University of the Philippines Baguio College of Science Department of Biology

Anatomical Characterization of the longitudinal and cross sections of Odontonema strictum root, stem, petiole, leaf, midrib and blade
Cris Imemarc J. Pajimola John Eric M. Cudia Edgar Cristobal Jr. Madelyn Grace Palomares Allen Jane Manzano Rose Anne Galapia October 7, 2011

ABSTRACT This study focuses in the anatomical features of Odontonema strictum. The slides were prepared and examined by the researchers through elaborate steps in the free hand sectioning, mounting and staining of the specimens. The organs were characterized through their anatomical features that are unique in every part of the plant body. Different properties were also observed in each of the organs like collenchymatous cells, and others. New information regarding the anatomical features of this plant specimen was observed and recorded by the researchers.

INTRODUCTION AND REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Odontonema strictum (oh-dawn-toeNEEM-muh STRICK-tum) or Firespike, is a kind integrated within the family

is a bush major and medium perennial, with a splendid upright growing branches, which manifest them on the widespread cultivation area. These evergreen shrubs with sparse and stiff branches grow mostly straight up to about 6 ft (1.8 m) tall. It produces a

Acanthaceae. Its place of origin can be found in open areas and semi-tropical forest of various countries, like the Philippines. It

generous amount of leaves which are bright green in color and pervasive to be darker as they age. Also, the leaves are oblong, arranged opposite each other on the stem, and 4-6 in (10-15.2 cm) long. Leaf arrangement is opposite or sub opposite, simple leaf type, undulate leaf margin, ovate leaf shape and pinnate leaf venation. Trunk and branches are typically multi-trunked or clumping stems. Odontonema strictum has unique, tubular, deep red flowers that produce long spikes covered in the

consider that this plant requires a good dose of humidity in the environment to keep the soil cool and moist. Odontonema cannot tolerate drought or lack of moisture in the substrate even for a short period of time. Mature plants also have high resistance to water shortages. The spread of Odontonema takes place in moist season. It can be easily cultivated via several methods of asexual reproduction.

end. These flowers can produce a maximum of twelve) upright panicles that can grow as much as 23 to 30.5 cm. The individual flowers are symmetrical and are about an inch long. The structure of the flower with its elongated throat is conveniently set for the long beak of hummingbirds and their sweet nectar as appetizing to them.This plant is capable of displaying a considerable amount if given enough space in the garden soil. It is also suitable for forming barriers to separate spacious gardens. When cultivated in a container, the shrub becomes more compact and it will only grow for a maximum height of three feet. In this project, there were several procedures that were employed to come up with a good prepared slide. The first thing we had done was to choose a specimen that is readily available in the campus for trial purposes and that was Odontonema strictum. There were three major processes that were done in this project, the sectioning, staining and the mounting. The hardest thing that we had done was the staining. Staining is an auxiliary technique used in microscopy to enhance contrast in the microscopic image. Stains The location for cultivation in areas with severe summer heat should be in a bright shade or semi-shade. It is important to and dyes are frequently used METHODOLOGY

in biology and

medicine to

highlight

structures in biological tissues for viewing, often with the aid of different microscopes.

The usual purpose is to reveal cytological details that might otherwise not be apparent; however, staining can also reveal where certain chemicals or specific chemical reactions are taking place within cells or tissues. In sectioning, the specimens were cut at the end using the razor blade in the right hand and the specimen at the left. With a drawing cut, the sections across the end of the piece of tissue were made and each section was transferred to water. The pith slices were removed with a needle. In staining process, the sections were placed in 70% ETOH for 10 minutes and then in 2% ferric ammonium sulphate and were rinsed in water briefly. Next, it was put in 95% ETOH for 12 hours. When the specimen became partly opaque, it was stained with 1% Safranin for 12-48 hours but due to over stain it was destained with several changes of 95% ETOH until it gave the desired intensity. After that, the

specimens were passed in alcohol xylol series: 25%, 50%, 75% and absolute xylol. In mounting, the specimens were put on a slide with a Canada balsam and cover slips were applied. The slides were cleaned and were labelled properly. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION In sections made, some features were observed. In leaf, parts of the midrib (Vascular bundles, ground tissues and epidermal layer) are clear but not the blade. Collateral bundle with Eustele type of arrangement of vascular bundle was

observed in stem, midrib and petiole. Actinostele arrangement, xylary elements, colored with red, occupying the central part and enclosed by the phloem, colored with green, was observed in root. The plant was in its primary growth so the parts observed were simpler (primary phloem and

specimen was placed in a mixture of absolute ETOH and xylene for at least 10 minutes and was counter stained with 0.5% fast green in 95% ETOH, a few drops at a time and was shaked gently until it gave the desired contrast. Sections were dehydrated in 70%, 95% and absolute ETOH. Lastly,

xylem,cortex, pith and epidermis were present).

RECOMMENDATION

Alcoholic safranin and fast green are the reagents used to stain the tissues of the plant body. Some of the tissues were overstained, specifically the vascular tissues and some ground tissues. This is primarily because of a long exposure of these tissues to the said staining reagents. Thus, it is recommended to alter the time span of soaking the specimens on these two reagents for the staining process to be successful. The time span indicated in the methodology, can be changed to a shorter or longer depending on the specimen. It is therefore

recommended that successive observations can be done after specific time interval to achieve the desired color of the tissues.