Using this kit, each student will be led through a step by step procedure which involves staining, mounting, and observation of normal and transformed (tumor) cells. Each student will observe the morphological differences, as well as the differing growth patterns of these cell types when grown in culture.

The manual provided with this kit describes how the cells are grown in culture, what factors influence the transformation of cells, and the differences in growth behavior between normal and tumor cells in culture. Photographs of these cell types are used to guide the students through the observation steps

• Enough materials for 30 students working individually.
• Coverslips with IMR-90, a normal, diploid human cell line which shows the typical fibroblastic morphology and oriented growth pattern
• Coverslips with L929, a transformed mouse cell which shows cells of varying morphology and giant cells.
• STAIN #1 and STAIN #2; Permount (mounting medium).
• Printed background and procedural information as well as a Glossary of Terms, References, & Further Reading.

Teacher's Preparation

1. Monocular or binocular microscope (10 - 40X objectives)
2. Forceps, pipettes, microscope slides.
3. Distilled or deionized water aliquotted in small tubes or in squeeze bottles

Time Requirements
30-45 minutes, including casual observations.