Beetroot Cell Membrane Experiment

The video tutorial demonstrates a biology practical to investigate the effect of temperature on the permeability of cell membranes using beetroot tissue. The experiment involves preparing beetroot samples, placing them in water baths at different temperatures, and measuring the leakage of the red pigment ananin using a colorimeter. The results are analyzed to understand how temperature affects membrane permeability, with suggestions for further investigations using pH and ethanol concentration.

What is the primary purpose of the experiment involving beetroot tissue?

• To measure the sugar content in beetroot

• To investigate the effect of temperature on cell membrane permeability

• To analyze the effect of soil type on beetroot growth

• To study the effect of light on plant growth

Why is fresh beetroot used in the experiment instead of pickled or cooked beetroot?

• Cooked beetroot has altered cell membranes

• Fresh beetroot contains more ananin

• Pickled beetroot is too acidic

• Fresh beetroot is easier to cut

What is the purpose of equilibrating the water baths to different temperatures?

• To prevent evaporation

• To ensure uniform temperature for all samples

• To sterilize the water

• To dissolve the ananin

What is the role of rinsing the beetroot cylinders before placing them in the water baths?

• To hydrate the beetroot

• To clean the beetroot from dirt

• To remove excess ananin from damaged cells

• To cool down the beetroot

How long are the beetroot samples left in the water baths during the experiment?

• 10 minutes

• 15 minutes

• 30 minutes

• 20 minutes

What does a colorimeter measure in this experiment?

• The pH level of the solution

• The temperature of the solution

• The amount of colored compound in the solution

• The weight of the beetroot samples

Why is a green light used in the colorimeter for this experiment?

• Green light is absorbed by the red pigment

• Green light is less harmful

• Green light is cheaper to produce

• Green light is more accurate

What happens to the cell membranes at temperatures above 40°C?

• They become impermeable

• They start to denature and fall apart

• They become more rigid

• They change color

What is the likely reason for the plateau in ananin leakage at high temperatures?

• The water has evaporated

• The ananin has reached equilibrium with the solution

• The beetroot cells have grown

• The beetroot has dissolved

Which other variable could be investigated using a similar experimental setup?

• The effect of light intensity

• The effect of soil type

• The effect of humidity

• The effect of pH on cell membranes