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

Home › Bio 103, Lab 4, Very small space/time scales: randomness as a first mover? ›

Reply to comment

dchin's picture

Onion Membrane

Submitted by dchin on Wed, 09/30/2009 - 3:27pm.

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.
1 + 2 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Remote Ready Biology Learning Activities

Scanning electron microscope image of SARS-CoV-2

Remote Ready Biology Learning Activities has 50 remote-ready activities, which work for either your classroom or remote teaching.

Narrative is determined not by a desire to narrate but by a desire to exchange. (Roland Barthes, S/Z)

What's New? Subscribe to Serendip Studio