Root tip mitosis practical protocol for A-level biology

Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS) develops lots of useful resources for teachers of the UK’s A-level biology syllabus (OCR, AQA, EdExcel and Eduqas specifications).

This is an improved and simplified protocol that allows students to observe mitosis in root tips. Toluidine blue is used to stain the DNA in the meristem cells, rather than the usual acetic orcein, giving a simpler and less hazardous process for the students, and producing an excellent level of contrast within the cells. Our video demonstrates clearly how to carry out the protocol.

View video , download teacher and student notes and support materials for this practical.