potato lab
Potato Cell Cytoplasm Composition
PURPOSE: To determine the concentration of salt in the cytoplasm of potato cells
HYPOTHESIS: Increase in salt concentration results in a hypotonic solution where the mass of the potato increases due to the movement of water into the cell. On the other hand, decrease in salt concentration results in a hypertonic solution where the mass of the potato decreases due to the movement of water outside the cell.
MATERIALS:
Potato
Forceps
Stopwatch
Scalpel
Test tubes
Knife
Mass balance
Graduated cylinder ruler salt solution test tube rack
PROCEDURE:
1. Cut 18 potato cores from the same potato using a knife and place them onto the lab bench. Using a scalpel and ruler (calibrated in millimeters) cut the cores into 50 mm lengths, with care taken to ensure no potato peel being left on them. The cutting will be to an accuracy of 1 millimeter
2. Mass each potato core using the mass balance. The mass will be to an accuracy of 0.01 grams.
3. Place the potato cores in a Ziploc bag. Label the bag and place in the tub – they will be refrigerated overnight.
4. Prepare 400 mL of 1.0 mol/L NaCl solution using the mass balance, graduated cylinder and a large beaker.
5. Prepare 2 sets of 6 numbered test tubes. Repeat with 2 more sets of test tubes. (total 18)
6. Place labeled test tubes into test tube rack.
7. Prepare solutions for test tubes using the quantities of water and salt solution described in table above. Mix each solution in a separate beaker and transfer 20 mL of the solution to correct test tube using a graduated cylinder.
8. Place a potato core into each test tube. Leave cores in test tubes for 20 minutes.
9. After 20 minutes remove the cores from the test tubes and pat-dry. Mass cores using the mass balance.
10. Clean up all apparatus and dispose of your potato cores as directed by your teacher.
Independent Variable: Volume of salt solution
Dependant Variable: Mass of potato after submission
PURPOSE: To determine the concentration of salt in the cytoplasm of potato cells
HYPOTHESIS: Increase in salt concentration results in a hypotonic solution where the mass of the potato increases due to the movement of water into the cell. On the other hand, decrease in salt concentration results in a hypertonic solution where the mass of the potato decreases due to the movement of water outside the cell.
MATERIALS:
Potato
Forceps
Stopwatch
Scalpel
Test tubes
Knife
Mass balance
Graduated cylinder ruler salt solution test tube rack
PROCEDURE:
1. Cut 18 potato cores from the same potato using a knife and place them onto the lab bench. Using a scalpel and ruler (calibrated in millimeters) cut the cores into 50 mm lengths, with care taken to ensure no potato peel being left on them. The cutting will be to an accuracy of 1 millimeter
2. Mass each potato core using the mass balance. The mass will be to an accuracy of 0.01 grams.
3. Place the potato cores in a Ziploc bag. Label the bag and place in the tub – they will be refrigerated overnight.
4. Prepare 400 mL of 1.0 mol/L NaCl solution using the mass balance, graduated cylinder and a large beaker.
5. Prepare 2 sets of 6 numbered test tubes. Repeat with 2 more sets of test tubes. (total 18)
6. Place labeled test tubes into test tube rack.
7. Prepare solutions for test tubes using the quantities of water and salt solution described in table above. Mix each solution in a separate beaker and transfer 20 mL of the solution to correct test tube using a graduated cylinder.
8. Place a potato core into each test tube. Leave cores in test tubes for 20 minutes.
9. After 20 minutes remove the cores from the test tubes and pat-dry. Mass cores using the mass balance.
10. Clean up all apparatus and dispose of your potato cores as directed by your teacher.
Independent Variable: Volume of salt solution
Dependant Variable: Mass of potato after submission