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The purpose of this lab was to investigate the processes of osmosis and diffusion using a model of a membrane system. We examined the effect of solute concentration on water potential in living plant tissue. The experiments involved dialysis tubing and potato cores in various sucrose concentrations. The data supported our hypothesis, showing that as the sucrose concentration increased, both the mass and the percent change in mass also increased.
Molecules are in constant motion, tending to move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
This principle can be categorized into two types: diffusion and osmosis. Diffusion involves the random movement of molecules from high to low concentration and is a passive form of transportation. Osmosis, a special type of diffusion, occurs when water moves through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential.
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Water potential depends on osmotic potential and pressure potential, with the overall equation being Ψw = Ψp + Ψπ.
The objective of this lab is to observe the physical effects of osmosis and diffusion and determine if they occur. Our hypothesis is that molecules will diffuse down a concentration gradient, causing the mass of dialysis tubes to increase. Additionally, we believe that as the sucrose molarity increases, the percent change in mass will also increase.
Leave overnight.
The data collected from both exercises showed that as the concentration of sucrose increased, the mass of the dialysis tubes and potato cylinders also increased. This indicates that diffusion and osmosis occurred until dynamic equilibrium was reached. The tables below present the specific data:
| Solution | Initial Mass (g) | Final Mass (g) | Percent Change in Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distilled Water | |||
| 0.2 M Sucrose | |||
| 0.4 M Sucrose | |||
| 0.6 M Sucrose | |||
| 0.8 M Sucrose | |||
| 1.0 M Sucrose |
| Solution | Initial Mass of Potato Cylinders (g) | Final Mass of Potato Cylinders (g) | Room Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distilled Water | |||
| 0.2 M Sucrose | |||
| 0.4 M Sucrose | |||
| 0.6 M Sucrose | |||
| 0.8 M Sucrose | |||
| 1.0 M Sucrose |
The change in mass of the dialysis tubes and potato cylinders was dependent on the concentration of sucrose. When the sucrose concentration inside the dialysis tubing was greater than outside, water moved into the bag, increasing the mass. Conversely, when the sucrose concentration inside the bag was lower than outside, water moved out, decreasing the mass. These changes were directly proportional. As the mass increased, so did the molarity. Conversely, as the sucrose molarity inside the bag became more concentrated, it became more dilute outside. Equilibrium was reached between the two concentrations.
The data supported our hypothesis that as the sucrose concentration increased, the mass increased as well. However, there were potential sources of error. The tightness of the string tying the dialysis tubing could lead to leaks or breaks, affecting the data. Additionally, inadequate drying of the potato samples might leave drops on the electronic balance, leading to incorrect measurements. Simple mathematical errors could also occur, introducing inaccuracies into the results.
This lab successfully demonstrated the physical mechanisms of osmosis and diffusion and how molar concentration affects diffusion. The data supported our hypothesis, showing that as the sucrose concentration increased, both the mass and the percent change in mass increased. Exercise 1 revealed that water moved more readily across the selectively permeable membrane of dialysis tubing than sucrose sugar. Exercise 2 demonstrated that potatoes absorbed water when placed in a distilled water solution, indicating that potatoes contain sucrose molecules. Potatoes had a lower water potential and higher solute potential than the distilled water solution.
This experiment not only reinforces the principles of osmosis and diffusion but also provides valuable insights into how water and particles move in and out of cells. Understanding these biological processes is crucial for various fields, including physiology, medicine, and agriculture.
Based on the results of this lab, it is recommended to further explore the effects of osmosis and diffusion on various types of plant tissues and under different conditions. Additionally, investigating the impact of temperature on osmosis and diffusion could yield valuable insights. Further research in this area can contribute to our understanding of how these processes function in living organisms and can have practical applications in agriculture and medicine.
Osmosis and Diffusion Lab Report. (2016, Mar 18). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/osmosis-and-diffusion
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