the eyepiece lens to the magnification of the objective lens.
The correct way to calculate the total magnification (by multiplying the magnification of the eyepiece lens by the magnification of the objective lens) is practiced.
Equipment
Light microscope, pre-prepared microscope slides of cross-sections of plant shoot or leaf.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the two main types of vascular tissues in plants?
Q2.What is the function of xylem in plants?
Q3.Which unit is used to measure very small structures, such as cells?
Q4.What unit is smaller than a micrometre?
Q5.What is the function of phloem in plants?
Q6.Match the letters from the image to their names.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How do you calculate magnification?
Q2.Which of the following best describes phloem transport?
Q3.What is the total magnification of a microscope with a 100x objective lens magnification and a 40x eyepiece lens magnification.
Q4.A microscope has a total magnification of 400x. If it has a 100x objective lens magnification. What is the eyepiece lens magnification?
Q5.The image size of a specimen is...
Q6.What is the actual size of the xylem vessel that appears to be 14 mm across in this image?
