Question

In an experiment to prepare a temporary mount of leaf peel, staining of the peel is done before putting a drop of glycerine. Explain why?

Answer 1

Hint: Cover slips and cover glass are often used together with microscope slides. These are small and thin sheets of glasses that are placed over the specimen. Slides are held in place on the microscope's stage by slide clips, slide clamps or a cross-table which is used to achieve precise, remote movement of the slide upon the microscope's stage. This can happen in an automated operated system, or where touching the slide with fingers is inappropriate either due to the risk of contamination or lack of precision.

Complete step by step answer:
1. In order to observe stomata, a temporary mount of a leaf peel is used.
2. Glycerine is a dehydrating agent.
3. Once glycerine is added, a protective layer is formed that keeps it moistened. It avoids the drying of the specimen.
4. If staining is done after adding glycerine then the specimen will not be stained properly because the stain will be washed off with glycerine.
5. So staining is done before adding glycerine so that the specimen can absorb the stain and if there is any excess portion of stains being present there yet, it is removed then by adding glycerine.

Note:
Staining is usually done to highlight the structures to be studied. Once glycerine is poured, it forms a protective layer that keeps it moistened. This is why first the peel is stained then glycerine is put over.Safranin is a biological stain that is used in histology. It mainly highlights the cells and tissues and imparts a red colour which makes it very easy to observe and distinguish them under the microscope.