Osmosis Essay

Abstract - The experiments done in class served for multiple purposes. It helped identify that diffusion is the shifting of molecules from one part to another that takes no energy, and that osmosis is just the flow of water through the cell membrane. The main purpose of the first experiment was to examine the movement of H2O and other materials in living and simulate systems. This was done through the dialysis tubing to mimic the cell membrane and measure the change of mass inside the tube filled with distilled water. The quantity of mass before and after was measured and saw the amount gained from the outside environment (either saline, sucrose, or water) of the cell. Also determined the amount of sucrose in the potato within the second experiment.
Aquaporins are conserved in multiple living organisms such as: bacteria, plants, and animals. As they are important primarily in the moving of water they are found in multiple places. Some examples would be in the blood vessels, lenses, urinary, digestive, and respiratory tracts. Also an interesting fact is that Recently more than ten different aquaporins have been found in the human body and several diseases that are known of today are involved with the impaired functions of the channels. Meaning a deeper understanding on aquaporins could help formulate solution for the diseases.
Linking Theories - Each experiment was related to the theoretical ideas specifically done for the individual procedure. The experiment of the Surface Area and its relationship with the Cell Size (volume) play a role in diffusion. The size and the shape are important factors in determining the rate of diffusion. Also both the experiments from where the mass was measured goes back to the idea of diffusion and osmosis. The permeable membrane allowed for the mass to change and displayed that water and all substances are trying to breach a point of mere