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The purpose of this lab was to observe passive transport of molecules through diffusion and osmosis. We had to keep close observation on two dialysis bags and explain how we measured the change in weight as diffusion and osmosis occurred throughout the experiment. Cells produce an energy called Kinetic Energy. This causes molecules of the cell to move around and bump into each other. Diffusion is one result of this molecular movement. Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration (Martini & Nathan, 89).
Osmosis is a special kind of diffusion where water moves through a selectively permeable membrane (a membrane that only allows certain molecules to diffuse though) (Martini & Nathan 90). Diffusion or osmosis takes place until a balance has been reached. This is the point where the concentrations in both areas are equal and no net movement will occur from one area to another. C] Hypothesis: C] During the experiment, we will prove that diffusion and osmosis occur between solutions of different concentrations until dynamic equilibrium is reached. Materials (Martini & Nathan Lab. Manual, pop): To begin the lab, first collect the desired equipment.
The water potential played an enormous role in each part of this lab. Since water moves areas of high water potential to areas of low water potential, reactions took place in each part resulting in different conclusions being derived from them. Water potential was a key element in each part of the experiment. In plant and animal cells, loss or gain of water can have different effects.