This lesson uses a macro-model to demonstrate the diffusion of molecules across the cell membrane.  A deshelled egg serves as the cell model to observe movement in and out of the “cell”.  Students will learn that the cell membrane is composed of a complex nano-structured membrane that regulates diffusion and mobility of membrane biomolecules. The purpose is to examine permeability properties of plasma membranes and give students a better understanding of how substances, nano in size move into and out of a cell.

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Brandi Childress

NSF EEC 1200925 and NSF ECCS 0335765 and ECCS 1626183

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Brandi Childress, NNCI Nano (2020), "Understanding Movement of Molecules across the Cell Membrane," https://nanohub.org/resources/33190.

  BibTex | EndNote

1. biology
2. Cell membrane
3. cells
4. diffusion
5. high school
6. K-12
7. membranes
8. NNCI Educational Materials
9. undergraduate level