This lab has two different activities. In Part A of this lab, the observation of plasmolysis in a living cell is a qualitative measurement. Students will observe cells under the microscope as plasmolysis takes place. In Part B, the student will quantitatively measure plasmolysis by measuring the amount of water lost in grams from potato slices. Students will draw pictures and describe what they see in Part A. Students will measure and graph their results in Part B.

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Purpose:
1. To observe the process of plasmolysis inside living cells.
2. To observe the effect of different types of solutions on living cells.
3. To quantitatively measure the rate of plasmolysis in potato slices.

Materials: Microscopes, Microscope slides, Cover slips, 5% sodium chloride solution, Medicine droppers, Elodea plant, 10% sodium chloride solution, Distilled water, Potatoes, various sugar solutions, 100 mL beakers, Balances.

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All answers and Teacher Preparation Notes are included.

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