INTRODUCTION: In order to fully understand the concept of this experiment, one must first be introduced to diffusion. Diffusion is a spontaneous process by which molecule particles move from one area that is highly concentrated to another area in which its concentration is lower. Cells contain fluids and are surrounded by fluids; in order for a cell to function it is required to be in a balanced state. The progress in which a cell is in its balanced state is called equilibrium. Diffusion is a functioning way for cells to reach their equilibrium. Equilibrium is reached by controlling what enters and exits the cell through a cell membrane that selectively filters molecules by slowing down their movement, allowing them to pass through, or not allowing them to pass through the membrane. Diffusion and osmosis go hand-in-hand. Osmosis is generally the same as diffusion, however, deals solely with water. Osmotic pressure is the pressure of a solution against a semi-permeable membrane to prevent water from flowing into the membrane. In this lab, we are going to study tonicity; tonicity is the measure of this osmotic pressure and is the differential of pressure between two solutions separated by a selective membrane. To help identify the relative concentrations of solute particles of different solutions, we must understand that there are three possible differences in concentrations between a cell and its environment. The terms hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic are used in referring to the identification of the possible relative concentrations. The first term, hypotonic, is the solution that contains lower concentrations of solute particles, which means that the concentration inside the cell is greater than the concentration outside. A hypotonic solution causes the cell to swell in size. The second term, hypertonic, is the solution that contains higher concentration of solute…
