Factors Affecting Membranes

Question 1

Temperature

Answer 1

The phospholipids will move faster as they have more kinetic energy which increases the permeability of the membrane. When it gets too hot, the entire membrane will break apart and the cell contents will be released, the intrinsic proteins can also denature which affects the transport in the cell.

Question 2

Solvents

Answer 2

When organic non-polar solvents are added, they will disrupt the membranes. Alcohol for example will dissolve cell membranes if it’s really strong which is why it’s used in antiseptics.

Question 3

How do people get drunk?

Answer 3

When someone has an alcoholic drink, the alcohol will cause damage to the membrane as it can enter between the phospholipids. This increases membrane permeability and the structure will become more fluid., Neurones and other cells need the membranes to be intact to function correctly which is why drunk people have a delayed response.

Question 4

Investigating membrane permeability

Answer 4

Beetroots are used as when the temperature gets too high and their cell membranes break, they will release a purple pigment which can be measured with a colourimeter.