Hi im doing sme bio cw and cnt find an answer to this question how does time affect osmosis in a potato cell?
Answers:
When the potato pieces are put in to the water there are more water molecules in the water then there is in the potato cells; therefore the water molecules move by osmosis into the potato cells through the membrane. This means that the mass of the potato piece will increase and the potato will feel harder.
When the potato pieces are put in to the salt water there are more water molecules in the potato cells then in the salt water; therefore the water molecules by osmosis into the water from the potato. This means that the mass of the potato piece will decrease, and it will feel really soft. The stronger the concentration of the salt solution the more it will decrease in weight.
taken directly from:
http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=28497.
Water moves by osmosis as previously mentioned here, however regarding the time element - water will continue moving back and forth until equillibrium is reached on either side of the membrane, meaning the water concentration is the same. If this is coursework however, to access the higher marks you need to be discussing water potential not water concentration. Water will move from a higher water potential to a lower water potential across a semi-permeable membrane.
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