Measuring Stomatal Numbers on Abaxial and Adaxial Surfaces

2nd EXPERIMENT: -

Measuring Stomatal Numbers on Abaxial and Adaxial Surfaces

Apparatus: -

*Microscope                                *Eight slides

*100 cm² Sheet of Acetate                *Eight cover slips

*Ball point marker pen                        *Scissors

*Fine forceps                                *0.3m ruler

Method: -

1. Firstly use nail-varnish on the upper surface of two privet leaves which will be referred to as Upper-1 and Upper-2.
2. Carry out step 1 with a lower surface of another pair to be also labelled as Lower-1 and Lower-2.
3. Leave to dry.
4. When complete, remove in turn, a large an area as is possible with the fine forceps of the clear coating.
5. Put on slides respectively with the clear slips situated on top, marking their reference names next to each.
6. Set-up the microscope and place Upper-1 underneath.
7. Measure out using the 0.3m ruler and a ball point marker pen a square of 0.3cm by 0.3cm to give an area of 0.09cm².
8. Cut outside the drawn border with a pair of scissors and situate into the eyepiece.
9. Count the number of stomata within the marked space on the highest magnification possible and record the value.
10. Undertake the same process with Upper-2, Lower-1 and Lower-2.
11. Repeat the Method with four Laurel leaves.