Download Plant Cell Turgor Lab Questions

Name: __________________________________ Per. _____ Date: ______________________
Potato Plant Cell Turgor Lab
Data Table:
Solution
A
B
C
D
Initial
Mass (g)
Final
Percent
Initial
Mass (g) Change in flexibility
mass
(flaccid or
crisp)
E
F
Final
flexibility
(flaccid or
crisp)
Final
volume
of water
in beaker
(mL)
Calculate the Percent Change in mass in (column C) for each of the three potato
slices using the following formula:
Final mass – Initial mass x 100
Initial Mass
Predictions: Complete the following table for predictions and explanations.
Potato
Mass
Flexibility
Explanation
Environment
Increase
Increase
Air
Or
Decrease
Or
Decrease
Distilled water
Increase
Or
Decrease
Increase
Or
Decrease
Saline (salt) water
Increase
Or
Decrease
Increase
Or
Decrease
Plant Cell Diagram:
Refer to page 74 in the Biology textbook to assist in labeling the figure of a typical
plant cell below.
Name: _________________________________ Per. _____ Date: ____________
Post Lab Analysis Questions:
1. Define “Turgor pressure” - __________________________________________
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2. Explain what is happening when a plant “wilts”.
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3. What does the amount of flexibility and bend of the potato slice tell you about
the turgor pressure inside the potato cells?
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4. What effect did the salt have on the potato cells and the turgor pressure?
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5. What effect did the distilled water have on the potato cells and turgor pressure?
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6. Which solution caused greater turgor pressure within the potato cells?
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7. Was the any change in mass or turgor pressure in the potato slice that remained
out of solution in the air? Identify any changes and explain why those changes
occurred or why there was no change.
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8. Did water move into or out of the potato cells when soaked in distilled water?
Explain why you think this occurred.
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9. Did water move into or out of the potato cells when soaked in salt water?
Explain why you think this occurred.
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10.What might a plant and its cells do to maintain and regulate turgor pressure in
ever changing environmental conditions? (Hint: think about osmosis direction)
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