Table of Contents
What organelle can you see in the onion cell?
Onion Cell The vacuole is prominent and present at the centre of the cell. It is surrounded by cytoplasm. The presence of a cell wall and a large vacuole are indicators that help identify plant cells, such as seen in the onion peel.
What is the specialized structure of onion?
The onion plant has a fan of hollow, bluish-green leaves and its bulb at the base of the plant begins to swell when a certain day-length is reached. The bulbs are composed of shortened, compressed, underground stems surrounded by fleshy modified scale (leaves) that envelop a central bud at the tip of the stem.
What cellular structures of onion are more easily observed after staining?
A single layer of onion cells (membrane) can be easily obtained from the bulb. These can be stained to bring some cell structures – including the nucleus and cell membrane/wall – into contrast, so that they can be observed using a light microscope.
How are onion cells stained under a microscope?
Iodine – to stain the cells so it can be seen under the microscope. Not all cells can be stained with iodine, but onion cells take it up nicely so that there is contrast under the microscope. Onion – Peeled to one layer. If it’s any thicker, you won’t be able to see through it under the microscope.
What kind of cell structure does an onion have?
Onions are also made up of several layers, with a membrane or thin skin separating each layer. The main onion cell structures are quite easy to observe under medium magnification levels when using a light microscope.
Where is the nucleus located in an onion peel?
The nucleus is present at the periphery of the cytoplasm. The vacuole is prominent and present at the centre of the cell. It is surrounded by cytoplasm. The presence of a cell wall and a large vacuole are indicators that help identify plant cells, such as seen in the onion peel.
Which is the best way to study onion cells?
Cut the onion then peel off the epidermal layers, which are membrane-like skins located between each onion layer. This thin membrane is best for studying onion epidermal cells at low magnifications. Alternatively, peel the onion into one super thin layer.