Science | Lab Report

Lab Report
Cell shape and size 1
Effect of iodide in potatoes

Introduction
The area of the cell’s exterior surface, which is measured in two dimensions, is known as surface area.
Using a three-dimensional unit called volume, one may determine how much space a cell occupies. In
comparison to volume, a tiny cell has a larger surface area than a large cell. The easier it is for a cell to
eliminate wastes, the higher the surface- area to volume ratio of the cell. The purpose of this experiment
is to show the reaction of the iodide in the potato.

Experimental Methods

The starch in the potato was tested by adding iodide to the potato. First, we cut the potato in three shapes
– a cube, a triangle, and a circle –, then we placed the shapes in disposable plates so we could add
several drops of iodide. Finally, we waited a minute for the reaction to happen.

Data and Observations

SHAPE SIZE SURFACE VOLUME SURFACE DIFFUSSION TIME
AREA AREA-TO- RATE
VOLUME
RATIO
Cube 2x2x0.5 12cm2 2cm2 6:1 4 1 min
Triangle 2x0.5 15cm2 3cm2 5:1 3 1 min
Circle 2x0.5 15cm 2
3cm 2
5:1 3 1 min

Discussion and Conclusions

The results of the agar blocks indicate that when the cell is smaller the diffusion rate is bigger, and what
they indicate about the relationship between cell size and time for materials to reach the center of the
cell is that for a given number of cells, a larger cell will require longer time to reach the center than a
smaller cell. Being small helps cells survive because by increasing their surface area to volume ratio,
they can transfer more molecules and ions across the cell.
The diffusion rate is slower, and it takes longer for the chemicals to reach the center of the figure as it
gets larger.

© Stride, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction without written consent of Stride, Inc. Page 1 of 2
 Science | Lab Report

Being made of many cells help large organisms maintain homeostasis because the diffusion is slower,
and it takes longer for the chemicals to reach the center of the figure as it gets larger.
We designed our cell by making different shapes with similar sizes and volumes.

© Stride, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction without written consent of Stride, Inc. Page 2 of 2