Neco 2021 Biology Question 2

Practice practical question 2 from the 2021 Neco Biology examination. This question covers Cell Division .

Neco 2021 Biology Practical

Topic: Cell Division

Question 2 NECO • 2021 • BIOLOGY • practical

A student is investigating the effect of a low concentration of colchicine (0.05%) on the mitotic index of onion (Allium cepa) root tip cells.

Question Parts

( a )

Outline the steps required to prepare a squashed slide of onion root tip for observing mitosis under a light microscope.

( b )

From several fields the student records the following numbers of cells: Prophase = 120, Metaphase = 150, Anaphase = 80, Telophase = 50, total cells observed = 500. Calculate (i) the mitotic index and (ii) the percentage of cells in each of the four phases.

( c )

Based on the calculated percentages, discuss the likely effect of colchicine on the cell cycle, indicating which phase is most affected and why.

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About This Question

This is Neco 2021 Biology Question 2. It is one of the practical questions from the 2021 Neco Biology examination.

The question covers Cell Division .

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