Question

In the lab experiment, the semipermeable membrane you will use is dialysis tubing, shown above with a solution inside. Which part of a cell is the dialysis tubing most similar to?

Answer 1

Dialysis tubing is most similar to the cell membrane of a cell. Both dialysis tubing and the cell membrane are semipermeable, meaning they allow certain substances to pass through while restricting others. This selective permeability is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell and regulating the movement of ions, nutrients, and waste products. The cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins, which facilitate transport and communication, similar to how the dialysis tubing selectively allows molecules to diffuse based on size and solubility.