ASBiologyCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes5. The Mitotic Cell CycleChromosome Behaviour in MitosisObserving Mitosis

Observing Mitosis (Cambridge (CIE) AS Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 9700

Marlene

Written by: Marlene

Reviewed by: Alistair Marjot

Updated on

Mitosis in root tips: observing & drawing

  • Growth in plants occurs in specific regions called meristems

  • The root tip meristem can be used to study mitosis

    • The root tip meristem can be found just behind the protective root cap

    • In the root tip meristem, there is a zone of cell division that contains cells undergoing mitosis

  • Pre-prepared slides of root tips can be studied or temporary slides can be prepared using the squash technique (root tips are stained and then gently squashed, spreading the cells out into a thin sheet and allowing individual cells undergoing mitosis to be clearly seen)

Illustration of a root tip showing the root tip meristem and protective root cap, labelled and highlighted in shades of blue to indicate cell density.
Micrograph showing a stained root tip

Analysis

Micrograph showing cells in various stages of division with labels "P" and "T," featuring blue and purple shapes indicating different cell structures.
Micrograph showing a cell undergoing prophase (P) and telophase (T)
Micrograph showing purple and pink cells showing stages of mitosis and anaphase. Labels 'M' for mitosis and 'A' for anaphase are highlighted in circles.
Micrograph showing cells undergoing metaphase (M) and anaphase (A)
Micrograph showing cells undergoing metaphase (M) and anaphase (A)
Micrograph showing cells undergoing metaphase (M) and anaphase (A)
Micrograph showing a cell undergoing anaphase (A) and telophase (T)
Micrograph showing a cell undergoing anaphase (A) and telophase (T)

Examiner Tips and Tricks

It is important to be able to recognise each mitotic stage from electron micrographs and to be able to explain why that cell is in the stage you have selected.

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

    Test yourself
    Previous:The Stages of MitosisNext:Nucleotides
    Author
    Reviewer
    Marlene

    Author: Marlene

    Expertise: Biology Content Creator

    Marlene graduated from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, in 2002 with a degree in Biodiversity and Ecology. After completing a PGCE (Postgraduate certificate in education) in 2003 she taught high school Biology for over 10 years at various schools across South Africa before returning to Stellenbosch University in 2014 to obtain an Honours degree in Biological Sciences. With over 16 years of teaching experience, of which the past 3 years were spent teaching IGCSE and A level Biology, Marlene is passionate about Biology and making it more approachable to her students.

    Alistair Marjot

    Reviewer: Alistair Marjot

    Expertise: Environmental Systems and Societies & Biology Content Creator

    Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.