Neco 2018 Biology Question 2

Practice practical question 2 from the 2018 Neco Biology examination. This question covers Cell Division .

Neco 2018 Biology Practical
Topic: Cell Division
Question 2 NECO • 2018 • BIOLOGY • practical

A sample of an onion (Allium cepa) root tip was collected, fixed in Carnoy's solution, stained with 2% aceto‑orcein, and a slide was prepared. Under a light microscope at 1000× magnification you examined 200 cells and recorded the number of cells in each stage of mitosis as shown below: Prophase: 40 cells Metaphase: 30 cells Anaphase: 20 cells Telophase: 10 cells Interphase: 100 cells Answer the following questions based on this data.

Question Parts

( a )
Calculate the mitotic index of the root tip sample.
( b )
Determine the percentage of cells observed in each of the five phases (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Interphase).
( c )
Based on the mitotic index obtained, comment on the growth activity of the onion root tip.
( d )
Identify one possible source of error that could affect the accuracy of the mitotic index and suggest a precaution to minimise it.

Detailed Solution & Marking Scheme

Get the step-by-step solution, key points required by examiners and detailed marking guidance through the Edcrib AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer

About This Question

This is Neco 2018 Biology Question 2. It is one of the practical questions from the 2018 Neco Biology examination.

The question covers Cell Division .

Master the Exam!

You've seen a preview, but there are thousands more questions plus AI tutor to break down complex solutions.

Unlock Full Access Available for Android & Windows
Chat with Support