Membrane Permeability Essay

931 Words2 Pages

‘The affect of permeability in the membrane using chemicals and Beta Vulgaris (beetroot)’ Introduction: All cells are surrounded by a cell membrane, which has a semi-permeable phospholipid bilayer (Mitchell, 2015, Flinders University). A membrane is comprised of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates (Mitchell, 2015, Flinders University). Membrane permeability is determined by the structure of the membrane, meaning some larger substances will not pass through the membrane (Flinders University, 2015, p.36). Substances can enter the membrane passively (without the use of energy) or actively (requiring the use of ATP) (Mitchell, 2015, Flinders University). Beta Vulgaris (beetroot) contains a red pigment called Betalain, which is too large to pass …show more content…

For this method of experimentation, the control was used to compare the colour change of the ethanol solution. Samples from each of the vials was taken at 0, 15, and 30 minute intervals; each of the treatments was started two minutes apart, this was to allow for correct incubation periods. A pipette was then used at each interval to draw out a sample of the solution, which was then transferred to a cuvette in order to find the …show more content…

and Karttunen, M. (2006) “Under the Influence of Alcohol: The Effect of Ethanol and Methanol on Lipid Bilayers”, Biophysical Journal, 90(4), 1121-1135 Sionek, I 2015, “Lab Report Surface Area to Volume Ration Effect on Diffusion”, URLhttp://www.academia.edu/8366188/Lab_Report_Surface_area_to_volume_ratio_effect_on_diffusion accessed 6th April

Open Document