Scribd
Upload
3 views

Potato Lab

The Grade 12 Biology Lab investigates the effects of osmosis on potato cells using various sugar solution concentrations. Students prepare sugar solutions, weigh potato pieces before and after immersion, and calculate changes in mass to analyze the impact of osmosis. The lab concludes with a discussion on the relationship between sugar concentration and osmosis, along with predictions and sources of error.

Uploaded by

johnstonc
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views

Potato Lab

The Grade 12 Biology Lab investigates the effects of osmosis on potato cells using various sugar solution concentrations. Students prepare sugar solutions, weigh potato pieces before and after immersion, and calculate changes in mass to analyze the impact of osmosis. The lab concludes with a discussion on the relationship between sugar concentration and osmosis, along with predictions and sources of error.

Uploaded by

johnstonc
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Grade 12 Biology Lab: Investigating Osmosis in Potatoes

Objective:

To observe the effects of osmosis on potato cells when placed in different


concentrations of sugar solutions.

Materials:

- Potato pieces
- Table sugar (sucrose)
- Distilled water
- Electronic balance
- Graduated cylinder (100 mL or larger)
- Beakers or cups (at least 5)
- Cutting board and knife
- Paper towels
- Marker
- Ruler (optional)

Preparing the Sugar Solutions:

Each sugar solution is made with a specific concentration of sugar by mass.


Use the following instructions to prepare 100 mL of each solution:

- 0% Sugar Solution (Distilled Water):


- 100 mL distilled water, no sugar added.

- 5% Sugar Solution:
- Measure 5 grams of sugar.
- Add the sugar to 100 mL of distilled water and stir until the sugar
dissolves.

- 10% Sugar Solution:


- Measure 10 grams of sugar.
- Add the sugar to 100 mL of distilled water and stir until the sugar
dissolves.

- 15% Sugar Solution:


- Measure 15 grams of sugar.
- Add the sugar to 100 mL of distilled water and stir until the sugar
dissolves.

- 20% Sugar Solution:


- Measure 20 grams of sugar.
- Add the sugar to 100 mL of distilled water and stir until the sugar
dissolves.

Procedure:

1. Preparation:
- Label five beakers or cups with the sugar concentrations: 0%, 5%, 10%,
15%, and 20%.
- Prepare 100 mL of each sugar solution using the instructions above.

2. Weigh the Potatoes:


- Get 5 pieces of potatoes.
- Dry the potato pieces with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Use the electronic balance to weigh each potato piece and record the
initial mass in grams.

3. Immerse the Potatoes:


- Place one potato piece into each labeled beaker containing the sugar
solutions. It is important to know which piece is in each beaker so
you can do accurate measurements and calculations

4. Remove the Potatoes:


- At the beginning of the next class, remove the potato pieces from the
solutions.
- Carefully dry each piece with a paper towel to remove excess liquid.
- Weigh each potato piece again and record the final mass.

5. Record Data:

Calculations:
1. Change in Mass = Final Mass - Initial Mass

2. Percent Change in Mass = (Change in Mass / Initial Mass) × 100

Analysis

- Graph the data and prepare a line of best fit. This can be done on
graph paper or by using excel (*recommended)

Questions:

1. Describe the trend you observe in the change in mass of the potato pieces
across different sugar concentrations.

2. Explain how osmosis is responsible for the changes in mass observed in


the potato pieces.

3. Why do the potato pieces in higher sugar concentrations (e.g., 15% and
20%) tend to lose mass?

4. What happens to the potato piece in distilled water? Why does this occur?

5. Using the graph, predict the concentration of the inside of your potato
(the isotonic concentration)
6. If you continued the experiment for a longer time, what do you predict
would happen to the mass of the potato pieces in the different solutions?

7. Relate the concept of osmosis to what happens to plant cells when they
are watered with a very salty solution.

8. What sources of error might have influenced the results of your


experiment? How could you improve the accuracy of your data?

Conclusion:

Write a brief conclusion summarizing your results and explaining the


relationship between sugar concentration and osmosis in potato cells.
Discuss whether your results support your initial predictions and any
implications for understanding osmosis in living organisms.

Type or write out your lab report and hand in.

You might also like