The Effect of Sucrose Concentration on the Mass of Potato Tissue

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The Effect of Sucrose Concentration on the Mass of Potato Tissue

Prediction: I predict that a high sugar solution will cause the mass of the potato to decrease. This will be due to osmosis. Osmosis is the diffusion of water from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration across a semi-permeable membrane, such as the one of the potato. If the water concentration inside the potato is higher than the water concentration in the solution then the cell will lose water through osmosis, which will cause it to shrivel. When the plant cell is in said state it is plasmalised. However, if the plant cell is in a pure water solution, the plant will take in a large amount of water and has gains enough water, when a plant is in this state- it is said to be turgid. When this happens, the plant is said to be turgid. So, I predict that when the potato is in a strong sugar solution it's mass will decrease.

Equipment;

Five test tubes - To hold the potato and each one of the five sugar solutions individually;

Test tube rack;

Knife and equipment to cut potato into 5 pieces of equal mass;

Measuring cylinder for measuring amount of water and finding the correct amount;

Scales for weighing sugar;

Thermometer to ensure the temperature of each solution is identical to the others;

Spatula for stirring sugar solutions;

Sugar and distilled water.

Diagram

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Method: Using a scalpel, cut five potato pieces. They should be of an almost equal size and mass. To ensure this, weigh the pieces.

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