RP3

Question 1

In this investigation, you were given potato cylinders taken from potatoes of the same variety. Give two reasons why

Answer 1

1. The potato cells have same water potential (sugar content);
2. (So) all cells are genetically the same;

Question 2

Potato skin had been removed from the cylinders given to you. Suggest two reasons why the potato skin could have affected osmosis

Answer 2

Cells of skin have different water potential (to rest of tissue);
Potato skin is impermeable to water;

Question 3

Suggest and explain why it is important that the potato cylinders are all the same length

Answer 3

1. Same/similar surface area;
2. (Otherwise) affects rate of osmosis;

Question 4

Give three properties of water that are important in biology

Answer 4

High specific heat capacity
Is a metabolite
Has a large latent of heat