Yeast Osmosis Lab

Osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane. It always navigates to the area of the membrane with a higher solute concentration. We take a closer look at the effects of osmosis in this lab through the examination of red blood cells (sheep), plant cells (elodea), and active transport in yeast. Under the microscope, we can determine the effects on plant and animal cells exposed to hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic sodium chloride solutions. Plant cells have a cell wall; however, animal cells do not. This is examined as a major difference between the two; therefore, under the microscope both cells appear much unique from one another. The animal cells examined appear as empty circles or ovals surrounded by a thin membrane. There are organelles
We could proceed by setting up three microscopes in preparation for red blood cells. In preparation, we were able to use a place holder slide to adjust the microscope as needed before proceeding with the experiment. A single drop of blood was needed on the glass slide; then we were able to apply the necessary solution. We examined 0.9%, 10%, and 0% solutions of sodium chloride applying to the red blood cells; then the cover slip is conformed to the glass slide, and the slide is ready to be examined under the microscope. The Elodea leaf was required in a very small amount as tweezers could be used to place on the glass slide. Using the aforementioned solutions of sodium chloride, the slides were prepared and ready to be examined under the microscope. When viewing under the microscope, we were able to notice the occurrence of water moving in and out of the cell. Furthermore, the direction in which osmosis had taken place. The images indicate what was seen under the microscope, and its direct relation to this experiment including the direction at which osmosis was taking