Name:_______________________ Date:

Bubble Membrane Lab

Soap bubbles are bilayers very

similar to cell membrane bilayers,
so they can be used to display
some of the properties of the cell
membrane.

PURPOSE: What are the characteristics of a cell membrane?

MATERIALS:
Pan of soap solution (dish detergent, water, karo syrup)
Membrane holder (2 straws and a string)
Popsicle Stick
Circular thread (or elastic band)

PROCEDURE:
1. Bend 4 straws
at elbows.
2. Flatten the
shorter ends of
straws and fold
flatted surface
in the middle
(See Fig. 2).
3. Connect straws
together by
inserting short
ends into long
ends to create a square (See Fig. 3).
METHODS:

Part 1: Fluidity

1. Form a layer of soap in your square.

2. Let the light shine off.
3. Observe your membrane!

Membrane Observations Benefit of this function

Function
Fluidity 1. 1.

2. 2.

Part 2: Flexibility

1. Twist the two straws in opposite directions.

2. Bend it the other way.
3. Observe your membrane!

Membrane Observations Benefit of this function

Function
Flexibility 1. 1.

2. 2.
Part 3: Self-sealing

Stick the following objects through the bubble membrane:

A. Popsicle Stick
B. Soap-coated Popsicle stick
C. Your finger
D. Your soap-coated finger

Now try your entire arm!

Membrane Observations Benefit of this function

Function
A. Popsicle Stick 1.

B. Soap-coated Popsicle stick

Self-sealing

C. Your finger 2.

D. Your soap-coated finger