Antibiotics in Action

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    Biology Activity
    Cell Membranes

    Introduction

    Cells have to control just what atoms, molecules, and ions are allowed inside. Nutrients need to be allowed in, while toxins need to be kept out. This is the job of the cell membrane: It acts the gatekeeper, regulating what comes inside the cell.
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    Introduction
    Purpose
    Safety
    The Activities

    Plant and bacterial cells have cell walls in addition to their cell membranes. Several investigations that follow help to illustrate the physical activity of the cell membrane using both living cells and models of cells (a colloidal “sac”).

    Purpose

    To determine the various factors that determine whether or not various compounds can enter or leave cells so tha twe can better understand the mechanisms by which pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics, act upon cells.

    Safety

    1. Wear safety goggles.

    2. Keep hands and writing tools out of the mouth when working with the various substances.

    3. Wipe up any chemical spills immediately.

      General Safety Guidelines
      Microbiology Safety Guidelines

    The Activities

    This is not one activity, but four. Your teacher will tell you which ones you will be carrying out. To reach the individual activities, follow the links below.

      Activity #1: What Determines Whether or not a Chemical Compound Can
      Move Through an Artificial Membrane?

      Activity #2: Diffusion Through a Membrane: Supplement or Alternative to
      Activity #1

      Activity #3: Investigating the Effect of Different Concentrations of Water
      Surrounding a Living Cell

      Activity #4: Which Passes Through a Living Cell's Membrane More Easily,
      Congo Red Dye Molecules or Water Molecules?

     

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