Articles tagged as "Plant cells and tissues"

Interviews with scientists - GFP and reporter proteins

This 5-minute video interview with Prof John Christie of the University of Glasgow introduces students to fluorescent reporter proteins and their importance to our understanding of cell biology. The accompanying notes include a teachers' summary, plus student questions and answers.

A-level set practicals - microscopy of root tip mitosis

An improved and simplified version of this well-known practical, designed specifically for use for the new A-level practical specifications.

Ins and Outs of Water - biology, chemistry and physics for 11-14 students

This collection of resources for 11-14 students uses the topic of plants to address important scientific ideas in biology, chemistry and physics. While investigating how plants have evolved to grow and flourish in many different environments, the students can cover topics including pure and impure substances, energetics, forces, physical changes and more. The resources involve a mixture of independent investigations, engaging and hands-on practicals, and activities to identify misconceptions and strengthen understanding.

Plant Needs - biology, chemistry and physics for 11-14 students

This collection of resources for 11-14 students uses the topic of plants to address important scientific ideas in biology, chemistry and physics. While investigating how plants have evolved to grow and flourish in many different environments, the students can cover topics about atoms, elements and compounds, energy, and the particle model. The resources involve a mixture of independent investigations, engaging and hands-on practicals, and activities to identify misconceptions and strengthen understanding.

A-level set practicals - dissection and microscopy of a plant stem

This new resource supports the use of practicals across various A-level biology specifications. This experiment allows students to go from the plant on the desk, to observing a stained specimen under the microscope in less than 4 minutes. The viewed specimen clearly shows the location of vascular bundles and the xylem, phloem and sclerenchyma or collenchyma.

Diagrams of parts of a plant - stem, twigs, bud, cone, stamen and ovaries

Diagrams of parts of a plant - stem, twigs, bud, cone, stamen and ovaries - suitable for use in worksheets, Powerpoints, etc.

Video clip - Genetic engineering to increase productivity in rice

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) discusses the importance of genetic engineering for feeding a growing population, introducing a group of research scientists working on rice. It can be used in the context of global warming and the ecology of LEDCs. It can also be used to discuss limiting factors and photosynthesis.

Microscopy - Amazing African Violets

Take a look at all sorts of specialised cells and structures, including stomata, trichomes, xylem and pollen grains, with this cheap, easily available and versatile plant. You can even see cytoplasmic streaming. This resource includes a worksheet, powerpoint and two videos.

Microscopy - Looking at xylem and specialised cells

Resources to show how you can use microscopes for quick, cheap and easy practicals in your lab. These two resources focus on looking at the structure and function of xylem and other specialised plant cells.

Using Onions in the Lab

Onions are easy and cheap to source, and make a great resource for looking at cell structure, particularly stomata, and for extracting DNA.

Using Garlic in the Lab

Garlic can provide a useful and easy-to-source resource for the biology lab, for looking at topics including mitosis and the cell cycle.

Using Mung Beans in the Lab

Mung beans are cheap, reliable and easy to germinate, and offer a useful way to look at topics including plant growth, cells, plant nutrition and hydroponics.

Using Beetroot in the Lab

Beetroot make a useful and easily available resource for the science lab, for topics including cell structure, plasmolysis and membrane permeability.

Using Radishes in the Lab

Great little plants for the lab, radishes can be used for investigations covering plant growth, plant nutrition and phototropism.

Using Spider Plants in the Lab

Spider plants are a useful, cheap and reliable resource for investigating topics including asexual reproduction and the role of plant hormones.

Using Mimosa pudica in the Lab

One of the SAPS 'Star Plants' for your lab, these plants collapse their leaflets when touched, an intriguing example of a plant response. Follow our care tips to help the plants flourish in your lab.

Using Holly in the Lab

Holly makes a useful resource for the science lab, with investigations around topics including stomata, plant defences, herbivory and adaptation.

Using Dandelions in the Lab

Dandelions are a valuable resource for the science lab, for topics including plant responses, gravitropism and, of course, ecology.

Using Pelargoniums (Geraniums) in the Lab

Geraniums are often found in the school lab, but they're rarely used to their full potential as a scientific resource. Follow our guidance and care tips to ensure they flourish in your lab.

Using Potatoes in the Lab

Potatoes make a reliable and easy to obtain resource for key practicals such as investigating osmosis.