Plasmolysis | Best School in Dasmariñas City, Best School in Amadeo, Cavite

Science Experiment on Plasmolysis
Introduction to Plasmolysis

Plasmolysis is an important biological process that occurs in plant cells when they are placed in a hypertonic solution (a solution with a higher concentration of solutes than the cell sap). During plasmolysis, water moves out of the plant cell by osmosis, causing the cell membrane to shrink away from the cell wall. This experiment helps students understand osmosis, diffusion, and cell structure.

Aim of the Plasmolysis Experiment

The aim of this science experiment is to observe plasmolysis in plant cells and understand the effect of a concentrated solution on the cell membrane.

Materials Required

Onion peel or leaf of Rhoeo plant
Microscope
Glass slide and cover slip
Dropper
Distilled water
Concentrated sugar or salt solution

Procedure

1. Take a thin peel of onion epidermis and place it on a clean glass slide.

2. Add a few drops of distilled water and cover it with a cover slip.

3. Observe the slide under a microscope to see normal plant cells.

4. Remove excess water and add a few drops of concentrated sugar or salt solution.

5. Wait for a few minutes and observe the slide again under the microscope.

Observation

After adding the concentrated solution, the cell membrane shrinks and moves away from the cell wall. This indicates plasmolysis has occurred due to the loss of water from the cell.

Result

The experiment shows that plasmolysis occurs when plant cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, proving the process of osmosis.

Conclusion

This science experiment on plasmolysis demonstrates how plant cells respond to changes in their surrounding environment. It helps students understand key biology concepts such as osmosis, cell membrane behavior, and plant cell structure.

Importance of Plasmolysis

Helps explain water movement in plant cells
Important for understanding plant wilting
Useful in biological and agricultural studies