Reasons for not being able to clearly observe stomata from a mount of leaf peel:

There could be several reasons why a student could not clearly observe stomata from a mount of leaf peel. Below are some possible explanations:

1. Inadequate preparation:
- The leaf peel might not have been properly prepared for microscopic observation. The student might have failed to use the correct technique or staining method, leading to poor visibility of stomata.
- The peel might not have been properly mounted on the slide, resulting in a distorted or uneven sample.

2. Insufficient staining:
- Staining the leaf peel is essential to enhance the visibility of stomata. If the student did not use an appropriate stain or if the staining process was not carried out for a sufficient duration, the stomata might not be clearly visible.

3. Low magnification:
- The student might have used a low magnification objective lens on the microscope, which would make it difficult to observe the fine details of the stomata.
- Stomata are microscopic structures, and using a higher magnification lens would be necessary to clearly observe them.

4. Incorrect focusing:
- The student might not have properly focused the microscope. Adjusting the focus knob to obtain a sharp image is crucial for observing stomata clearly.
- If the student did not correctly adjust the focus, the stomata might appear blurry or out of focus.

5. Damage or contamination:
- The leaf peel sample might have been damaged or contaminated during preparation, handling, or mounting. This could result in distorted or obscured stomata, making them difficult to observe.

6. Variation in stomatal distribution:
- Stomata are not uniformly distributed on the leaf surface. They are more concentrated on the lower epidermis of most leaves. If the student examined the upper surface or an area with fewer stomata, it could explain the difficulty in observing them.

7. Lack of experience:
- The student might be inexperienced in observing stomata or using a microscope. Properly visualizing and identifying stomata requires practice and familiarity with the equipment and techniques involved.

By considering these potential reasons, the student can troubleshoot and make necessary adjustments to improve their ability to observe stomata clearly. Proper preparation, staining, magnification, focusing, and handling techniques can greatly enhance the visibility of stomata for observation and study.