Adama Science and Technology

University
School of natural and applied science
Department of fresh man division
Biology laboratory report
The cell and cell structure (Experiment3)

Group name ID No
1. Misgana Markos UGR/30947/15
2. Nahom Dereje UGR/35056/16
3. Biruk W/senbet UGR/34126/16
4. Aymen Seid UGR/33977/16
5. Hayu Abdissa UGR/34580/16

Conducted date: 22.May.20 Submitted to:

Submission date: 29.May.2024 Dr. Mesele Admassu
The Cell and Cell Structure
Introduction
The cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of life. There are two main types of cells
recognized based on their level of cellular organization - prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells are found in bacteria, including both Archaea and Eubacteria, as well as in blue-green
algae. Eukaryotic cells are found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Eukaryotic cells are characterized
by the compartmentalization of their internal structures into separate membrane-bound organelles,
such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and others.

The protoplasm of a eukaryotic cell is divided into the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The nucleus is
enclosed by a nuclear membrane consisting of two concentric membranes, perforated by nuclear pores.
The prominent body within the nucleus is the nucleolus, and the chromatin material of the
chromosomes, composed of DNA and associated proteins, occupies much of the nuclear space.

Within the cytoplasm, there are numerous bodies of various sizes, shapes and functions, as well as
networks of interconnecting tubules (the endoplasmic reticulum) and membrane-bound vesicles and
vacuoles. Key organelles found in the cytoplasm include the mitochondria (the "powerhouses" of the
cell) and the ribosomes, which are the sites of protein synthesis.

In addition to the organelles found in animal cells, plant cells also contain plastids such as chloroplasts, a
cell wall, and a large central vacuole that can occupy 80-90% of the total cell volume in a mature plant
cell.

Objectives
Our objective in this Experiment was to mount plant cells and animal cells, to observe the major visible
structures and to distinguish between plant cells and animal cells.

I. Study Plant and animal cell

1. Observation of Plant Cells (onion epidermal cells)
Materials: Microscope, microscope slides (depression and flat), cover slips, paper toweling,
tooth picks (round end), typical animal cell slide, needle.
Chemicals: Alcohol, iodine, Janus Green B stain, distilled water

Procedure
The structure of animal cells was investigated through a microscopic examination of cheek or lip cells.
The following steps were carried out:
First, the whitish inner epidermis was peeled from one of the leaves and placed on a glass slide. Next, a
drop of water and a coverslip were added, with care taken to avoid air bubbles that could be mistaken
for cell organelles. The slide was then examined under the middle power of the microscope.

Next, the slide was removed from the stage, and a drop of iodine solution was added at one end. Then, a
piece of absorbent paper was held at the opposite end of the coverslip to allow the solution to flow
through. The cells were stained for about 5 minutes. Finally, two or more adjacent cells were examined
under the middle power, and their parts were capture by our phone.

Observation
In this Observation It was observed that the nucleus was clearly visible. The distribution of the
cytoplasm was noted, with it being thicker in the center or in the periphery of the cell.

Specifically, the examination revealed that the nucleus was clearly visible, indicating its prominent role
in the cell. Additionally, the cytoplasm was observed to be thicker in the center or in the periphery of
the cell, suggesting differences in the distribution and density of this essential cellular component.
Furthermore, the staining with iodine solution allowed for the identification of various cellular
structures, with some parts becoming more deeply stained than others.

Discussion

Under this observation, we can discuss that the plant cells observed under the microscope gave useful
insights into their complex structure and how they work. A key observation was the clear view of the
nucleus, which is the control center of the cell and holds the genetic material that directs all cell
activities. This shows how important the nucleus is for the overall functioning of the plant cell. Based on
this observation, we can infer that the obvious position and visibility of the nucleus likely means it is
crucial for coordinating and controlling the different processes within the plant cell.

Conclusion
In Conclusion the study of the plant cells under the microscope gave good information about how the
plant cells are made and how they work. The clear view of the core (nucleus) in the cells showed how
important it is, as it holds the genetic material that tells the cell what to do. The fluid (cytoplasm) was
seen to be thicker in some parts of the cells than others, which means the cytoplasm has different jobs
in different parts of the cell. Using a special dye (iodine) showed the many different parts inside the
plant cells and how they are arranged, allowing us to see all the things that make up the complex inside
of plant cells.
2: Diffusion experiment by using plastic bag as representing cell membrane
Materials: Microscope, microscope slides, coverslips, toothpick, dropper
Chemicals: Methylene blue

Procedure
The structure of animal cells was investigated through a microscopic examination of cheek or lip cells.
The following steps were carried out:

First, the inside of the cheek or lower lip was gently scraped with the broad end of a clean toothpick to
obtain a sample of cells. Second, the scrapings were stirred into a drop of water on a clean glass slide.
Then, a coverslip was placed over the sample, and the slide was examined under the middle power of
the microscope.

Finally, a drop of methylene blue stain was added at one end of the coverslip, and a piece of absorbent
paper was held at the opposite end to allow the stain to flow through. The cells were stained for about 5
minutes, and the preparation was examined under the middle power (or the high power with good
care).

Observation
The key findings in this experiment were:

1. The parts of the animal cells (nucleus and cytoplasm) were clearly observed/seen under the
microscope.

2. The nucleus and cytoplasm were distinguished after staining the cells with methylene blue.

3. Comparisons were made between the position of the nucleus in animal cells and plant cells (onion),
revealing differences in cellular organization.

The nucleus in the animal (cheek) cell was observed to be positioned differently compared to the
nucleus in the plant (onion) cell.

- In the animal (cheek) cell, the nucleus was located centrally within the cell, occupying a more
central position.

- In contrast, the nucleus in the plant (onion) cell was positioned differently, potentially located
off-center or towards the periphery of the cell.
Discussion
Under this part, we can discuss that plant and animal cells have different structures and functions. In our
lab experiments, we have observed several key differences between plant and animal cells that are
essential for understanding the unique properties and functions of each cell type. One of the most
notable distinctions is the presence of a cell wall in plant cells, which provides structural support and
protection, while animal cells lack a cell wall and instead have a more flexible cell membrane. The
organelle composition also varies, with plant cells containing specialized chloroplasts for photosynthesis
and animal cells lacking chloroplasts but potentially having centrioles involved in cell division.
Additionally, plant cells rely on chloroplasts and photosynthesis to generate energy, while animal cells
use mitochondria to undergo cellular respiration. Another difference is the size and function of
vacuoles, with plant cells typically having larger central vacuoles that store water, waste, and other
materials, while animal cells have smaller, more numerous vacuoles serving different purposes. The use
of microscopes has been essential in our studies, allowing us to observe and understand these intricate
differences between plant and animal cells, which are crucial for the survival and adaptation of these
organisms in their respective environments.

Conclusion
In conclusion, in this experiment, we looked closely at animal cells. We collected some cells from our
cheek or lip, prepared them, and then looked at them under a microscope. In conclusion, from this, we
learned some important things about the structure of animal cells.

One key difference was the position and appearance of the nucleus. In animal cells, the nucleus was
more centrally located and had a clearer, more defined shape. This was different from the peripheral
nuclei found in plant cells. In conclusion, we also noticed that the overall shape and internal
organization of the animal cells was quite different from plant cells. These differences reflect the
specialized ways that animal cells are adapted to carry out their functions in the body.