Cell+Labs

2 Cells - 2.1 Cell theory - 2.2 Prokaryotic cells - 2.3 Eukaryotic cells - 2.4 Membranes - 2.5 Cell division - Cell Labs

Cell labs
Two simple lab outlines to get you started with microscope use:
 * Cell Observation**

Get familiar my microscopy by following the Introduction to the Microscope from the Biology Junction or the WISC-Online tutorial and quiz

You are now expected to be able to measure the size of specimens observed under a microscope. To figure out how to do this first read up on how to use an eye-piece graticule.

The microscope simulation and tutorial from the University of Delaware is a great tool, particularly if resources are limited

The gram stain procedure is an important technique used in microbiology. Learn the technique as detailed by [|Microbe Library] and [|Michigan State] before you put it into practise in class.
 * Prokaryotes**

When culturing bacteria describing your results can be a difficult process this simple morphology guide from [|Microbiology online] makes the process easier media type="custom" key="23681302"

Cell and organelle modelling
 * Eukaryotes**

Organelle identification from micrographs and prepared slides

This outline from Practical Biology (.org) is a good opportunity to see plasmolysis (and hence osmosis) in action either visit them [|here]or download your student sheet directly below:
 * Membranes**

It's early in your course by this lab is a good opportunity to learn to use a colorimeter and to practise your DCP and CE skills: media type="custom" key="23681310" //N.B. This method is not a perfect protocol and does allow students opportunities to develop their CE skils.//

There are many good opportunities for labs on this topic.
 * Osmosis**

This lab is a simple introduction used to help practise lab report construction. It is very simple and could be used as a basis for a design exercise for a more involved lab: media type="custom" key="24061022"

This is designed as a introduction before attempting further investigations: media type="custom" key="23681314" Approaches:
 * Complete DCP.
 * Complete DCP on your own/in small groups. Work together on CE to improve your lab skills.
 * Extend DCP to compare two different plant tissues.

Research question: Investigate the effect of surface area on the rate of osmosis in potato

[|Virtual lab on osmosis] looking at the changes in blood cells in different concentrations of saline solution

Learn about mitosis by making a movie
 * Mitosis**

This is a short activity designed to familiarise you with the different stages of mitosis before carrying out mitotic index labs:

Calculating the mitotic index is a lab that gives you a chance to test both your manipulative skills and your microscopy skills. We will be using one of the two methods listed: //(If you are the author, or know of him/her, please let me know so I can credit you as I'm not sure where this one came from)//

[|Investigating mitosis in allium root tip squash] from Practical Biology (.org)

In absence of equipment or time 'Biology Project' has a [|digital version of the lab] which allows you to still identify stages of mitosis and calculate the mitotic index (see above links for details of the calculation)