(a)
(i) Define the term osmosis - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2009
Question 8
(a)
(i) Define the term osmosis.
(ii) Give an example of osmosis in plants.
(b) Answer the following questions in relation to practical work you carried ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a)
(i) Define the term osmosis - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2009
Step 1
Define the term osmosis.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Osmosis is the movement of water through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Step 2
Give an example of osmosis in plants.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
An example of osmosis in plants is when water moves from the soil into the roots of a plant through the root cell membranes, causing the plant to stay turgid.
Step 3
In the space below draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus you used in the investigation.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
A diagram should include a beaker with two solutions separated by a semipermeable membrane, with labels indicating the solutions on either side and the membrane.
Step 4
Describe how you used this apparatus to carry out the investigation.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
I set up the apparatus by placing one solution with a high concentration of salt on one side of the membrane and distilled water on the other. I then observed the process by recording the time and noting any changes in the levels of the liquids.
Step 5
State the result(s) of your investigation.
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The result of the investigation was that the side with the salt solution became heavier after a period, indicating that water moved from the distilled water side to the salt side.
Step 6
Briefly explain the result(s) you have given in part (iii).
97%
121 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The increase in weight on the salt solution side indicates that water moved across the membrane into this area due to osmosis, as water tends to move towards higher solute concentrations.
Join the Leaving Cert students using SimpleStudy...
