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Grade 11 students at CFAL in Mangalore recently conducted an experiment on the transverse section of dicot and monocot stems as part of their bridge course activity. This hands-on experience in biology allowed the students to learn about the structure and function of different types of plant tissue.
Dicot stems, have two cotyledons in their embryos, branching veins in their leaves, and a ring-like arrangement of vascular tissue in their stems. Monocot stems, on the other hand, have only one cotyledon, parallel veins in their leaves, and scattered vascular tissue in their stems.
The experiment began with the students collecting fresh and healthy specimens of dicot and monocot stems from a college garden. They ensured that the specimens were free of damage or disease. Using a sharp razor blade, the students made transverse sections of the stems.
Under a microscope, the students examined the transverse sections at both low and high magnification. They observed the differences in vascular tissue arrangement and the size and shape of individual cells between dicot and monocot stems.
Vascular tissue, responsible for transporting water, nutrients, and other substances in plants, is arranged in a ring-like structure in dicot stems, with a xylem on the inside and phloem on the outside. In monocot stems, the vascular tissue is scattered throughout.
Through this experiment, the students gained a deeper understanding of the fundamental differences between dicot and monocot stems and how these differences affect the overall structure and function of the plant. Additionally, they developed valuable laboratory skills in specimen preparation and microscopy, which will benefit them in future scientific pursuits.
Overall, the transverse section experiment on dicot and monocot stems provided grade 11 students at CFAL in Mangalore with practical experience in biology. It deepened their knowledge of plant anatomy and physiology and fostered the development of important laboratory skills for their academic and professional endeavours.
