Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

III.4 Observation of Plant Fibres

Aim

To examine the structure of elongated plant cells used for support.

Specimen & Apparatus

• Plant material (e.g. celery stalk or flax fibre)
• Needle or forceps
• Slide and coverslip
• Water
• Compound microscope

Method

1. Remove a small portion of fibrous material from the specimen.
2. Tease apart the fibres using a needle if necessary.
3. Place on a slide with a drop of water.
4. Apply a coverslip carefully.
5. Examine under low and then higher magnification.

Observations to Make

• Length and shape of individual fibres.
• Arrangement and alignment of fibres.
• Thickness of cell walls.
• Any internal structure visible within fibres.