Josey wants to look at the cells of an onion under a light microscope. She peels off a thin, transparent layer of onion and places it on a microscope slide. Josey places the sample on the microscope stage, looks through the eyepiece, and adjusts the stage to focus the image. However, she is unable to see any details of the cells.

Question

Which of the following possible solutions could possibly help Josey to see the onion cells in detail?

A. Josey should use a thicker piece of onion for her sample.
B. Josey should place her onion sample in a vacuum.
C. Josey should place a drop of water on her sample.
D. Josey should apply a stain, such as iodine, to her sample.

Answer 1

To help Josey see the onion cells in detail, the most effective solutions would be:

C. Josey should place a drop of water on her sample. D. Josey should apply a stain, such as iodine, to her sample.

Both options C and D can enhance the visibility of the onion cells.

• C. Water: Placing a drop of water on the sample can help in refracting light better and can also prevent the cells from drying out, improving clarity.

• D. Stain: Applying a stain like iodine can help to highlight specific structures in the cells, making them much more visible under the microscope.

Option A (using a thicker piece of onion) may not be effective because it can block light, making it harder to see. Option B (placing the sample in a vacuum) is not relevant as it would not help in observing the cells clearly.

Therefore, C and D are the best solutions Josey can try.