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1 Dec 2025

78

2 pages

Investigating Membrane Permeability: Practical Method and Risks

user profile picture

Ellie Wood @elliewood_vugw

This practical guide explores how to measure membrane permeability using beetroot cells. You'll learn how to conduct a... Show more

Practical: permeability of a membrane

The permeability of a membrane can be measured by using
beetrout cells which contain a porto purple p

Measuring Membrane Permeability

Beetroot cells contain a purple pigment called betalain that leaks out when the cell membrane becomes more permeable. This makes beetroot an excellent tool for investigating factors that affect membrane permeability.

To set up this experiment, you'll need to cut beetroot into identical cubes, clean off any initially released pigment, and then subject these cubes to different conditions. If testing temperature effects, place each cube in distilled water at different temperatures 80°C100°C80°C-100°C. For solvent concentration tests, create a dilution series of ethanol (0%-100%) in distilled water.

After leaving the beetroot cubes in solution for about 20 minutes, filter the samples and measure the amount of pigment released using a colorimeter with a blue filter. The higher the absorbance reading, the more pigment has leaked out, indicating greater membrane permeability.

Quick Tip The more pigment you can see in the water, the more permeable the membrane has become. This visual indicator makes it easy to see results even before using the colorimeter!

Practical: permeability of a membrane

The permeability of a membrane can be measured by using
beetrout cells which contain a porto purple p

Risk Assessment

When conducting this practical, be aware of several important safety considerations. When using a scalpel to cut the beetroot, always cut away from your fingers and keep the scalpel away from the edge of your desk to prevent accidental cuts.

Glass equipment presents a risk of breakage. Handle all glassware with care and clean up any broken glass promptly and safely. If an accident occurs, don't remove embedded glass—instead, elevate the area, apply pressure, and seek help.

Ethanol used in the experiment is both an irritant and flammable. Always wear eye protection and keep ethanol away from naked flames. For hot liquids in water baths, use tongs to handle test tubes and wear appropriate eye protection to prevent scalding.

Safety First Most lab accidents happen when students rush or get distracted. Take your time and stay focused on each step of the procedure to keep yourself and your classmates safe.

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Basil

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Biology

78

1 Dec 2025

2 pages

Investigating Membrane Permeability: Practical Method and Risks

user profile picture

Ellie Wood

@elliewood_vugw

This practical guide explores how to measure membrane permeability using beetroot cells. You'll learn how to conduct a simple experiment that shows how different conditions affect how easily substances pass through cell membranes.

Practical: permeability of a membrane

The permeability of a membrane can be measured by using
beetrout cells which contain a porto purple p

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Measuring Membrane Permeability

Beetroot cells contain a purple pigment called betalain that leaks out when the cell membrane becomes more permeable. This makes beetroot an excellent tool for investigating factors that affect membrane permeability.

To set up this experiment, you'll need to cut beetroot into identical cubes, clean off any initially released pigment, and then subject these cubes to different conditions. If testing temperature effects, place each cube in distilled water at different temperatures 80°C100°C80°C-100°C. For solvent concentration tests, create a dilution series of ethanol (0%-100%) in distilled water.

After leaving the beetroot cubes in solution for about 20 minutes, filter the samples and measure the amount of pigment released using a colorimeter with a blue filter. The higher the absorbance reading, the more pigment has leaked out, indicating greater membrane permeability.

Quick Tip: The more pigment you can see in the water, the more permeable the membrane has become. This visual indicator makes it easy to see results even before using the colorimeter!

Practical: permeability of a membrane

The permeability of a membrane can be measured by using
beetrout cells which contain a porto purple p

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Risk Assessment

When conducting this practical, be aware of several important safety considerations. When using a scalpel to cut the beetroot, always cut away from your fingers and keep the scalpel away from the edge of your desk to prevent accidental cuts.

Glass equipment presents a risk of breakage. Handle all glassware with care and clean up any broken glass promptly and safely. If an accident occurs, don't remove embedded glass—instead, elevate the area, apply pressure, and seek help.

Ethanol used in the experiment is both an irritant and flammable. Always wear eye protection and keep ethanol away from naked flames. For hot liquids in water baths, use tongs to handle test tubes and wear appropriate eye protection to prevent scalding.

Safety First: Most lab accidents happen when students rush or get distracted. Take your time and stay focused on each step of the procedure to keep yourself and your classmates safe.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

3

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

AQA Biology Paper 1: Key Concepts

Explore essential topics from the AQA November 2021 Higher Tier Biology Paper 1, including heart disease, photosynthesis, plant transport systems, and pathogen biology. This resource provides insights into cellular respiration, cardiovascular treatments, and the role of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in living organisms. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding key biological processes.

BiologyBiology
9

Biology Exam Insights 2018

Explore key concepts from the 2018 OCR GCSE Biology Higher Paper 1, including DNA isolation, plant structures, hormonal control, and the menstrual cycle. This summary covers essential topics such as photosynthesis, osmoregulation, and the human nervous system, providing a comprehensive overview for effective exam preparation.

BiologyBiology
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Biology Exam Insights

Explore key concepts from the GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Higher Tier Biology Paper 1 (May 12, 2020). This resource covers essential topics such as diffusion, osmosis, photosynthesis, enzyme function, and disease prevention, providing detailed answers and explanations to enhance your understanding and exam preparation.

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Biology: Immune & Plant Systems

Explore key concepts in immunology, plant structure, and physiological processes. This summary covers the immune response, circulatory and digestive systems, monoclonal antibodies, and plant transport mechanisms, including xylem and phloem. Ideal for students preparing for higher-tier biology exams.

BiologyBiology
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Plant Transport Systems

Explore the roles of xylem and phloem in plant transport. This summary covers how water and sucrose are transported through plants, detailing the structure and function of these vascular tissues. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.

BiologyBiology
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Explore the intricacies of the human circulatory system and plant organization in this comprehensive study note. Covering key concepts such as blood vessels, heart structure, enzyme functions, and plant tissues, this resource is designed for quick revision before exams. Ideal for students preparing for higher-level biology assessments.

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user