THE EFFECTS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE ON THE GERMINATION OF Phaseolus vulgaris

Garrett Dora
Adam, Chris, Wilbert
Biology 109
Kristen Kane
October 11th, 2017
ABSTRACT
In this experiment, Phaseolus vulgaris seeds were exposed to sodium chloride with differing concentrations, and the results were recorded. The significance of this study is to find out if beans that were exposed to a sodium chloride solution are less likely to germinate than those that were in the control group. The hypothesis that was tested was that if kidney beans were subjected to high concentrations of sodium chloride then they would be less likely to germinate compared to kidney beans in the control group, After seven days, the results were recorded, …show more content…
The paper towels were then rolled around the beans and folded in half.
The paper towel were then inserted into the a labeled plastic bag.
Using a plastic transfer pipette, filled several times from each solution, each NaCl solution was dispensed into its corresponding labeled Ziploc bag.
The Ziploc bags were left unsealed.
Each of the smaller plastic Ziploc bags were then placed into the one large plastic Ziploc bag
The large Ziploc bag was than placed into the room temperature incubator.
After one week, each seed set was unrolled one at a time, gloves were used in the handling of the seed sets.
Careful observations were taken, the seeds were compared to the original seeds, data was collected about any germination, root or shoot growth, and any other qualitative observations.
The percent germination for each set of seeds was calculated.
The seeds were then replaced to their proper bag.
The bags were then sealed and thrown away in the general trash.

RESULTS
After the experiment had concluded, it was found that Phaseolus vulgaris seeds subjected to high concentrations of sodium chloride were less likely to germinate compared to those subjected to lower concentrations of sodium …show more content…
The results of this experiment were that beans that were exposed to high concentrations of sodium chloride were less likely to germinate than those in the control group. It was also found that the average shoot length of the Phaseolus vulgaris seeds that were subjected to high concentrations of sodium chloride had smaller shoots than those subjected to lower concentrations. It is also noted that Phaseolus vulgaris seeds that were exposed to salt concentrations between .025% and 1% NaCl were more likely to grow roots compared to those exposed to higher or lower levels. The data collected from this experiment supports my original hypothesis. The reason why the results recorded were observed is because of the fact that osmotic and ion-toxics effects occurred in the germination of the beans. High levels of the ions Na+ and Cl- can hinder the metabolism of both dividing and expanding cells, preventing germination, and leading to cell death. The cells were exposed to the saline solution, which is hypertonic, the solution on the inside of the bean however is hypotonic, and in order to reach an equilibrium, or isotonic solution, the saline on the outside of the bean crossed through the bean’s semi-permeable membrane into the bean, and the Na+ and Cl- ions severely retarded the