investigation into membrane permeability (beetroot pag)

Question 1

why are beetroots used to investigate membrane permeability?

Answer 1

it contains betalain which is a red pigment which can be released when the membrane is disrupted

Question 2

outline investigation into membrane permeability using beetroot

Answer 2

beetroot pieces cut into equal sizes

washed using water

placed in distilled water and heated in different water baths (10 degree intervals)

samples were taken after 5 mins

a colorimeter was used to obtain the absorbance value

Question 3

why would this investigation be repeated?

Answer 3

to obtain an average which allows you to identify anomalies

Question 4

how does a colorimeter detect absorbance?

Answer 4

light would pass through the sample and the intensity of the light which hits the detector is recorded

Question 5

what would a high absorbance value suggest?

Answer 5

more betalain has passed through the membrane and therefore more light is being absorbed by the pigment

would suggest that the membrane’s permeability has increased