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Dialysis Experiment

This lab experiment uses a model cell membrane made of dialysis tubing to test whether glucose, starch, and iodine ions can diffuse across a cell membrane. The model cell is filled with a glucose and starch solution and submerged in an iodine solution. Over 10 minutes, observations are made of any color changes within the model cell or outside that would indicate diffusion. Afterward, conclusions are drawn about which substances were able to diffuse across the membrane based on these observations and glucose concentration tests.

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Abhishek Gadhwal
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285 views2 pages

Dialysis Experiment

This lab experiment uses a model cell membrane made of dialysis tubing to test whether glucose, starch, and iodine ions can diffuse across a cell membrane. The model cell is filled with a glucose and starch solution and submerged in an iodine solution. Over 10 minutes, observations are made of any color changes within the model cell or outside that would indicate diffusion. Afterward, conclusions are drawn about which substances were able to diffuse across the membrane based on these observations and glucose concentration tests.

Uploaded by

Abhishek Gadhwal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name:_________________________________

Diffusion across a Model Cell Membrane Lab


Question: How do certain molecules and ions get in to and out of cells?
Introduction: Cells need to be able to acquire and get rid of molecules and ions in order to survive. Cells are
surrounded by a selectively permeable membrane. Selectively permeable means that some things can
pass through the membrane, while others cannot. Diffusion is one way that substances can move across
the cell membrane. In diffusion, molecules or ions move from areas of higher to areas of lower
concentrations. In the cell, diffusion across the cell membrane depends on multiple factors, one of
which is size.
Lab Overview: In this lab activity, you will test whether or not glucose (mono saccharide, meaning single
sugar), starch (poly saccharide, meaning many sugars), and Iodine ions (I3-) can diffuse across a model
of a cell membrane. A tied off piece of dialysis tubing will represent your cell and its membrane.
Dialysis tubing contains microscopic pores through which some substances can diffuse. Your model
cell will contain glucose, starch, and water. You will submerge your cell in an Iodine solution (Iodine
and water). When Iodine and starch come in to contact, the mixture turns a blackish-purple.
Pre-Lab Questions. Answer these before you begin your experiment.
1. Your model cell is the circle in this
image. Label where each substance
initially occurs at the beginning of this
experiment (glucose, starch, Iodine,
water). Using what you know about
diffusion, draw arrows to indicate which
direction glucose, starch, and Iodine
might diffuse.

2. How will you know if Iodine diffused


across the membrane and in to the model
cell? Be specific.

Group Materials:
1 glass beaker Starch powder Timer (watch/phone)
12 cm of dialysis tubing Lugol’s Iodine Glucose test strips
20 mL of 1 Molar glucose solution Water Forceps/tweezers
String
Methods:
Making your model cell:
1. Add 200 mL of water and 2 mL of Lugol’s Iodine to your beaker. Gently stir.

Worksheet created by JYL 2014


2. Briefly run your dialysis tubing under water, make a tight knot in one end (you can use string if you
need to), and then gently rub the other end between your fingers to open it.
3. Add 1 small scoop of starch powder to your 20 mL of 1 Molar glucose solution. Carefully pour this in to
your dialysis tubing.
4. Use 1 glucose test strip to measure the % glucose inside your model cell (dialysis tubing), and record the
% glucose in the data table below. Use another strip to make sure no glucose is in your beaker.
5. Carefully tie a tight knot to close the dialysis tubing and gently shake. Your model cell is complete!
6. Rinse your closed cell in water to wash away any starch or glucose that may have spilled.
Testing for diffusion:
7. Make your initial observations about your cell (see first data table).
8. Place your cell into your beaker and start your timer.
9. Record your observations about your cell and the solution in the beaker after 1 minute, 5 minutes, and
10 minutes. Use forceps/tweezers to pick up your cell by a tied off end to do this.
10. At the same points in time, use glucose test strips to determine the % glucose on the outside of your cell.
Record in the data table provided.
Data and Results.
Data Table: Starch and Iodine
Inside Your Cell Outside Your Cell
Color of Is starch Is iodine Color of Is starch Is iodine
Solution present? present? Solution present? present?
Initial
Observations
After 1
minute
After 5
minutes
After 10
minutes

Data Table: Glucose (Using Test Strips)


Initial % Glucose inside cell
Initial % Glucose outside cell
% Glucose outside cell after
1 minute
% Glucose outside cell after
5 minutes
% Glucose outside cell after
10 minutes

Conclusions.
1. Draw what happened during your experiment. Use arrows
and labels to indicate in which direction the glucose, starch,
and iodine diffused, if they diffused across your cell
membrane.

2. Did each substance diffuse across your membrane? Why or why not?
Worksheet created by JYL 2014

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