Study of the Structure and Function of Mitochondria

This unique kit uses celery to vividly present the study of mitochondria to your students. Normal preparation methods tend to destroy the mitochondria. The LAB-AIDS® method utilizes a special stain that acts as a hydrogen acceptor. Students "observe" mitochondria oxidizing food. The stain on the slides gradually loses color as hydrogen is removed. In this activity, students prepare microscope slides and observe mitochondria, both as cytoplasmic particles and as centers of enzyme activity - the "energy producers" in cells. Very fresh celery and microscopes, required for this activity, are not provided.