Field Notes Journal
Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

V.4 Observation of the Shoot Apex

Aim

To observe the structure of the growing tip of a plant shoot.

Specimen & Apparatus

  • Young shoot tip (e.g. ivy or bean seedling)
  • Sharp blade or needle
  • Slide and coverslip
  • Water
  • Compound microscope

Method

  1. Remove the tip of a young shoot.
  2. Prepare a thin longitudinal section if possible, or examine a small portion directly.
  3. Place on a slide with a drop of water.
  4. Apply a coverslip carefully.
  5. Examine under low power, then increase magnification.

Observations to Make

  • Shape and organisation of the shoot tip.
  • Presence of very small, closely packed cells.
  • Arrangement of developing structures around the apex.
  • Differences between the tip and more mature regions.