Mitochondria use two semipermeable membranes to work properly. Young scientists adjust the pore size for two membranes. They then observe the diffusion of two different sizes of molecules.

Concepts

diffusion, semipermeable membranes, membranes

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Discuss which systems require something to pass through two different membranes
• Challenge scholars to see what pore size allows for the fastest balance of water molecules while keeping the protein contained

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of diffusion and molecule size

Pros

• Allows scholars to trace one molecule as it moves
• Requires very little class time

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4