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Cell Membrane and Transport: Learn how transporters keep cells healthy Virtual Lab

Discover the structure and function of cell membranes by launching cargo molecules at a virtual cell. Apply your learning back in the lab to improve the health of synthetic cells that the lead researcher wants to use to produce insulin.

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Cell Membrane and Transport: Learn how transporters keep cells healthy

About this Simulation

Join Dr. B.I.O. Hacker in her synthetic biology lab, where she wants to change the world! In this simulation, you will learn about the structure and function of the cell membrane and discover why membrane transporters are vital for healthy cells and the function of organ systems.

The synthetic biology lab

Your mission begins in the synthetic biology lab. Here you will meet Dr. Hacker, who will introduce you to the concept of selective permeability and the fluid mosaic models of the plasma membrane. Together, you will explore why cells need specialized transporter proteins to transport cargo molecules across their membranes.

Transport molecules into a virtual cell

Next, you will teleport to a virtual cell, where you will explore how different types of molecules can cross the cell membrane. While some molecules are able to diffuse across the cell membrane, most molecules require a transporter protein to enter or leave the cell. Explore the different channels, carriers, and pumps that exist in the membrane and how they ensure that only the right molecules enter under the right conditions.

Apply your knowledge

Return to the lab to test whether inserting a transporter protein in the membrane would help certain molecules to enter the cell. To do so, you will set up a fluorescence microscopy experiment to measure transport in living cells. Finally, discover how some transporter proteins do not only keep the cell healthy but also help organ systems to function. From filtration in the kidneys to the contraction of muscles during exercise, membrane transport contributes to many processes. Can you find out how?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Describe the plasma membrane structure using the fluid mosaic model

  • Recognize the relative permeability of lipid bilayers to different classes of molecules

  • Compare active and passive transport of molecules

  • Identify the 3 modes of active transport and the different classes of ion channel and carrier molecules

  • Relate the expression of specific transport proteins to the cell's role

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Data interpretation
  • Microscopy sample preparation
  • Experimental design
  • Fluorescence Microscopy

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