Summary
In this lab students studied the process of osmosis by observing red onion cells in different solutions. Osmosis is the diffusion of water, meaning that water goes from a high concentration to a lower concentration of water molecules.
To observe onion cells, scholars peeled off red skin from onion chunks and placed them over a drop of water on a microscope slide. A cover slip was then placed over the onion cells, starting at a 45 degree angle in order to avoid air bubbles.
Scholars made initial observations of the cell wall, cell membrane, and cytoplasm of one onion cell.
In this lab students studied the process of osmosis by observing red onion cells in different solutions. Osmosis is the diffusion of water, meaning that water goes from a high concentration to a lower concentration of water molecules.
To observe onion cells, scholars peeled off red skin from onion chunks and placed them over a drop of water on a microscope slide. A cover slip was then placed over the onion cells, starting at a 45 degree angle in order to avoid air bubbles.
Scholars made initial observations of the cell wall, cell membrane, and cytoplasm of one onion cell.
Figure 1. First Observation: one drop of distilled water
Next, several drops of 10% salt solution was added to the side of the cover slip spread into the onion cells. Observations of the same cell were made again. Scholars noticed a smaller, shrinking cytoplasm.
Figure 2. Second Observation: 10% salt solution
In the last step, scholars reintroduced distilled water into the cell, once again expanding the cytoplasm in the cell.
Figure 3. Third Observation: Addition of more Distilled Water
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