Theme B - Form & Function

Unlocking Membrane Permeability Secrets

380 words

2 mins read

Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Definition: It's the ability of a substance to pass through a membrane.
Real-world example: Imagine a nightclub with a selective bouncer. Some people can get in, some can't, and some need a bit of "help" (or facilitation) to enter. The cell membrane is that club, and the bouncer is our permeability!

Semi-permeable Membrane 🍵
- What it does: Lets certain tiny solutes pass through and is super friendly to solvents.
- Real-world example: Think of making tea. The tea bag (like the membrane) allows the flavor (solutes) to come out but keeps the tea leaves inside.
- Did you know? This is how artificial membranes in kidney dialysis machines work! But cells? They’re a bit more complex!
Selectively Permeable Membrane 🚪🔑
- What it does: Very picky! Allows only specific particles to pass through.
- How it does it? Two cool ways:
  - Facilitated Diffusion: It's like a VIP entry! Special channels that allow certain guests (particles) in.
  - Active Transport: This is like paying a cover charge to get into the club. It requires energy, and special proteins help specific particles move across.
- Real-world example: Ever tried using a key on a lock it wasn’t made for? No luck, right? That’s selectivity for you!
Simple Diffusion 🌬️
- What it does: Not picky at all. It just depends on particle size and polarity.
- Note: Tiny hydrophobic particles are like sneaky party crashers - cell membranes can't stop them!
- Real-world example: Imagine perfume spreading in a room. It goes everywhere without a care!

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Biology HL

380 words

2 mins read

Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Definition: It's the ability of a substance to pass through a membrane.
Real-world example: Imagine a nightclub with a selective bouncer. Some people can get in, some can't, and some need a bit of "help" (or facilitation) to enter. The cell membrane is that club, and the bouncer is our permeability!

Semi-permeable Membrane 🍵
- What it does: Lets certain tiny solutes pass through and is super friendly to solvents.
- Real-world example: Think of making tea. The tea bag (like the membrane) allows the flavor (solutes) to come out but keeps the tea leaves inside.
- Did you know? This is how artificial membranes in kidney dialysis machines work! But cells? They’re a bit more complex!
Selectively Permeable Membrane 🚪🔑
- What it does: Very picky! Allows only specific particles to pass through.
- How it does it? Two cool ways:
  - Facilitated Diffusion: It's like a VIP entry! Special channels that allow certain guests (particles) in.
  - Active Transport: This is like paying a cover charge to get into the club. It requires energy, and special proteins help specific particles move across.
- Real-world example: Ever tried using a key on a lock it wasn’t made for? No luck, right? That’s selectivity for you!
Simple Diffusion 🌬️
- What it does: Not picky at all. It just depends on particle size and polarity.
- Note: Tiny hydrophobic particles are like sneaky party crashers - cell membranes can't stop them!
- Real-world example: Imagine perfume spreading in a room. It goes everywhere without a care!

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟