Diffusion and osmosis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Diffusion and osmosis - Essay Example The solution subjected to the highest temperature demonstrated the fastest rate of diffusion. The effect of varying solute concentrations was demonstrated by adding 2 drops of blood to six test tubes each containing different solutes. Crenation was observed in cells put in hypertonic solution, while lyses were observed in cells put in hypotonic solution. Cells put in isotonic solution showed no change in morphology. The effect of detergent was determined by adding 3 drops of detergent on the sodium chloride solution. The packed cell volume was also determined with the use of the microhaematocrit reader. Patients with low hematocrit values suggest anemia, among others, while an increased value would indicate several conditions including polycythemia. The human body is one masterpiece that is made up of a complex series of processes that work in coordination with all other bodily systems to maintain a healthy and thriving organism. These processes all happen in a controlled fashion, such that they simultaneously complement the activity of the other processes taking place in the other parts of the body. This is exemplified at the cellular level by the efficiency of the plasma membrane in regulating the flow of substances in and out of the cell. This study has been This experiment was made up of three parts. The first part demonstrated the effect of temperature on the rate of diffusion. Crystals of potassium permanganate were placed in beakers which were subjected to different temperatures. Changes in the solutions were observed over a period of time. Observations were noted and recorded at 0 minute, 5 minutes and then at 10-minute intervals for the first hour, and then again after every 20 minutes thereafter. To demonstrate the effect of osmosis on red blood cells, six test tubes were prepared and were labeled test tubes A-F. Two (2) ml of different solutions were placed in each