Why Did the Potato Slice Become Limp in Salt Water?
Understanding the Process
Shaquan placed a potato slice in salt water. After some time, he noticed that the slice of potato became limp. But why did this happen to the potato slice?
The Answer
The correct answer is B). The potato cells lost water to the surroundings. The salt water solution is hypertonic as compared to the cell of a potato slice. In other words, the cells of the potato slice are hypotonic to the salt solution. Water always moves from a hypotonic to a hypertonic solution if they are separated by a semipermeable membrane. Thus, when the potato slice is dipped into salt water, ex-osmosis occurs, which means water will move out of the potato slice into the salt solution. This results in the shrinking of the potato slice.
Shaquan placed a potato slice in salt water. After some time he noticed that the slice of potato became limp. Why did this happen to the potato slice?
- A) The potato was getting old.
- B) The potato cells lost water to the surroundings.
- C) The potato cells gained water from the surroundings.
- D) The potato cells had no exchange of materials with the environment.
The correct answer is B) The potato cells lost water to the surroundings. Explanation: The salt water solution is hypertonic as compared to the cell of a potato slice. In other words, the cells of the potato slice are hypotonic to the salt solution. Water always moves from a hypotonic to a hypertonic solution if they are separated by a semipermeable membrane. Thus, when the potato slice is dipped into salt water, ex-osmosis occurs, which means water will move out of the potato slice into the salt solution. This results in the shrinking of the potato slice.