LAB(2) - A LIVING MEMBRANE

Question 1

Dialysis

Answer 1

the process of separating small molecules from larger molecules in a soln. by selective diffusion through a semi-permeable membrane

Question 2

Dialysis

Answer 2

mimics the cell membrane’s function of filtering and maintaining balance

Question 3

• The egg membrane found just beneath the eggshell, is composed
  primarily of proteins; plays a key role in protecting the egg’s contents from microbial invasion and physical damage
• a natural biopolymer primarily made of protein fibers (e.g. collagen) which provide structural support

Question 4

contribute to the membrane’s strength and biological functions

Answer 4

• lysozyme (N-acetylmuramylhydrolase)
• ovalbumin
• ovotansferirin

Question 5

Glycoproteins

Answer 5

help maintain the maintain the elasticity and integrity of the membrane

Question 6

Lipid and other minor components

Answer 6

contribute to the composition of the eggshell membrane’s permeability and flexibility

Question 7

How does Cl- pass through the cell membrane?

Answer 7

• Ion channels
• Transport proteins

Question 8

Explain how the ion channels let Cl- pass through the cell membrane.

Answer 8

Specialized proteins called chloride channels allow Cl⁻ ions to move across the membrane. These channels can be either voltage-gated (responding to changes in membrane potential) or ligand-gated (responding to specific
molecules binding to the channel).

Question 9

Explain how transport proteins let Cl- pass through the cell membrane.

Answer 9

Some transport
proteins, like the chloride-bicarbonate
exchanger, allow the movement of Cl⁻
across the membrane in exchange for
other ions.

Question 10

Hemodialysis

Answer 10

A type of dialysis
wherein blood is
filtered outside the
body using a dialysis
machine.

Question 11

Dialyzer

Answer 11

act as an artificial kidney

Question 12

Peritoneal dialysis

Answer 12

uses the lining of the abdomen as a natural filter

Question 13

Dialysate fluid

Answer 13

introduced and later drained

Question 14

What are the limitations of natural membranes in dialysis?

Answer 14

• Limited biocompatibility
• Inconsistent pore size
• Reduced mechanical strength
• Limited control over permeability
• Risk of contamination
• Degradation over time
• Less customizability

Question 15

Explain Limited biocompatibility

Answer 15

Natural membranes may provoke immune responses,
leading to inflammation or rejection. This can limit their long-term use.

Question 16

Explain Inconsistent pore size

Answer 16

The pore sizes in natural membranes can be inconsistent,
leading to less precise filtration and potentially allowing larger molecules to pass through or blocking smaller molecules.

Question 17

Explain Reduced mechanical strength

Answer 17

Natural membranes may lack the mechanical
strength of synthetic ones, making them prone to tearing or degradation over
time.

Question 18

Explain Limited control over permeability

Answer 18

The permeability of natural membranes can be difficult to control or modify, limiting the ability to fine-tune dialysis for
specific needs.

Question 19

Explain Risk of contamination

Answer 19

Since natural membranes are derived from biological
sources, there is a risk of contamination with pathogens or other unwanted
biological materials.

Question 20

Explain Degradation over time

Answer 20

Natural membranes can degrade over time due to enzymatic breakdown or other biochemical processes, which can reduce their
effectiveness and lifespan.

Question 21

Explain Less customizability

Answer 21

Compared to synthetic membranes, natural membranes
offer less flexibility in terms of tailoring properties such as thickness, pore size,
and permeability to specific requirements.

Question 22

Cellulose acetate membranes

Answer 22

made from cellulose acetate, these
membranes are semi-permeable
and commonly used in reverse
osmosis for water purification.
Used in desalination, dialysis, and
wastewater treatment.

Question 23

Polyamide membranes

Answer 23

Thin, semi-permeable layers made
from polyamide are highly resistant to chlorine and are
used in various filtration processes. Used in reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and water softening.

Question 24

Polyethersulfone (PES) Membranes

Answer 24

hydrophilic,
strong, and thermally stable. They
have a uniform pore structure, making them suitable for various
filtration processes. Used in
microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and
biological filtration.

Question 25

Polysulfone (PSU) Membranes

Answer 25

Known for their chemical resistance and mechanical
strength, PSU membranes are
used in demanding applications. Used in emodialysis, gas separation, and microfiltration.