Investigation: How Can Diffusion Be Observed? - Intro Biology
Introduction: In this lab, you will observe the diffusion of a substance across a semipermeable membrane. Iodine is a known indicator for starch. An indicator is a substance that changes color in the presence of the substance it indicates. Watch as your teacher demonstrates how iodine changes in the presence of starch.
Prelab Observations: Describe what happened when iodine came into contact with starch.
1. Obtain a plastic bag that is filled with cornstarch and water and tied at the top. This bag represents the animal cell’s cytoplasm and cell membrane. Like the cell membrane, the bag is semipermeable , meaning that some substances can pass through it. . Be careful when handling the bag.
The outside of the bag would be like the cell’s _____________________________
The white contents inside the bag would be like the cell’s __________________________
Does the bag leak, or do the contents seem contained? ________________________
The cell membrane can let some things through it, this property is called: _____________________
Do you think the bag will also let some things through it? __________________________
2. Obtain a beaker that is filled with iodine. This represents the solution you will place your “cell” (bag) in.
What color is the iodine? ______________________ * Be careful, iodine can stain your fingers and clothes.
How much iodine is in the beaker? (Use the marks on the beaker to measure in milliliters) _________
3. Place the bag in the beaker, do not submerge the part of the bag that is tied. Predict what you think will happen to the starch inside the bag?
_______________________________________________________________________
How much did the iodine- water raise when you placed the bag in the beaker? ________
4. What is diffusion? ______________________________________________________________
Molecules tend to move from areas of __________ concentration to areas of __________ concentration.
5. Examine the bag and beaker and consider the idea of CONCENTRATION.
Which is more concentrated in starch? [ beaker or bag ] _____________________
Which is more concentrated in iodine? [ beaker or bag ] _____________________
6. A solution can be HYPERTONIC, HYPOTONIC, or ISOTONIC.
If there is MORE starch in the bag, it is called ____________________________
Since the beaker has LESS starch, it is called: ____________________________
7. Record your observations.
| Starting Color | Color after 15 min | |
| Solution in Beaker | ||
| Soulition in Bag |
Analysis
1. Based on your observations, which substance moved, the iodine or the starch? How do you know?
2. Explain how the bag is semipermeable, like the cell membrane.
3.. Sketch the cup and bag in the space below. Use arrows to illustrate how diffusion occurred in this lab.
4. What would happen if you did an experiment in which the iodine solution was placed in the baggie, and the starch solution was in the beaker? Be detailed in your description.
5. Why is it not a good idea to store iodine in a plastic bag?
Other Resources on Cell Transport
Observe Diffusion in a Bag - (Bio1) model diffusion using a plastic baggie, iodine and a beaker. This article explains what happens
Transport Across the Cell Membrane - simple diagram shows how molecules enter the cell through diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis
Investigation: Why Are Cells So Small? - use bromothymol blue and agar to model how diffusion occurs in cells
Observing Osmosis - use an egg, vinegar, corn syrup, will take a few days