Core Practical 6 - Secondary Evidence

In this experiment, the aim was to test for the minimum concentration for plasmolysis to occur
in fresh aquatic plant cells ( Riccia Fluitans Leaves ). This procedure uses Magnesium Sulfate as
a stock solution of 1M, with varying concentrations in order to find the minimum
concentration for plasmolysis.The dependent variable is if plasmolysis has occurred with the
concentration or not. Plasmolysis is the shrinkage of the protoplasm away from the cell wall in
response to a hypertonic external environment.

Similar size and appearance of Plant sections of the aquatic plant leaves were cut and ( 0.5, 0.6,
0.7, 0.9) placed in different petri dishes with corresponding concentrations of the Magnesium
sulfate solution.
All were left for 5
minutes and
observed under a
microscope ( this
experiment
compared the
before and after
the immersion in
the solutions).
The changes in
cell structure and
occurrence of plasmolysis were noted.

The data shows that Magnesium Sulfate at a concentration of 0.5M is the minimum
concentration for plasmolysis to
occur.

The picture shows a before and after

of the aquatic plant cells when placed
magnesium sulfate solution. We are
able to see that the plasma membrane
has separated from the cell wall ( collapse in cell membrane ).

References :
Studocu. (2021). LAB 3 Report (osmosis). [online] Available at: https://www.studocu.com/en-
ca/u/79421036?sid=01717690137 [Accessed 6 June. 2024].
Mielichhoferia elongata Hornsch. versus Physcomitrella patens Hedw - Scientific Figure on
ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Classical-resistance-
experiment-plasmolysis-as-a-means-to-analyze-the-viability-of-P_fig1_41402369 [accessed 6
Jun, 2024]