Question

Water potential in potato cells was determined in the following manner. The initial masses of six groups of potato cores were

measured. The potato cores were placed in sucrose solutions of various molarities. The masses of the cores were measured again

after 24 hours. Percent changes in mass were calculated. The results are shown in the data table.

Question:

-Determine the apparent molar concentration (osmolarity of the potato core cells.

-Determine where the solution was hypertonic.

Answer 1

To determine the apparent molar concentration (osmolarity) of the potato core cells, we can examine the percent changes in mass of the potato cores after being placed in sucrose solutions of various molarities. The point at which there is no net change in mass indicates that the potato cores are in an isotonic solution, where the osmolarity of the potato cells is equal to the osmolarity of the sucrose solution. The apparent molar concentration can be determined by identifying the molarity of the sucrose solution at this point.

To determine where the solution was hypertonic, we need to look for a percent decrease in mass of the potato cores. A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration compared to the potato cells, causing water to move out of the cells, leading to a decrease in mass.

Without access to the specific data table you mentioned, I am unable to provide the exact values. However, you can analyze the percent changes in mass for the different sucrose solutions and identify the point of no net change (isotonic solution) and the points of decrease (hypertonic solutions) to answer these questions.