Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Biology Question 2

Practice practical question 2 from the 2021 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination. This question covers Cell Division, Mitosis, Microscopy, Data Analysis .

Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Biology Practical
Topics: Cell Division Mitosis Microscopy Data Analysis
Question 2 NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2021 • BIOLOGY • practical

A student prepares a squash preparation of an onion root tip to study mitosis. The root tip is stained with 1% acetocarmine before squashing.

Question Parts

( a )
Describe the steps involved in preparing the squash slide, including any reagents used.
( b )
In the prepared slide the student counts a total of 800 cells distributed as follows: Prophase 120, Metaphase 150, Anaphase 80, Telophase 100, Interphase 350. Calculate the mitotic index (percentage of cells in mitosis) and the percentage of cells in each mitotic phase. Show all calculations.
( c )
The normal mitotic index for healthy onion root tip cells is between 2% and 5%. Based on the calculated index, discuss whether the sample is likely to be from healthy tissue or affected by a factor such as a toxin. Provide a brief justification.
( d )
Suggest one improvement to the experimental procedure that could increase the accuracy of the mitotic index determination.

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About This Question

This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Biology Question 2. It is one of the practical questions from the 2021 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

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

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