Lab 4 Diffusion and Osmosis BIO201L
Student Name: Gloria Arajulu
Access Code (located on the lid of your lab kit): AC-OF2X1AP
Pre-Lab Questions:
1. Compare and contrast diffusion and osmosis.
Diffusion and osmosis are both passive transport processes. Diffusion involves the movement of
particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to
the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute
concentration to higher solute concentration.
2. What is the water potential of an open beaker containing pure water?
The water potential of an open beaker containing pure water is 0 (zero). In an open system, like an
open beaker, there is no pressure acting on the water, and pure water has the highest water potential,
which is considered the reference point.
3. Why don’t red blood cells swell or shrink in blood?
Red blood cells don't swell or shrink in blood because the blood plasma has the same concentration of
solutes as the cells, creating an isotonic environment that prevents water movement.
Experiment 1: Diffusion through a Liquid
Table 1: Rate of Diffusion in Corn Syrup
Tim e (sec) Blue Dye Red Dye
10 1.5 cm 2 cm
This study source was downloaded by 100000902171055 from CourseHero.com on 12-09-2025 23:40:39 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/209063043/lab-5pdf/
, Lab 4 Diffusion and Osmosis BIO201L
20 1.9 cm 3 cm
30 2.2 cm 3.6 cm
40 2.4 cm 4.1 cm
50 2.4 cm 4.2 cm
60 2.5 cm 4.3 cm
70 2.7 cm 4.4 cm
80 2.8 cm 4.4 cm
This study source was downloaded by 100000902171055 from CourseHero.com on 12-09-2025 23:40:39 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/209063043/lab-5pdf/
Student Name: Gloria Arajulu
Access Code (located on the lid of your lab kit): AC-OF2X1AP
Pre-Lab Questions:
1. Compare and contrast diffusion and osmosis.
Diffusion and osmosis are both passive transport processes. Diffusion involves the movement of
particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to
the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute
concentration to higher solute concentration.
2. What is the water potential of an open beaker containing pure water?
The water potential of an open beaker containing pure water is 0 (zero). In an open system, like an
open beaker, there is no pressure acting on the water, and pure water has the highest water potential,
which is considered the reference point.
3. Why don’t red blood cells swell or shrink in blood?
Red blood cells don't swell or shrink in blood because the blood plasma has the same concentration of
solutes as the cells, creating an isotonic environment that prevents water movement.
Experiment 1: Diffusion through a Liquid
Table 1: Rate of Diffusion in Corn Syrup
Tim e (sec) Blue Dye Red Dye
10 1.5 cm 2 cm
This study source was downloaded by 100000902171055 from CourseHero.com on 12-09-2025 23:40:39 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/209063043/lab-5pdf/
, Lab 4 Diffusion and Osmosis BIO201L
20 1.9 cm 3 cm
30 2.2 cm 3.6 cm
40 2.4 cm 4.1 cm
50 2.4 cm 4.2 cm
60 2.5 cm 4.3 cm
70 2.7 cm 4.4 cm
80 2.8 cm 4.4 cm
This study source was downloaded by 100000902171055 from CourseHero.com on 12-09-2025 23:40:39 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/209063043/lab-5pdf/
