INTRODUCTION TO

PROPER LAB WRITE UP

COMPARING STRUCTURES OF ANIMAL
(CHEEK) AND PLANT (ONION) CELLS
Abe Razek
2/5/2015
SBI3U1 Ayotte [1]

Purpose:
To Investigate and compare the structures of animal (cheek) and plant
(onion) cells.
Abstract:
This experiment compared the similarities and differences in plant and
animal cells. Through the use of a microscope, cheek and onion cell
structures were investigated. The onion cell was stained in iodine to better
show its structure whereas the animal cell was stained with methylene blue
since it shows the nucleus quite well. Based on the compared results of the
two cells, it can be concluded that both cells are eukaryotes since they both
contain nuclei. Knowing about these cells helps biologists better understand
that each cell has an individual task, and what steps to take next.
Introduction:
This laboratory report investigated the perspective of two different individual
cells. Both cells differ in characteristics such as size, shape and structure.
They both are considered eukaryotes because they both possess nuclei yet
are two different cells. The organelles in the inner-more parts of the cells are
quite difficult to see, thus that is the reason why iodine and methylene blue
are used. By adding these stains it enables the eye with the use of a
microscope to see transparent organelles that could not have been seen
before. Knowing about these cells means knowing about the most basic unit
of life, and that will help answer a variety of different questions.
Hypothesis:
It is predicted that both cells, plant and animal, will be structured in groups
and will be visible through the microscope magnification with the use of
Iodine and methylene blue.

Materials:
Microscope
Glass Slides
Iodine
Onion
Toothpicks
Methylene Blue
Gloves

Procedure:
1) Obtained all the materials from the teacher.
2) Prepared a glass slide for each cell.
3) Placed the glass slide containing the plant cell under the microscope.
Adjusted the lens until the cells were visible.
4) Added a drop of iodine to the cell and put a cover slip over the cell.
Recorded results with and without the iodine.
- made sure not to consume the
iodine or get it on clothes since it stains
5) Rubbed the blunt (not sharp) end of a toothpick along the inside of my
cheek and swiped off the cheek cell onto the glass slide.
6) Repeated steps 3 & 4 substituting the plant cell with the animal cell
and the iodine with methylene blue. Recorded observations.

Observations/Data:
Figure 1 Onion Cell (40x)

Cell membrane
Nucleus
Cell wall

Figure 2 Cheek Cell (40x)

Cell Membrane
Cytoplasm/bacteria
Nucleus

Analysis/Discussion:
1) What would happen if an animal cell had a cell wall?
If an animal cell had a cell wall, it would be unable to absorb nutrients,
and its whole body would also become stiff and have difficulty moving.
That is why instead of cell walls, animals have other solutions to give
them strength, such as our bones. Bones enable animals to have flexibility
and the strength to move.
2) How might a plant cell be easier to identify then an animal
cell?
A plant cell is easier to identify then an animal cell because of its cell
wall. Plant cells contain a structure of cell walls made of cellulose and
animal cells do not. Plant cells also possess organelles like chloroplasts,
which is needed for the process of photosynthesis. (Refer to figure1 for
reference).
3) Why is staining the cells necessary?
The importance of staining cells is to enhance the visualization of the
components seen through the microscope. Staining cells is a technique
that biologists came up with so that the eye (with the use of a
microscope) can see transparent organelles that could not have been
seen before with a microscope.
4) What can an animal cell do with chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts work to transfer light energy of the sun into sugars that
can be used by cells. It is physically impossible to have chloroplasts in
animal cells because that would mean that animals could produce their
own source of food. However, if animal cells did contain chloroplasts, they
would be useless due to the structure of animal cells. Animal cells werent
built to go through photosynthesis, or else animal cells would all contain
cell walls. Thus, animal cells cant really do anything with chloroplasts
since they contain cell membrane which does not allow sunlight to shine
through to the chloroplasts.
Conclusion:

In conclusion, staining the cells help better enhances the visualization

of the plant and animal cells seen through the microscope. By comparing the
structures of plant (onion) and animal (cheek) cells it was shown that they
both have many differences. Each structure has their own unique build; plant
cells are rigid and strong due to their cell walls so that they can have
cellulose. Cell walls are also used to protect and help keep the plant in
shape. Whereas, Animal (cheek) cells are bigger and arent in groups (refer
to figure2), they tend to be flexible so that animals can have both flexibility
and strength to gather and consume their food. Therefore, the different
structures that each cell has, allows them to each play different individual
roles in the basis of life.