Experiment 1: Effects of pH on Radish Seed Germination

Experiment 1: Effects of pH on Radish Seed Germination

Data Tables and Post-Lab Assessment

Table 1: pH and Radish Seed Germination

Stage/Day Observations	Acetic Acid	Sodium Bicarbonate	Water
Initial pH
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Post-Lab Questions

1. Record your hypothesis from Step 6 here:

2. Construct a line graph based on the data from Table 1 in the space below. Place the day on the x axis, and the number of seeds germinated on the y axis. Be sure to include a title, label the x and y axes, and provide a legend describing which line corresponds to each plate (e.g., blue = acetic acid, green = sodium bicarbonate, etc…).

3. Was there any noticeable effect on the germination rate of the radish seeds as a result of the pH? Compare and contrast the growth rate for the control with the alkaline and acidic solutions.

4. According to your results would you say that the radish has a broad pH tolerance? Why or why not? Use your data to support your answer.

5. Knowing that acid rain has a pH of 2 - 3 would you conclude that crop species with a narrow soil pH range are in trouble? Is acid rain a problem for plant species and crops?

6. Research and briefly describe a real world example about how acid rain affects plants. Be sure to demonstrate how pH contributes to the outcome, and proposed solutions (if any). Descriptions should be approximately 2 - 3 paragraphs. Use at least three information sources and include citations under the direction of your instructor.