Carrying food material in Plants: Parts and functions – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Plants: Parts and functions

Activity Name: Carrying food material in Plants: Parts and functions

Activity Description:

Required Items:

1. Two small cuttings from soft-stemmed plants
2. Red ink and water mixture
3. Sharp blade
4. Microscope
5. Slides

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take two small cuttings from soft-stemmed plants.
2. Set up the cuttings as you did in Activity 2.
3. Wait for 2-3 hours.
4. Observe the stems of both plants and note any differences you find. Pay attention to their appearance, color, texture, and any other observable characteristics.
5. Check the leaves and flowers of both plants for the presence of red spots.
6. With the help of your teacher, cut a small section of the stem from the plant kept in the red ink and water mixture, using a sharp blade.
7. Place the cut section of the stem on a slide.
8. Observe the slide under a microscope and look for any colored portion.
9. Cut the stem into two halves vertically, from top to bottom.
10. Observe the cut halves under the microscope and check for the presence of a colored portion.
11. Note down your observations and findings.

Experiment Observations:

1. Differences between the stems of both plants (color, texture, appearance, etc.).
2. Presence or absence of red spots on the leaves or flowers of either plant.
3. Observation of a colored portion on the stem section and cut halves under the microscope.

Precautions:

• Handle the sharp blade with care and seek assistance from your teacher when using it.
• Follow appropriate safety guidelines while using the microscope.
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of the red ink and water mixture.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

1. The stems of different plants may have variations in color, texture, and appearance.
2. Red spots on leaves or flowers can indicate the presence of a specific pigment or disease.
3. The colored portion observed in the stem section and cut halves acts as a tube for transporting water and food throughout the plant. This structure plays a crucial role in the plant’s overall functioning.