HOW TO MEASURE OSMOTIC POTENTIAL ON NON-BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL AND XYLEM TRANSPORT IN THE FLOWER SEGMENT

This material details two practical classes designed to enhance understanding of plant water dynamics through experimental visualization—the first practice employed hydrogel beads to explore the osmotic potential and water movement under varying NaCl concentrations. By observing weight changes in beads, students grasped the relationship between osmotic gradients and water flow, supported by a calibration curve validating the experimental setup. The second practice demonstrated xylem water transport using white roses and dyed solutions. The dye movement through the petals visualized the cohesion-tension mechanism and the role of transpiration, emphasizing the influence of environmental factors such as light intensity. Both practices provided an interactive framework for understanding complex physiological concepts, bridging theory, and observation. Key insights in-cluded regulating water balance, the interaction between transpiration and photosynthesis, and the plant’s response to osmotic stress. These exercises highlighted plant physiological processes' interconnectedness and ecological significance, offering students a comprehensive learning experience. Integrating these practical methods into plant physiology curricula underscores their value in fostering technical skills and conceptual understanding.