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An experiment for Plasmolysis
 

Purpose :  The purpose of this lab experiment is to demonstrate a biological principle observed in plant cells called plasmolysis.  Plasmolysis is the loss of water from the cell by osmosis, and this is evident when the cell contents pull away from the rigid cell wall as the water moves out.

Materials and Methods :  For this experiment, the student requires a microscope, clean slides and cover slips, dropper, salt, spatula, and elodea.  Prepare a wet mount using a single leaf.  Carefully add some salt crystals to the edge of the cover slip.  You may need to add a drop more water onto the crystals with the dropper.  Now place the slide on the microscope stage and observe the leaf cells on low and then high power.

Experiment :  As water moves out of the cells by osmosis, you should oberve the cytoplasmic contents clumping away from the cell wall as shown in the diagram below.  Label the cell wall, central vacuole, cell membrane, and cytoplasm on the cell shown below at left. 


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