Nature of science:
Experimental design—accurate quantitative measurement in osmosis experiments are essential. (3.1)
Understandings:
Particles move across membranes by simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
The fluidity of membranes allows materials to be taken into cells by endocytosis or released by exocytosis. Vesicles move materials within cells.
Applications and skills:
Application: Structure and function of sodium–potassium pumps for active transport and potassium channels for facilitated diffusion in axons.
Application: Tissues or organs to be used in medical procedures must be bathed in a solution with the same osmolarity as the cytoplasm to prevent osmosis.
Skill: Estimation of osmolarity in tissues by bathing samples in hypotonic and hypertonic solutions. (Practical 2)
link to animation on diffusion: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter2/animation__how_diffusion_works.html
link to animation on osmosis: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter2/animation__how_diffusion_works.html
Link to animation/tutorial on passive transport: http://www.northland.cc.mn.us/biology/Biology1111/animations/transport1.html
link to animation on facilitated diffusion: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter2/animation__how_facilitated_diffusion_works.html