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Question
Krish tried to recreate the potato osmometer experiment which he learned in school . He left three potato pieces of equal weight (3g) and shape in three types of solutions (A, B, C) overnight. Next day morning, he observed changes in the weight and shape of the potatoes in beakers A and B. The new weight of the potatoes in solutions A, B and C are 2.5g, 3g and 3.5g respectively. Identify the solutions of A, B and C.
Krish tried to recreate the potato osmometer experiment which he learned in school . He left three potato pieces of equal weight (3g) and shape in three types of solutions (A, B, C) overnight. Next day morning, he observed changes in the weight and shape of the potatoes in beakers A and B. The new weight of the potatoes in solutions A, B and C are 2.5g, 3g and 3.5g respectively. Identify the solutions of A, B and C.
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Solution
The correct option is A A-Hypertonic, B-Isotonic, C-Hypotonic
Potato osmometer experiment, made with a potato, works on the principle of osmosis. Osmosis is the flow of water through a semi permeable membrane, from higher water potential to lower water potential or the flow of water from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
The osmotic concentration of a solution can be of three types- isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic.
If the osmotic pressure of the external solution is same as that of the cytoplasm of the cell, it is an isotonic solution. In this case there is no net flow of water between the solution and the cell. The cell does not lose or gain mass and the shape of the cell will be intact.
When the solution is less concentrated than that of the cytoplasm of the cell, then the solution is hypotonic solution. The water potential of the cell is lower as the solute concentration is higher, and water diffuses into the cell (endosmosis) when placed in a hypotonic solution. Here, the cell becomes turgid (swells) and gains weight. As seen in solution C.
When the solution is more concentrated than the cytoplasm of the cell it is called hypertonic solution. The water potential in the cell is higher as the solute concentration is low and the water moves from the cytoplasm into the solution (exosmosis) when a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. Here, the cell shrinks and loses its weight.
In the experiment done by Krish with potato osmometer, the three potato peices are placed in three different solution. The change in weight of the potato can indicate the type of solution it was placed in .
Beaker A- the potato has lost its weight. This indicates that the solution was hypertonic and exosmosis has occured.
Beaker B- the potato has not lost its weight. This indicates that there has been no exchange of solvents between the potato and the solution. Thus it is an isotonic solution.
Beaker C - the potato has gained weight . This indicates that it has undergone endosmosis and the solution is hypotonic.
Potato osmometer experiment, made with a potato, works on the principle of osmosis. Osmosis is the flow of water through a semi permeable membrane, from higher water potential to lower water potential or the flow of water from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
The osmotic concentration of a solution can be of three types- isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic.
If the osmotic pressure of the external solution is same as that of the cytoplasm of the cell, it is an isotonic solution. In this case there is no net flow of water between the solution and the cell. The cell does not lose or gain mass and the shape of the cell will be intact.
When the solution is less concentrated than that of the cytoplasm of the cell, then the solution is hypotonic solution. The water potential of the cell is lower as the solute concentration is higher, and water diffuses into the cell (endosmosis) when placed in a hypotonic solution. Here, the cell becomes turgid (swells) and gains weight. As seen in solution C.
When the solution is more concentrated than the cytoplasm of the cell it is called hypertonic solution. The water potential in the cell is higher as the solute concentration is low and the water moves from the cytoplasm into the solution (exosmosis) when a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. Here, the cell shrinks and loses its weight.
In the experiment done by Krish with potato osmometer, the three potato peices are placed in three different solution. The change in weight of the potato can indicate the type of solution it was placed in .
Beaker A- the potato has lost its weight. This indicates that the solution was hypertonic and exosmosis has occured.
Beaker B- the potato has not lost its weight. This indicates that there has been no exchange of solvents between the potato and the solution. Thus it is an isotonic solution.
Beaker C - the potato has gained weight . This indicates that it has undergone endosmosis and the solution is hypotonic.
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