Cell Membrane Permeability - Practical

Question 1

Why is beetroot used

Answer 1

Contains coloured pigment

Question 2

What happens to the colour intensity as permeability increases

Answer 2

More pigment leaks out of cell membrane

So colour intensity increases

Question 3

What is the independent variable

Answer 3

Temp

Question 4

Outline the method

Answer 4

1. Use scalpel to cut 5 equal sized pieces of beetroot
2. Rinse pieces to remove any pigment released when cutting plants
3. Add to 5 different test tubes contains 5cm3 water
4. Place each test tube in a water bath at different temps for the same amount of time
5. Remove solid beetroot
6. Transfer liquid into cuvette and put through calorimeter
7. Measure it’s absorbance

Question 5

The calorimeter says it has a higher absorbance. What does that mean

Answer 5

More pigment has been released so the membrane was more permeable