In the fascinating world of biology, understanding the microscopic structure of cells is foundational. One of the classic experiments in cell biology, especially in educational settings, is creating a temporary mount of an onion peel to observe plant cells under a microscope. This simple yet enlightening experiment allows students to directly witness the basic building blocks of life and grasp essential biological concepts.
Onion peels are an excellent choice to help students study plant cells because they are easily available and have large, clearly defined cells. The thin, translucent nature of the onion epidermis makes it ideal for viewing under a microscope without the need for complicated preparations or staining. Students of IGCSE Yr-1B learnt various techniques such as preparation of onion peel, mounting the peel, covering the specimen and observation. Students got a firsthand look at the structure of plant cells, including the cell wall, which provides support and shape, and the nucleus, the control center of the cell and also gained the skill of handling microscopes and preparing slides which are essential skills in biology.
