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Cheek Cells

The document outlines the objective of preparing stained temporary mounts of onion peel and human cheek cells for observation. It details the structural differences between onion cells, which have a cell wall and large vacuole, and human cheek cells, which lack these features. The procedure for preparing the slides and the observations made are also included, concluding that the observed cells are animal cells due to the absence of a cell wall and prominent vacuoles.

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swagatachakraborty11092010
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22 views2 pages

Cheek Cells

The document outlines the objective of preparing stained temporary mounts of onion peel and human cheek cells for observation. It details the structural differences between onion cells, which have a cell wall and large vacuole, and human cheek cells, which lack these features. The procedure for preparing the slides and the observations made are also included, concluding that the observed cells are animal cells due to the absence of a cell wall and prominent vacuoles.

Uploaded by

swagatachakraborty11092010
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Our Objective

Our aim is to prepare stained temporary mounts of onion peel and human cheek cells and to record the
observations.

The Theory

Before exploring the details of cell structure, let's understand the differences in the structure of an onion cell and
a human cheek cell.

Onion Cell

An onion is a multicellular (consisting of many cells) plant organism.As in all plant cells, the cell of an onion
peel consists of a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus and a large vacuole. The nucleus is
present at the periphery of the cytoplasm. The vacuole is prominent and present at the centre of the cell. It is
surrounded by cytoplasm. The presence of a cell wall and a large vacuole are indicators that help identify plant
cells, such as seen in the onion peel.

Human Cheek Cell

As in all animal cells, the cells of the human cheek do not possess a cell wall. A cell membrane that is semi-
permeable surrounds the cytoplasm. Unlike plant cells, the cytoplasm in an animal cell is denser, granular and
occupies a larger space. The vacuole in an an animal cell is smaller in size, or absent. The nucleus is present at
the centre of the cytoplasm.The absence of a cell wall and a prominent vacuole are indicators that help identify
animal cells, such as cells seen in the human cheek.

Materials Required
Slide, Cover Slip, Water, Methylene Blue solution, Needle, Blotting paper, Dropper, Compound Microscope.

Procedure
 Gently scrape the inner side of the cheek using a cover slip, which will collect some cheek cells.
 Place the cells on a glass slide that has water on it.
 Using a brush and needle, press the cover slip gently to spread the epithelial cells.
 Mix the water and the cheek cells using a needle and spread them.
 Take a few drops of Methylene blue solution using a dropper and add this to the mixture on the slide.
 After 2-3 minutes remove any excess water and stain from the slide using a blotting paper.
 Remove any extra liquid around the cover slip using a blotting paper.
 Place this glass side on the stage of the compound microscope and view it.

Observations
 A large number of flat and irregular-shaped cells are observed.
 The cells do not have a cell wall. However, each cell has a thin cell membrane.
 A deeply stained nucleus is observed at the centre of each cell.
 No prominent vacuoles are observed in the cells.
Conclusion
As the cells observed do not have a cell wall, nor a prominent vacuole, the cells of the specimen on the slide are
animal cells.

Precautions
 Ensure the cover slip used to scrape the cheek is clean, so it does not cause infection to the cheek.
 Gentle pressure has to be applied with the coverslip to scrap the cheek cells safely without harming
the inner wall of the mouth.
 Extra water and stain should be removed using blotting paper.
Diagrams to be drawn

Procedure

Cell membrane

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Human Cheek cell

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