Final answer:
The best prediction is that the technician will observe varied mitotic rates, with the highest rates found in the meristematic tissue below the root cap. The stages of mitosis will be visible, particularly in zones of active growth, with cell division slowing as cells further from the tip differentiate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technician preparing microscope slides from root samples to display the different stages of mitosis is likely to observe varied mitotic rates in different sections of the root. Specifically, he will notice higher rates of cell division in the meristematic tissue just below the root cap, known as the apical meristem, and decreasing activity as he moves away from this growth area towards more mature zones. This variation occurs because different sectors of the root are at different stages of growth or development.
When examining the slides under a microscope, the technician can switch from low to high-power objectives to view individual cells. It will be observed that while many cells are in interphase, the stages of mitosis - prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase - can be seen, particularly in the active growth regions. This process reflects how plant roots grow, with cell division primarily occurring at the root tip and slowing down as cells differentiate to form the mature tissues of the root.