Membrane Lab Data - Lab Quiz #1

Diffusion

The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Cell Membrane Permeability

The ability of the cell membrane to allow certain substances to pass through while restricting others.

Tonicity

The ability of a solution to affect the volume and pressure of a cell by altering the water movement across the cell membrane.

Methylene Blue

A dye used in experiments to observe diffusion and its relationship with temperature and molecular weight.

Molecular Weight (MW)

The mass of a molecule, which can influence the rate of diffusion through a medium.

Concentration Gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance across a space, which drives diffusion.

Deionized Water

Water that has had its ions removed, often used in experiments to create a controlled environment.

Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

A salt used in experiments to create different tonicities and observe their effects on cells.

Hemolysis

The rupture of red blood cells, which can be observed in experiments to determine cell permeability.

Agar

A gelatinous substance used as a medium in diffusion experiments to observe the movement of dyes.

Potato Strips

Used in osmosis experiments to observe water movement and its effects on plant cells.

Dialysis Tubing

A semi-permeable membrane used to simulate cell membranes in osmosis experiments.

Experiment Control

The process of keeping certain variables constant to ensure that the results are due to the factors being tested.

Temperature Influence on Diffusion

Higher temperatures generally increase the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to faster diffusion rates.