Permeability of Cellular Membranes

Paper Summary:

The paper provides an analysis of an experiment that investigates the permeability of the plasma membrane. The paper outlines the materials and methods used and presents tables of data that demonstrate the results. The paper explains the positive correlations that were found that show how the membrane is selectively permeable, allowing only some molecules to move between the intracellular and extracellular environments.

Outline:
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Results
Discussion

From the Paper:

"In this experiment, the permeability of the plasma membrane was investigated. More specifically, the results showed that the membrane is selectively permeable, allowing only some molecules can move between the intracellular and extracellular environments (Randall et al, 2002). This property is essential to all life, as it enables all cells to regulate the exchange of nutrients and waste, while providing a selective barrier to the diffusion of materials. Thus, molecules necessary to the cell (such as proteins) remain inside, while wastes and other degraded material can be removed from the cell (Steel, "Membranes")."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Animal Physiology I Laboratory Manual. SC/BIOL 3060 4.0. Toronto: York University. Department of Biology, Fall 2008.
• Li R.C., Sah, P.P.T. and Anderson, H.H. (1941). Acute toxicity of monoacetin, diacetin and triacetin. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 46, 26-28.
• Randall et al. (2002). Eckert animal physiology: mechanisms and adaptations. 5th ed. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York.
• Steel, Colin G.H. "Membranes". BIOL 3060 4.0 Animal Physiology I. York University, Toronto. Sept. 2008.
• Xie, Y. et al. (2008). Platycodin D2 is a potential less hemolytic saponin adjuvant eliciting Th1 and Th2 immune responses. International Immunopharmacology. 8, 1143-1150.

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