Name: __________________________________

Simulating the Cell Membrane- Osmosis Lab

Intro: The cell membrane is selectively permeable- and thank goodness for that. Imagine if we could never let things in
or out we would eventually grow toxic from wastes building up inside of us, or, we wouldnt be able to let any food or
oxygen into our bodies for survival! The cell, though very tiny, works much like a larger organism. It can take care of
itself.
In this activity, we will demonstrate diffusion on a large-scale basis to simulate how cells might use diffusion on a
small-scale basis.
Background Info: Iodine is a biological indicator for starch. This is because it changes color in the presence of cornstarch.
Materials required:
250 mL Beaker
Dialysis tubing
String
Cornstarch
Iodine
Directions: 1: Cut approximately 12 cm of dialysis tubing, tie off one end VERY securely using string.
2: Fill the tube about 2/3 of the way with water, then add the cornstarch solution.
3: Securely tie the other end of the tubing. Put aside.
4: Fill your beaker up with approximately 200 mL of water. Add about 30 drops of iodine.
5: Place the cornstarch filled tubing into the beaker. Answer the questions below as you wait. Wait 10 minutes.









DATA
Color of the water in the cup?
Color of the contents in the dialysis tubing?
Define diffusion: _______________________________________________________________
Define osmosis: ________________________________________________________________
What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis? ____________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.
During diffusion, molecules diffuse from _________ concentrations to ________ concentrations.
Do you think the cornstarch will diffuse? If no, why not? If yes, in which direction?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________.
What is an indicator? Why is iodine an indicator?
________________________________________________________________________
2
nd
day
DATA
Color of the water in the cup?
Color of the contents inside the baggie?
Observations:
Based on your observations, which way is the iodine diffusing? ________________________________________ How
do you know?
Based on your observations, is the cornstarch diffusing? __________________________________________________
Explain why?

1) To which substance(s) is the dialysis tubing permeable?
2) Explain how the dialysis tubing acted like a semi-permeable membrane.
3) Explain how diffusion was demonstrated in this experiment. (use the words: molecules, iodine, sugar, and solution)