Water potential in potato cells was determined in the following manner. The initial masses of six groups of potato cores were measured. The potato cores were placed in sucrose solution of various molarities. The masses of the cores were measured again after 24 hours. Percent changes in mass were calculated. The results are shown below.
a) Graph these data on the axes provided. From your graph, find the apparent molar concentration (osmolarity) of the potato core cells.
b) What are the components of water potential and why is water potential important for the movement of water in plants?
c) Predict what would happen to typical animal cells placed in 0.0M and 1.0M sucrose solutions and explain your prediction.
