Beetroot active transport experiment

[SciencyHelen]

ok so we have to explain some results from an experiment where beetroot discs are placed into different concentrations of oxygen. Here they are:

 

concentration of o2 2.7 12.2 20.8

 

Relative absorbtion of -K+ 22 96 100

 

I don't really understand this and would appreciate some help!!! Thank you for your time.

[Sayonara]

The trend there is that an increase in oxygen concentration correlates with an increase in the rate of absorbtion of potassium ions.

 

Since oxygen is used in respiration by plant cells, that suggests that some active mechanism is transporting the potassium into cells.

[YT2095]

just an educated guess here and it may not be the entire reason, but plants will accelerate the uptake of K ions before they die, it`s used to produce fruits and ultimately Seeds for the next generation.

 

plants that are "Abused" will want to do this as soon as possible as they know their days are numbered

 

the introduction of O2 into the flesh will represent damage (as seen when nibbled at by predators). it`ll then want to desperately propogate itself, and so will need Potassium to do this.

 

I don`t know if this is applicable to "Slices" LOL they seem pretty damaged just doing that! but it`s ceratinly a thought as to a possible mechanism as outlined by Sayo