DNA Staining
This highly engaging Lab-Aid is based on the Feulgen reaction where DNA in plant cells are stained purple for easy viewing. Students macerate, stain, and mount specially grown root tips (provided in the kit). Then, they locate and diagram DNA in the cells. Finally, the students are asked to observe and draw the various stages of cell division. This enables the students to develop a better understanding of the hereditary material in plant chromosomes. All aspects of the lab activity are performed by the individual student.
Details at a Glance
- 1 Day | 1 ~50 minute class period
- 1 Activity
- Accommodates 2 classes, each with 15 groups of 2 students
- Consumables service 60 students
- Requires a water source
Scientific Concepts
• Macerate, stain and mount selected root tips
• Locate and diagram DNA in cells
• Observe and draw various stages of cell division
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.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
- 30 Student Worksheets and Guides
- 30 Microscope slides
- 30 Cover slips
- 30 Plastic treating dishes
- 30 Transfer brushes
- 1 Specially selected root tips, Vial
- 1 Dilute Acetic Acid, Drop control bottle
- 2 Hydrochloric Acid, 1 M, Drop control bottle
- 2 Leucofuchsin Dye, Drop control bottle
- 2 Sodium Bisulfite Solution, Drop control bottle
- Not included and needed for instruction: Microscopes.