Mitosis in Root Tips: Phosphate Ions & Cell Division

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between phosphate ion concentration in nutrient solutions and the rate of cell division by mitosis in root tips, specifically using cloves or garlic as plant material. Participants emphasize the importance of formulating a hypothesis regarding how varying phosphorus levels will influence root growth and cell division. Key considerations include the potential endpoints of phosphorus availability and toxicity, as well as the impact of soil pH on phosphorus uptake. The use of aceto as a chromosome stain is also highlighted for observing mitosis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of plant biology, specifically cell division and mitosis.
  • Knowledge of nutrient solutions and their components for plant growth.
  • Familiarity with the role of phosphorus in plant development.
  • Experience with staining techniques, particularly using aceto for chromosome visualization.
NEXT STEPS
  • Formulate a hypothesis on the effects of varying phosphate concentrations on root growth.
  • Research the optimal pH levels for phosphorus availability in nutrient solutions.
  • Investigate the methodology for preparing nutrient solutions for plant growth.
  • Learn about the process of staining chromosomes using aceto and its application in observing mitosis.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in plant biology, agronomy, and botany, particularly those studying the effects of nutrient concentrations on plant growth and cell division.

scholes18
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hi there everyone can you help me out a bit please:Relationship between the concentration of phosphate ions in nutrient solutionsand the number of cells dividing by mitosis in root tips.
your planning must be based on assumption that you are provided with the following:
suitable plant material such as cloves or garlic, the chemicals needed to make nutrient solutions for plant growth, a suitable stain for chromosomes such as aceto.
Anyone got any ideas to help me out?
 
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scholes18 said:
hi there everyone can you help me out a bit please:Relationship between the concentration of phosphate ions in nutrient solutionsand the number of cells dividing by mitosis in root tips.
your planning must be based on assumption that you are provided with the following:
suitable plant material such as cloves or garlic, the chemicals needed to make nutrient solutions for plant growth, a suitable stain for chromosomes such as aceto.
Anyone got any ideas to help me out?

First you need to state your hypothesis, in other words, what do you think changing the concentration of phosphorus in plant food will do to root growth? Use what you know about how phosphorus is used by the plant and how this will affect cell division and growth. Once you have the hypothesis, then we can work on using the provided materials to test the hypothesis.
 
DocToxyn said:
what do you think changing the concentration of phosphorus in plant food will do to root growth?
Nice that you worded your suggestion this way. As scholes works through his range of concentrations, he/she may note endpoints, at one extreme not enough phosphorus available for normal plant growth; and at the other extreme, P actually becomes toxic to plant growth

Hint: scholes may want to bear in mind, the effect of soil (nutrient media) pH on the availability of phosphorus for plant uptake.
 

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