1.16: osmosis core practical

What is the aim of the experiment?

To investigate the effect of a range of sucrose solutions on the mass of potatoes, and determine the concentration of cell sap on potato cells

What is the method of the experiment?

Set up 6 boiling tubes, each containing the same volume of a sucrose solutions. Prepare 6 potato cyclones using a borer - cut these cylinders into the same length. Dry each potato using a paper towel and record its mass before placing it into one of the boiling tubes. Leave the potatoes in the boil in tubers for 40 minutes then remove each and gently remove excess liquid from the surface of the potato with a paper towl. Record its mass then repeat the experiment and create a table with the results. You can create a mean based on average results and ignoring any anomalous results

Risks in the experiment

Take care when using a scalpel and wear eye protection when using chemical solutions

Results

The experiment shows the effect of osmosis on plant tissue, as the cylinders will increase or decrease in mass if they lose of gain water by osmosis

What does it mean if the potato has gained in mass?

It has taken in water, and the sucrose solutions it was in is more dilute than the cell sap within the potato

What does it mean if the potato has decreased in mass?

The potato has lost mass and the sucrose solution it was in is more concentrated than the cell sap within the potato

What is the 0% sucrose solution made from?

Distilled water

What does it mean if the potato has not changed in mass?

The sucrose solution it was in is the same concentration as the cell sap in the potato