Name: __________________________________ Date: _____________________________

Microscopes II: Plant Cells and Osmosis

Pre-Lab

1. One a new page of your lab notebook create a heading at the very top of your page which
includes your name, date, and class. (10pts)
2. On a new line, write the title of the lab, centered and underlined. (5pts)
3. On a new line write the word Background after reading the introduction complete the
following; (10pts)
Describe the process of osmosis
What is the ideal situation for cells of the human body as they relate to water
concentration?

Introduction

One of the most important processes in the human body and in nature is the process of
osmosis. Osmosis is the process by which cells regulate the concentration of water inside the
cell. This is done when receptors either allow water in or force water out of the cell through the
cell wall. Ideally in the human body a cell wants to have the same concentration of water in the
cell as outside. Therefore if there is a high concentration of salt inside the cell (meaning a low
concentration of water. The cell will allow water into the cell to bring the concentration of water
up lowering the concentration of salt.

Procedure

4. Prepare a wet mount slide of the elodea leaf.

5. Bring the leaf into focus under low power
6. Switch the objective to medium or high power and complete the following;
a. In the space below make a detailed drawing of the leaf. Label all parts of the cell
that are visible such as chloroplasts, vacuoles, cell wall, and cell membrane. (
25pts)

7. On the line below calculate the magnification of the image above. Show your work!
Answer: _________________________________________________________ (10 pts)

8. Remove the slide from the microscope and add two or three drops of salt water. Use a
paper towel to absorb excess water from the slide and reapply the cover slip. In the
space below make a detailed drawing of the leaf under medium or high power. Label all
parts of the cell that are visible. (25pts)

9. On the line below calculate the magnification of the image above. Show your work!
Answer: __________________________________________________________ (10 pts)

Conclusion

10. On a new line in your lab notebook write the word Data (5 pts)
11. Draw and title both of your drawings from above. The first should be titled fresh water
and the second should be titled salt water. Be sure to include all labels of visible cell
parts and show your calculations for the magnification of the image you are drawing. (5o
pts)
12. Complete the following;
After reading the introduction and looking at an elodea leaf in two different
concentrations of water, describe what should have happened to the water inside the
cell of your second drawing. Explain why you believe this should happen. (10 pts)
Describe what homeostasis is and explain why osmosis is an important part of
maintaining homeostasis in the human body. (10pts)