Diffusion Across a Sheep Red Blood Cell Membrane

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1993, Volume 14

Abstract

This cell membrane physiology laboratory uses sheep red blood cells to determine: (1) the isotonic and hemolytic molar concentrations of electrolytes and nonelectrolytes, and degree of electrolyte dissociation; (2) the diffusion rate of penetrating molecules of varying size and lipid solubility; and (3) the relationship of molecular size, number of hydroxyl groups, and partition coefficient to diffusion rate. Student research teams then design an experiment using the acquired techniques to determine the degree of dissociation of different electrolytes, or the effect of molecular weight, lipid solubility, age of cell membrane, species variability, or physiological state of the cell on diffusion rate.

Keywords:  diffusion rate, electrolyte dissociation, red blood cell membrane, partition coefficient, molecular size

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (1992)