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Date: __________________
Biology
Cell Variation
Introduction
For Approximately 150 years biologists have recognized a cell as the basic unit of life. A cell is composed of
many smaller parts, called organelles. Each organelle has a specific function and contributes to the overall well
being of a cell. Although a variety of cells exist, they frequently share many of the same organelles. Learning
about the basic structure of cells is necessary in order to understand the life processes of both simple and
complex forms of life.
Objective: Upon completion of this lab, students should be able to…
 Prepare a wet mount slide
 Identify some of the basic cell structures found in plant and animal cells.
 Relate the shape of the cell to the function it plays in the organism.
Directions
Once you understand how to use a microscope, look at the 4 types of cells (potato, onion, plant leaf, and human
epithelial cell). Follow the directions at each station and create a wet mount slide of each type of cell. You
must wear goggles when preparing the slides. Then take the slide back to your table and look at the specimen
using a microscope. You may remove your goggles when you are sitting at your table looking at the slides.
Draw your slides at medium or high power.
Drawings
Use the circles on the back of this page to draw each type of cell. You should neatly draw 3-4 cells per circle in
as much detail as possible – you can use colored pencils. Make sure to identify each type of cell and the total
magnification. On one cell in each circle, label all features that can be identified (cell wall, plasma membrane,
nucleus, chloroplast, starch storing organelles).
Specimen: ______________________
Total Magnification: ____________
Specimen: _____________________
Total Magnification: ____________
Specimen: ______________________
Total Magnification: ____________
Specimen: _____________________
Total Magnification: ____________
Post-Lab Questions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Number the steps used to focus a microscope. Identify some problems you may have encountered while
viewing your slides.
2. Why do you think each cell has that/a particular shape?
3. Explain how the cells you looked at are alike.
4. Explain how the cells you looked at are different.