Plant has nose in Living with Non-Living – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Living with Non-Living

Activity Name: Plant has nose in Living with Non-Living

Activity Description:

Required Items:

1. A fleshy leaf (e.g., aloe vera)
2. Microscope
3. Microscope slide
4. Cover slip
5. Dropper or water spray bottle
6. Microscope glass cleaner (optional)
7. Microscope slide coverslips (optional)

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Select a healthy fleshy leaf, like aloe vera, for observation.
2. Gently peel a thin layer of the leaf using a pair of forceps or your fingers.
3. Place the peeled leaf section on a clean microscope slide.
4. If the leaf section is not flat, gently flatten it using forceps or a dropper.
5. Add a small drop of water to the leaf section using a dropper or a water spray bottle. This will help in maintaining moisture and clarity during observation.
6. Carefully place a coverslip over the leaf section, making sure there are no air bubbles trapped.
7. Clean the bottom of the slide to remove any excess water or dirt using a clean cloth or tissue (optional).
8. Place the slide on the microscope stage and adjust the focus to obtain a clear view of the leaf section.
9. Look for small openings on the leaf surface, which are the stomata.
10. Observe the stomata under low and high magnifications, noting their shape, size, and arrangement.
11. Take note of any other structures or observations you make during the observation.

Experiment Observations:

1. Stomata are small, typically oval-shaped openings on the leaf surface.
2. They appear as tiny pores or slits.
3. Stomata are usually more concentrated on the lower surface of the leaf.
4. They may be surrounded by specialized cells called guard cells that control their opening and closing.
5. The stomata allow for the exchange of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the plant and its environment.

Precautions:

1. Handle the microscope and glass slides with care to avoid damage.
2. Use clean slides and coverslips to prevent contamination.
3. Ensure the leaf section is sufficiently hydrated by adding a small amount of water.
4. Avoid applying excessive pressure when flattening the leaf section to prevent damage.
5. Clean the microscope slide and coverslip before use to remove any dust or debris.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, we have observed and learned about stomata, the small openings on the leaf surface that facilitate gas exchange in plants. Stomata play a crucial role in regulating the intake of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and the release of oxygen and water vapor.

This experiment helps us understand the structural and functional aspects of plant adaptation to their environment, emphasizing the interdependence between living and non-living components in nature.