Serendip is an independent site partnering with faculty at multiple colleges and universities around the world. Happy exploring!

Reply to comment

dchin's picture

Onion Membrane

Janice, Debbi, Lili, JJ

Why are the changes happening? 
One story we decided on was that the saltier water contains more molecules that push against the cell membrane more, forcing the membrane to contract, as if it were a phalanx protecting Spartan warriors.  The wall is permeable, letting water come in and push on the membrane. With the added pressure of invading salt molecules, the membranes must contract and protect the inner "Spartans" from the invading "Persian" salt water.  With distilled water added, the Persians were defeated, because there was less pressure pushing on the membranes because the Athenians came to aid. Then the Spartans were liberated.

The end.

Reply

To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.
5 + 7 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.