Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
I. Meristem is a type of tissue that is responsible for the growth and development of a plant. It is composed of undifferentiated cells that can divide and differentiate into specialized cells that form different plant tissues. The primary function of meristem is to provide new cells for the growth and repair of the plant, and to produce new organs such as leaves, stems, and roots. Meristem also plays a vital role in the process of asexual reproduction, where it gives rise to new plants through vegetative propagation.
II. To prepare a microscope slide using cells from the meristem, the student would need to follow the following steps:
1. Obtain a fresh sample of plant tissue from the meristem of the banana plant.
2. Cut a thin section of the tissue using a sharp razor blade or scalpel.
3. Place the section onto a clean microscope slide.
4. Add a drop of water onto the section to prevent it from drying out and to help the cells adhere to the slide.
5. Cover the section with a coverslip, making sure to avoid any air bubbles.
6. Place the slide onto the microscope stage and adjust the focus to view the cells.
Alternatively, the student could stain the cells with a suitable stain to enhance the contrast and visibility of the cells under the microscope. To do this, the student would need to add a drop of stain such as iodine or methylene blue onto the section before covering it with a coverslip. The stain would bind to the cellular components, making them more visible under the microscope.