Question

1. why do we need to use iodine solution (or stain) when viewing onion cells? how does it help in making the structures more visible?
2. how are the onion cells arranged on the slide? do they look regular or irregular in shape? what does this tell you about plant tissues?

Explanation:

1. Onion cells are mostly transparent. Iodine solution stains starch - present in onion cells. Staining makes cell structures like nucleus and cytoplasm more visible under the microscope.
2. Onion cells on a slide are usually arranged in a regular pattern, often in rows. This regular arrangement indicates that plant tissues are organized. Plant tissues have a defined structure and function, and the regular cell arrangement helps in performing functions like protection, support, and photosynthesis.

Answer:

1. We use iodine solution to stain onion cells because onion cells are mostly transparent and iodine stains starch present in them, making cell structures more visible.
2. Onion cells on the slide are usually arranged regularly in rows. This shows that plant tissues are organized with a defined structure for specific functions.