preview

Investigating the Effect of Temperature on the Permeability of Membranes

Better Essays

Investigating the Effect of Temperature on the Permeability of Membranes

The permeability of membranes can be altered in several ways. From previous preliminary work I know that reagents, for example detergents and alcohol alter the arrangement of the phospholipids in the membrane allowing substances to leak out of the cell. Temperature also affects the membrane. As membranes relay on protein molecules to allow molecules to enter and leave the cell through facilitated diffusion the temperature must not exceed the approximate temperature of 50°C as at roughly this temperature proteins are denatured. This is due to an increase in kinetic energy making atoms in the protein to vibrate more; this breaks hydrogen and ionic bonds. These proteins …show more content…

This will be used, as it will provide me with a set of figures that a mean and standard deviation can be taken from in order to produce more accurate results.

11.Samples to set the colorimeter, a sample of clear liquid, water and a liquid containing a deep colour will be needed to set the scale of the colorimeter, the water will have a high transmission and set it to 100% and the deep colour will give a low transmission and set it to zero (0%)

12.Syringe, to measure out volumes of water, this will be used as it provides a more accurate measurement than a beaker.

13.Test tube rack, to store the samples of beetroot when they are taken from the water baths to ensure nothing is spilled.

14.Tongs, to remove the test tubes from the water baths to minimise the risk of burns from hot water.

Risk Assessment

Care will need to be taken when cutting lengths of beetroot with a scalpel. Beetroot should be cut in a direction away from the body to minimise the risk of cutting yourself. A cutting mat should be used as not to damage surfaces underneath by cutting or stained by any of the leaked pigment as a result of cutting the beetroot. Plastic gloves and apron may be used to avoid the staining of hands and clothes with beetroot pigment. Care will also need to be taken when placing and removing samples of beetroot in hot water, tongs should be used to avoid burns.

Diagram

Method

Firstly the equipment needed should be gathered in order to carry out the

Get Access