Materials Required:
Onion
Microscope
Slide and cover slip
Eosin Y stain (optional)
Forceps or tweezers
Knife or scalpel
Water
Steps Involved:
Carefully peel a thin layer of onion skin using forceps or tweezers.
Place the onion skin on a microscope slide.
(Optional) Add a drop of Eosin Y stain to the onion skin on the slide to enhance visibility of the nucleus.
Gently place a cover slip over the onion skin and stain.
Observe the slide under the microscope to examine the onion cells.
Note the cell walls and, if stained, the nucleus within the cells.
Discuss the differences between plant and animal cells, focusing on the presence of cell walls in plant cells and the protective role of the cell wall.