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Agony and Ecstasy: Cell Membrane Structure and Function

By Norris Armstrong

Agony and Ecstasy: Cell Membrane Structure and Function


 

Abstract

This “clicker case” follows Susan, an intern at a local hospital, who has admitted a patient she discovers has used the drug Ecstasy. The girl becomes delirious, and Susan begins to suspect that she may be suffering from water intoxication. The case is designed for an introductory biology course for either science or non-science majors, though it could be adapted for upper level courses. It uses an example of water intoxication to introduce membrane structure and function, osmosis, and electrolyte balance in the body. The case itself is a PowerPoint presentation (~800KB) shown in class that is punctuated by multiple-choice questions students answer using clickers. It could be adapted for use without these technologies.

   

Date Posted

01/12/2010

Overview

Objectives

  • Understand what diffusion is and the physical mechanism that causes it.
  • Understand which types of molecules can (hydrophobic) and can’t (hydrophilic) cross membranes very easily and the reasons for these differences.
  • Be able to explain how water moves across a membrane (directionality) in response to different solute concentrations inside and outside the cell.
  • Understand the dangers of insufficient and excessive hydration and their effects on living cells and tissues.

Keywords

Diffusion; membrane transport; osmosis; water intoxication; hydrophilic; hydrophobic; hyponatremia; Ecstasy

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Cell Biology
Medicine (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Clicker, Interrupted

 

 

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