Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Biology Question 2

Practice practical question 2 from the 2024 Waec Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination. This question covers Cell Division, Mitosis, Microscopy, Data Analysis .

Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Biology Practical
Topics: Cell Division Mitosis Microscopy Data Analysis
Question 2 WAEC_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2024 • BIOLOGY • practical

You are investigating mitosis in the root tip of an onion (Allium cepa). Five separate slides have been prepared, each stained with 1% aceto‑orcein and examined under a microscope with a 40× objective. The numbers of cells observed in each stage are recorded in the table below.

Question Parts

( a )
For each slide, calculate the mitotic index (MI) expressed as a percentage, using the formula MI = (M / T) × 100, where M is the total number of cells in mitosis (prophase + metaphase + anaphase + telophase) and T is the total number of cells counted on the slide.
( b )
Determine the average mitotic index for the five slides.
( c )
Based on the average mitotic index you have obtained, discuss what it reveals about the growth activity of the onion root tip.
( d )
Identify two procedural precautions that must be observed during slide preparation to avoid artefacts that could lead to misidentification of mitotic stages.

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About This Question

This is Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Biology Question 2. It is one of the practical questions from the 2024 Waec Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

The question covers Cell Division, Mitosis, Microscopy, Data Analysis .

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