Cell Size Lab

Group 3: Leonardo Diaz Espinoza, Alexa Leon, Angel Valenzuela,

Isaac Garcia, Kevin Gomez, Jaslyn Minchaca
 Abstract
The purpose of the Cell Size lab was to further understand why cells are
a smaller size, and how molecules diffuse into cells. Our hypothesis is,
H1-The size of the potato cubes affects the rate of diffusion of bleach, as
the smaller cubes will show greater diffusion because of its higher
surface area-to-volume ratio. We used sweet potatoes, cut them into
different sizes and soaked them in bleach. When we completed our data
we found that size is a crucial part in cell function, the smaller the cube
the larger Surface-area-to-Volume ratio. Our hypothesis was supported
by the evidence we found in our experiment.
 Introduction
What is the reason behind cells not being able to grow infinitely large in size? The reason is
that it has to do with a cell’s surface area-to-volume ratio which indicates how much surface
area is available compared to how big the cell is. A cell that is small, has a large surface
area-to-volume ratio, when it has a large ratio it means that materials can diffuse in and out of
the cell membrane which states it can spread very efficiently. In this lab experiment, the main
focus will be on the diffusion of molecules into cells, sweet potato cubes will be used to model
this experiment. Since sweet potatoes orange coloration is caused by pigment beta-carotene,
when it is exposed to bleach it becomes clear. The purpose of this experiment is to observe
and measure the area of diffusion when the potato is placed into bleach. H0- The size of the
potato cube will not affect the rate or extent of diffusion into the cubes. H1 - The size of the
potato cubes affects the rate or extent of diffusion of the bleach, as the smaller cubes will
show greater diffusion because of its higher surface area-to-volume ratio.
 Materials and Procedures
The materials you will need for this lab are, a fresh potato (carrots and beets would also
work), a knife, unscented bleach, gloves and goggles, a ruler, tongs, 3 beakers or other type of
glass container, a ruler, paper towels, a timer, a calculator, and some plastic wrap. To start this
experiment first put on your safety equipment (gloves and goggles). Then using a knife, cut
the sweet potato into 3 different sized cubes, one being 1 cm on all sides, 2 cm on all sides
and another having 3 cm on all sides. Place the cut sweet potato cubes into different glass
beakers then pour bleach into each beaker making sure each cube is fully submerged then
covering beakers with plastic wrap and setting a timer for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes
have ended, use tongs to remove the sweet potato cubes from the bleach and place them
down on the paper towels. Using the knife, cut the the cubes in half and write down what you
observe. Next, use the ruler to calculate the volume of the “penetrated sweet potato” and the
volume of the “unpenetrated sweet potato cubes.” The last thing is to record your results on a
data table.
 Results/Data collection and analysis
Cube Size Total Unpenetrated Penetrated Percent Surface SA:V
Volume Volume Volume Diffusion Area Ratio
(cm ^3) (cm^3) (cm^3) (%) (cm^2)

3 cm 27 19.083 7.317 27.1% 54 2:1

2 cm 8 1.331 6.669 83.36% 24 3:1

1 cm 1 0.001 0.999 99.9% 6 6:1

Results/Data collection and analysis
 Discussion and Conclusion
Discussion: In the results, it showed that the cubes had higher diffusion rates the
smaller it was. Due to the imperfect cubes, measurements aren’t accurate and
estimations for simplicity, this affects diffusion rate data as if it was measured with
higher accuracy the calculations could differ from our approximations used to find
the data. With our findings, it shows that the size of the cubes does affect the rate of
diffusion, as the different sized cubes experienced different rates of diffusion.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the experiment revealed that the Surface area to

Volume ratio is the critical component to the absorption rate of the sweet potato
cubes. Its known that when a cell is small, it has a larger Surface-area-to-Volume
ratio. This means that elements can effectively diffuse in and out of the cell
membrane. A way that we can improve this experiment is by widening our cube size
range, so we can get more data to come to an even more accurate study of the
smallest cube.
 Questi ons
1. What if we used a different vegetable?

If we used a different vegetables instead of sweet potatoes, the result can vary depending on
many things including the structure and composition of the vegetable. Some other factor
would include but not be limited to the cell wall thickness, water content, and the
pigmentation. All of these variables are what can change the difference of rates of diffusion.

2. How does the temperature of the bleach solution affect the rate of diffusion?

The temperature of the bleach solution may affect the rate of diffusion. According to the kinetic
theory of matter as temperature rises particles move faster which lead to an increased rate of
diffusion. The temperature seems to change the rate of diffusion, but how else would this
change the data that we can acquire in this experiment?
 Literature cited
1. “4.4: Studying Cells - Cell Size.” Biology LibreTexts, Libretexts, 31 Oct. 2023,

bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/General_Biology_

(Boundless)/04:_Cell_Structure/4.04:_Studying_Cells_-_Cell_Size.

2. Gong, An, and Mingwei Min. “Measuring the Size and Growth of Single Cells.” Biophysics Reports,

U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 June 2022,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10189651/.

3. nau.edu. “Cell Size: Scaling Problems.” Cell Size, Surface Area and Volume, 13 Sept. 2024,

www2.nau.edu/lrm22/lessons/cell_size/cell_size.html.
 Formal Lab Report Rubric

While you write your formal lab report, be sure to go through the checklist to ensure that you have included all necessary components.
Before you submit your formal lab report you are required to print or digitally attach this rubric to your paper.
Section Description Points

Title ❑ The title should be brief and specific so that readers can quickly identify the purpose of the investigation. 2

Abstract ❑ A scientific abstract is a summary of the laboratory investigation. The abstract is usually 100 words or less. 5

Introduction ❑ Provides valuable background information for the lab 5

❑ Addresses the investigation's purpose. 2.5
❑ Define important vocabulary 2.5
❑ State the null and alternative hypotheses 5

Materials and Procedures ❑ Materials and supplies are listed in paragraph form 5

❑ Procedures are clearly stated and written in paragraph form 5

Results/Data collection and analysis ❑ All data should be recorded in tables with an appropriate title. 10

❑ Graphs should be clearly labeled/titled. 15

❑ Completed statistical analysis (i.e., SEM, error bars). 5

Discussion and Conclusion ❑ In the discussion, the results of the experiment should be summarized and all possible errors should be identified. The results of the experiment should be compared to 6
the guiding question and hypothesis.

❑ In the conclusion, the results should be interpreted. Suggestions to improve the experiment should be discussed here.
14

Questions ❑ How can the investigation be continued? Did the investigation generate new questions to explore? 8

Literature Cited ❑ Citations should be in proper formatting and include valid sources. 5

Language ❑ Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling 5

Comments: Points Earned: ______/ 100