Required Practical 4 - Permeability of Cell-Surface Membranes

Question 1

Suggest why it is important that discs are cut from the same beetroot tissue

Answer 1

Different parts of beetroot will have different amounts of pigment

Question 2

Suggest why beetroot cylinders are cut into discs using forceps and a scalpel

Answer 2

Minimise risk of injury

Question 3

Suggest why beetroot discs are washed in cold distilled water and dried

Answer 3

• beetroot cells have been ruptured so pigment will leak out

- ensures that all pigment leaks out due to variable changed