Osmosis in Potatoes

Observe how water moves in or out of potato cells depending on solute concentration to understand osmosis.

What you need

• 2 raw potatoes
• 2 small bowls
• Salt
• Water
• Spoon
• Knife (used with adult supervision)

How it works

The potato in salt water becomes soft and limp because water moves out of its cells into the salty solution (osmosis). The potato in plain water becomes firmer, as water moves into the cells. This demonstrates how osmosis works in plants and cells.