RP4: Membrane Permeability

Question 1

What factors impact membrane permeability?

Answer 1

• temperature
• concentration of solvents

Question 2

How can beetroot be used to measure membrane permeability?

Answer 2

• higher permeability = more red pigment leaking
• use a colorimeter

Question 3

Outline the procedure of measuring the effect of temperature on membrane permeability using beetroot…

Answer 3

• cut beetroot into 6 identical cubes using a scalpel
• place into equal volumes of distilled water
• place into water baths 30C-80C, leave for 20 minutes
• silter and measure absorbance using a colorimeter

Question 4

How does increasing temperature/[ethanol] impact permeability?

Answer 4

increase permeability