BIO 105

Prof. Fuller Chemical Functions

Lab 3

Information for Lab 3 1. Diffusion:

a.
b. c. d.

Definition: the movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration Selectively (differentially) permeable membrane: a membrane that allows only certain substances to pass (e.g. the cell membrane) Complete the activity demonstrating changes in diffusion rate among a semisolid, a liquid, and gas. Complete the activity demonstrating diffusion across a selectively permeable membrane.

2.

Osmosis:

a.
b.

Definition: the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane Observe the osmosis demonstration at the front of the lab.

3.

Tonicity

a.
b.

Involves a comparison of solute and solvent concentrations between the inside of a cell and the outside Isotonic solution: solute and solvent concentrations are equal Hypertonic solution: greater water concentration on the inside of the cell and greater solute concentration on the outside of the cell (result: cell in this solution would shrivel due to water loss) Hypotonic solution: greater water concentration on the outside of the cell and greater solute concentration on the inside of the cell (result: cell in this solution would gain water and could potentially burst) Complete the activity to compare the properties of hypertonic vs. hypotonic solutions using potato pieces, distilled water, and sodium chloride solution. Answer the questions. Complete the table using the demonstration tubes containing red blood cells and three concentrations of sodium chloride solution at the front of the room to compare the properties of the three types of solutions (You will make slides from each of the three test tubes in addition to viewing your lab manual through each of the tubes.) Complete the activity to compare the properties of hypertonic vs. hypotonic solutions with regard to Elodea cells.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

4.

pH

a. b.

concerned with the relative hydrogen ion concentration of a solution pH scale: a range of measurements of hydrogen ion concentration i. ii. iii. acidic levels: 0-6 neutral: 7 basic levels: 8-14

c. d. e.

Buffer: a group of chemicals that can maintain a pH (to a degree). (NOTE: Cytoplasm of cells is a buffered solution.) Complete the activity to practice measuring pH and to compare pH of water, a buffer, and cytoplasm. Fill in the table. Complete the activity to demonstrate the properties of buffers in relation to pH. Complete the table, construct the two graphs, and answer the questions.

Activities:

1.
2.

Complete all procedures assigned. Be able to describe the purpose, outcome, and properties of each procedure.