The Study of the Structure and Function of Mitochondria Kit
This unique kit uses celery to vividly present the study of mitochondria to your students. Normal preparation methods tend to destroy the mitochondria. The Lab-Aids® method utilizes a special stain that acts as a hydrogen acceptor. Students "observe" mitochondria oxidizing food. The stain on the slides gradually loses color as hydrogen is removed. In this activity, students prepare microscope slides and observe mitochondria, both as cytoplasmic particles and as centers of enzyme activity - the "energy producers" in cells. Very fresh celery and microscopes, required for this activity, are not provided.
Details at a Glance
- 1 Day | 1 ~50 minute class period
- 1 Activity
- Accommodates 3 classes, each with 15 groups of 2 students
- Consumables service 90 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
Scientific Concepts
•Study mitochondria in living plant cells
•Observe mitochondria oxidize food microscopically
•Understand the relationship of cytoplasm particles as centers of enzyme activity - the "energy producers" in cells
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Comprehensive Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis items
- Materials necessary for the investigation (beyond common classroom items)
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 30 Microscope slides
- 30 Cover slips
- 30 Single-edge razor blades
- 3 Drop control bottles of Janus Green B Stain
- 3 Drop control bottles of Sodium Bisulfate Solution
- 3 Drop control bottles of Sucrose Solution
- 1 Absorbent paper strips, pkg
- 1 Toothpicks, plastic, packet
- 30 Student Worksheets and Guides
- 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
- Not included and needed for instruction: Fresh celery, microscopes.