Activity: Osmosis in Potato Cells
Materials:
- Potatoes
- Water
- Salt (sodium chloride)
- Three bowls
- Knife or cutter
- Ruler or scale
Procedure:
1. Cut three potato slices of equal thickness.
2. Place one slice in a bowl of water, one in a bowl of salt water (high concentration), and one in a bowl of pure water.
3. Let them sit for a few hours or overnight.
4. Measure and record the initial and final weights of each potato slice.
5. Observe and note the changes in shape, size, and texture.
Results:
- The potato slice in water will increase in weight and size (swell).
- The potato slice in salt water will decrease in weight and size (shrivel).
- The potato slice in pure water will remain relatively unchanged.
Conclusion:
Osmosis occurs in potato cells, causing water to move in or out of the cells based on concentration gradients. This activity demonstrates how living organisms regulate water balance through osmosis.