Required Practical : Effects of Osmosis on Plant Tissue

• Why do we peel the potato before the experiment?

  The skin can affect osmosis
• What tool is used to produce potato cylinders?

  Cork borer
• What length should the potato cylinders be trimmed to?

  Approximately three centimeters
• Why is it important to use cylinders of the same diameter?

  To ensure consistent surface area for osmosis
• What is the first step after preparing the potato cylinders?

  Measure the length and mass of each cylinder
• What is the purpose of using distilled water in the experiment?

  It contains no dissolved substances
• How long should the potato cylinders be left in the solutions?

  Overnight
• What should be done after removing the potato cylinders from the solutions?

  Gently roll them on paper towel
• What is the equation for calculating percentage change?

  Percentage change = (change in value / original value) × 100
• What does the graph of percentage changes in mass or length against sugar solution concentration show?

  Mass changes with varying sugar concentrations
• What does it mean when the graph crosses the x-axis?

  No change in mass occurs at that concentration
• What does the concentration at which the graph crosses the x-axis indicate?

  Approximate concentration inside the cell
• What are the steps to investigate the effect of osmosis on plant tissue?

  1. Peel the potato to remove skin.
  2. Use a cork borer to create cylinders.
  3. Trim cylinders to approximately 3 cm.
  4. Measure length and mass of each cylinder.
  5. Place cylinders in test tubes with different solutions.
  6. Leave overnight for osmosis to occur.
  7. Remove and roll on paper towel.
  8. Measure length and mass again.
  9. Calculate percentage change in length and mass.
• What are the effects of osmosis on potato cylinders in different solutions?

  • In distilled water: Gains mass (water enters).
  • In concentrated sugar solution: Loses mass (water exits).
  • At equilibrium: No change in mass (equal concentrations).