Microscope Slide - Mitosis in Onion Root Tip l.s. Individually packed in PP slide mailer

This prepared microscope slide of mitosis in onion root tip (L.S.) comes individually packed in a PP slide mailer. It's made using professional biological sectioning techniques, with every step carefully controlled, from collecting and fixing the sample to dehydration, embedding, sectioning, staining and mounting.

The slide features a longitudinal section (l.s.) of an onion root tip, a classic specimen used for observing stages of mitosis in plant cells. The root tip region typically contains actively dividing cells, making it a common choice for studying cell division. On this slide, users may be able to identify characteristic stages of mitosis.

Use in Education

Commonly used in general biology and cell biology courses, this onion root tip slide is suitable for classroom demonstrations, laboratory activities, and introductory lessons on mitosis and the cell cycle. It can support discussions about chromosome behaviour, plant cell structure, and the process of cell division. Students can use the slide to practise focusing techniques, adjust illumination, and explore different stages of mitosis under varying magnifications.

How the Slides Are Made

• Raw material: Only fresh, undamaged biological tissue is selected, so the sections are authentic and scientifically accurate.
• Preservation: Professional fixatives preserve the samples quickly, so the tissue cells don't deform or deteriorate. The tissue then goes through graded dehydration, clearing and wax infiltration, which gives it an even texture and the right hardness for sectioning. Each step is carefully timed and uses controlled reagent concentrations.
• Sectioning: High-precision sectioning machines, adjusted by experienced technicians, give an even section thickness with no wrinkles or damage. Sections are usually 5 to 10µm thick.
• Staining and mounting: Classic methods such as haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, carefully timed, give clear contrast between nucleus and cytoplasm and clear colours. A high-transparency resin bonds the section to the slide and cover glass, keeping out moisture and oxidation, so the slide can be stored and reused for a long time without the colours fading or the section lifting.
• Please note that the steps may vary depending on the specimen.

Useful Slide Abbreviations

• T.S. or C.S. = transverse or cross section: a thin slice across the organism or tissue.
• L.S. = longitudinal section: a slice along the length of the organism.
• C.S. & L.S. = cross and longitudinal sections on the same slide for comparison.
• W.M. = whole mount: the entire organism or structure is mounted on the slide.

Product Specifications

• Material: Glass slide with specimen, neutral gum resin and a glass cover slip.
• Slide: Microscope slide 7101 (non-frosted), ground edges, 45° corners.
• Cover glass: Round, 16mm.
• Sectioning: Usually prepared on a sectioning machine, depending on the specimen.
• Resin: Neutral gum.
• Packaging: Individually packed in a PP slide mailer.
• Please note specifications may vary.