Experiment #2

Title: Osmosis 1: Plasmolysis in Rhoeo discolor

Date:

Aim: To investigate the effect of a concentrated sucrose solution on the cellular structure of Rhoeo
discolor epidermal cells.

Apparatus and Materials: microscope, microscope slides, cover slips, forceps, filter paper, scalpel,
watch glass, Rhoeo discolor, distilled water, concentrated sucrose solution, teat pipette

Method:
1. Label two clean microscope slides A and B.
2. Place a drop of distilled water onto the centre of slide A.
3. Place a drop of concentrated sucrose solution onto the centre of slide B.
4. Obtain a leaf sample of the Rhoeo discolor plant.
5. Use a scalpel to cut two squares of side 0.5 cm into the upper epidermis of the leaf.
6. Using a forceps, carefully peel/strip off the squares of epidermis from the leaf (these must
be one cell thick).
7. Place one square onto the drop of liquid on each slide.
8. Carefully cover each piece of epidermis with a cover slip and remove excess fluid from the
slide with filter paper.
9. Observe each slide under the light microscope at the lowest power.
10. Make an annotated labelled drawing of 3-4 cells from each slide.

Results: Refer to drawing rules

1. Labelled drawings from each slide

2.

Discussion:
1. Background – Define osmosis, hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic solutions and Plasmolysis.
2. Explanation – state changes observed in cell and vacuole shape as well as colour of cell sap.
Using osmotic theory, explain why these changes occurred. What has occupied the space
between the cell membrane and the cell wall in the cells placed on slide B? How do your
results relate to the concept that the cell wall is permeable to both water and dissolved
sucrose? How would the entire plant be affected by immersion in the solution on slide B?
3. Precautions/errors/limitations

Conclusion: very brief statement on effects observed.