Furst, John-Nicholas

Osmosis
Background:
Osmosis is a type diffusion in which a solvent is diffused through a semi permeable
membrane from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. The
solvent flows from the side of the membrane where the solution is weakest to the side
where it is strongest, until the solution on both sides of the membrane is the same
strength (that is, until it reaches equilibrium).

Problem:
What is the affect of a hypertonic cell environment verse a hypotonic cell environment?

Hypothesis:
The egg in the hypotonic cell environment will get larger. While the egg in the hypertonic
cell environment will shrink.

Materials:
2 fresh eggs
Beaker of vinegar
Beaker of karo syrup
Balance
String and a metric ruler

Procedure:

First measure the circumference of the two eggs at the widest point using string to rap
around the egg. Next measure the length of the string. Record this number as your
“pre-vinegar circumference”. Next, take the mass of your eggs. Record this number
as your “pre-vinegar mass.” Then soak the eggs in vinegar for 24 hours. After the
eggs have been exposed to the vinegar rinse the eggs gently to remove any remaining
shell. Repeat the measurements you made initially and record them again, this time
as “post-vinegar circumference” and “post-vinegar mass.” Next place egg “A” into a
small beaker and cover it with water. Label the beaker. Afterwards place egg “B” into
a different beaker and cover it with karo syrup. Label the beaker. Let the eggs soak in
the new liquid for another 24 hours. After the eggs have soaked for 24 hours, rinse the
eggs gently, pat dry, and repeat the same measurements. Record your data.
 Before:
Egg Mass (g) Circumference
A 85.2 163
B 71.1 155

After:
Egg Mass (g) Circumference
A 54.6 139
B 78.1 161

Comparision of Egg's Mass Throughout Osmosis Comparision of Egg's Circumference Throughout Osmosis

165

90 160

80
155
70

Circumference (mm)
60 150
Mass (g)

50 Egg A
145 Egg A
40 Egg B Egg B

30 140

20
10 135

0 130

Before Osmosis After Osmosis

125
Before or After Osmosis Before Osmosis
Before or After Osmosis
After Osmosis

Results:
Egg B grew in size while Egg A shrunk in size. This was due to the process
of osmosis and the seeking for equilibrium.

Conclusion:
In conclusion my hypothesis was correct and Egg B grew is size because it
was place in a hypertonic solution and the water around the egg moved into
the egg, while Egg A shrunk in size because it was placed in a hypotonic
situation where all of the water inside of it left the egg. These are perfect
examples of osmosis.