Q4: Beetroot experiment

Question 1

Beetroot experiment

5 steps

Answer 1

1. Use a scalpel to cut 5 equal sized pieces of beetroot, then rinse the pieces to remove any pigment releasing during the cutting.
2. Add the pieces to 5 different test tubes, each containing 5cm3 of water.
3. Place the test tubes in separate water baths at different temperatures for the same length of time.
4. Remove the beetroot, leaving just the coloured liquid.
5. Use a colorimeter.

Question 2

Colorimeter

Answer 2

A machine that passes light through the liquid and measures how much light is absorbed.

Question 3

How to prepare a colorimeter

Answer 3

• Takes 5 mins to stabilise

- Calibrate at 0 by taking a measurement in pure water

Question 4

The higher absorbance on a colorimeter…

Answer 4

The more pigment released, so the higher permeability of the membrane.

Question 5

How can results be processed of a colorimeter

Answer 5

Connect the colorimeter to a computer and use software to collect the data and draw a graph of the results.

Question 6

Example of temperatures of water baths

Answer 6

10, 20,30,40,50 degrees Celsius

Question 7

How is time recorded when doing the experiment?

Answer 7

Stop watch

Question 8

Where should the pieces of beetroot be cut?

Answer 8

A cutting board

Question 9

What is used to measure the 5cm3 of water

2 options

Answer 9

A measuring cylinder or a pipette

Question 10

Effect of temperature on release of pigment

Answer 10

Increases release of pigment

As membrane is more permeable

Question 11

Beetroot cells contain

Answer 11

A coloured pigment