Biology HL
Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlocking Membrane Permeability Secrets

Word Count Emoji
380 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

What is membrane permeability? 🤔

  • 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!

Types of membrane 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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IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlocking Membrane Permeability Secrets

Word Count Emoji
380 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

What is membrane permeability? 🤔

  • 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!

Types of membrane 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!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

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