Lab 3: Cell Transport
Abstract: Cells need to obtain water and other particles from the fluids that surround them. Water and other particles also move out of cells. Osmosis (for water) and diffusion (for other particles) are important processes that allow for transport across the plasma membrane of cells. In addition, diffusion is an important mechanism of movement of particles between and within many body fluid compartments. For example, diffusion is the mechanism by which particles like oxygen and glucose travel between interstitial fluid and intracellular fluid. Osmosis is important in movement of water into and out of the GI tract, the urinary system, and capillaries throughout the body. In this Lab, you will analyze the parameters that affect diffusion and osmosis, and you will use red blood cells to analyze water and alcohol transport across the plasma membrane.