Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

V.2 Section of a Dormant Bud

Aim

To examine the internal structure of a dormant bud.

Specimen & Apparatus

Bud (e.g. ivy or hawthorn)
Sharp blade or razor
Slide and coverslip
Water
Compound microscope

Method

Cut the bud longitudinally using a sharp blade.
Select a thin section from the cut surface.
Place the section on a slide in a drop of water.
Apply a coverslip carefully.
Examine under low power, then increase magnification.

Observations to Make

Arrangement of internal structures within the bud.
Presence of folded or undeveloped leaves.
Differences between outer and inner regions.
Compactness of tissues.