T.S. of Nerium Leaf

Exercise: T.S. of Nerium Leaf

Aim: To observe and understand the xerophytic adaptations found in Nerium leaves for living in dry or xeric habitat.

Principle: The plants which are living in dry or xeric condition are known as Xerophytes.

Requirements: Nerium leaf, few pieces of carrot / pith / styrofoam, blade, brush, needle, compound microscope, glycerine, coverslip, wash glass, microslide, saffranin solution, petri dish, etc.

Start  cutting  transverse  sections  of Nerium leaf placing it in between a piece of carrot. Select the thinnest section of the material with the help of a delicate brush.

Take a clean watch glass with water, transfer thin sections of the material. Put a few drops of safranin stain in the watch glass with water. Leave it for 3-5 minutes. Drain off stain and wash with water if necessary. Put the thinnest section in the centre of the slide. Put a drop of glycerine over the material. Cover it with a coverslip with the help of needle. Observe it under a compound microscope.

Diagnostic Features

·        Presence of multilayered epidermis with thick cuticle.

·        Sunken stomata are present only in the lower epidermis.

·        Mesophyll is well differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma.

·        Mechanical tissues are well developed.