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We had to use an electron microscope in class for an assignment and used onion cells. On the 40x and 100x magnification there are tiny white dots and I was wondering if someone could tell me what they are? I have to draw them up and label what I can see but i'm just not sure and I don't want to do it wrong. I saw something that said it could be granules of inclusion but i'm thinking it is probably bacteria or air pockets? I was also wondering if someone could tell me what these bean shaped things are? Or any other organelle that you might see, it would be very appreciated!

I'm sorry the photo isn't great, I could only add one photo and I struggled to find one that showed everything that I was asking, so I hope you can see the tiny white dots I mentioned in my question.

User Chamon Roy
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Final Answer:

The tiny white dots observed in the onion cells under the electron microscope are likely artifacts caused by air pockets or debris. The bean-shaped structures you mentioned could be chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Under electron microscopes, artifacts like air pockets or debris often appear as tiny white dots in the images of biological specimens. These artifacts can occur due to sample preparation techniques or inconsistencies in the microscope's environment. It's essential to consider these possibilities while analyzing microscopic images, as they can often be mistaken for cellular structures.

Regarding the bean-shaped structures seen in the onion cells, they are likely chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells. These structures contain chlorophyll, the pigment crucial for capturing light energy and converting it into chemical energy. Their bean-like appearance is characteristic of chloroplasts and aligns with their role in producing sugars through photosynthesis.

When studying microscopic images, it's important to distinguish between genuine cellular components and artifacts to accurately identify and label the structures observed. While the tiny white dots might seem significant, they are more likely to be artifacts such as air pockets or debris. Conversely, the bean-shaped structures correspond to chloroplasts, which are vital organelles in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis and the production of energy.

User Spencergibb
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