Stomata Leaf Peel Count

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Stomata Leaf Peel Count

Aim:

· To examine the stomata on the upper and lower epidermis of a leaf.

· To investigate and find out which side has more and why.

Prediction:

I predict that there will be more stomata on the underside of the leaf

(the lower epidermis) than on the upper epidermis because that way the

maximum amount of sunlight can enter the leaf without many stomata

blocking the way. Also, a lower number of stomata would increase the

surface area and therefore increase the amount of area available for

light to hit.

Apparatus:

o Microscope

o Leaf

o Nail varnish

o Forceps

o Slides

Method:

1. Take a fresh leaf and a bottle of nail varnish.

2. Paint 2 squares (about 1cm2) on each side (you should have 2 on

the bottom and 2 on the top)

3. Wait for them to dry.

4. Paint on a second layer when the first on is completely dry.

5. While waiting for the nail varnish to dry, take out a microscope

and set it up (make sure that the light is dim)

6. Using forceps, peel of a strip of nail varnish from the upper

epidermis.

7. Set it up on a slide and put it under the microscope.

8. Count the number of stomata you see when it is in focus (use a

stronger intensity so that you don't have to count as many stomata

and your results will be more accurate)

9. Repeat steps 6-8 with a strip of nail varnish from the lower

epidermis.

10. Record your results.

Results:

Magnifying intensity: x10

Number of stomata in upper epidermis: 15

Number of stomata in lower epidermis: 53

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