Question

Write the precautions for a temporary mount of onion peel.

Answer 1

Hint: Often coverslips, cover glass and microscopical slides are used together. There are tiny panels of glasses mounted on the specimen. The microscope keeps slides in place by means of diaphragm clips, diaphragm clamps or a cross table that are used for accurate remote movement of the diaphragm on the microscope.

Complete answer: Steps for performing the experiment:
i. A temporary mount of leaf peel is made to observe stomatology.
ii. The dehydration agent used in the mounting process is glycerin.
iii. A protective layer is created when glycerin is applied to preserve moisture. It prevents sample drying.
The specimen would not be adequately stained if the spotting is done after glycerin is applied, since glycerin is washed.
iv. It is stained before applying glycerin so that the specimen is capable of absorbing the stain and if excessive sections of the stains are still present, glycerin is applied.
The precautions to be followed for a temporary onion peel mounting are:
1. To slip the onion skin, use a brush.
2. Stop peeling that over-staining and sub-staining.
3. Prevent peeling from folding on the diaphragm.
4. Use a slide and cover with clean and dry glass.
5. Prevent air bubbles while covering.

Note: The structures to be analyzed are typically highlighted by staining. When the glycerin is poured, it forms a protective moisture layer. Safranin is a biological dye used in histology. It highlights the tissues and cells in particular and gives them a red colour that encourages observation and distinguishing under the microscope.