Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

III.1 Cross-Section of an Herbaceous Stem

Aim

To identify vascular bundles and general structure in a soft plant stem.

Specimen & Apparatus

• Fresh stem (e.g. ivy or sunflower)
• Sharp blade or razor
• Slide and coverslip
• Water
• Compound microscope

Method

1. Cut a thin transverse section of the stem using a sharp blade.
2. Transfer the section to a slide with a drop of water.
3. Apply a coverslip carefully.
4. Examine under low power to locate major structures.
5. Increase magnification to observe detail.

Observations to Make

• Arrangement of vascular bundles within the stem.
• Differences between outer and inner tissues.
• Shape and distribution of cells in each region.
• Presence of any central cavity or pith.