3

CHAPTER
Movement of
Substances
Across the Plasma
Membrane

What is the Do you KNOW...

association of carrier • What is the fluid m
model?
osaic

protein on plasma • What are the ch

aracteristics
of substances that
are able
membrane with to move across the
membrane?
plasma

genetic diseases • What are the ex

amples of
passive and active
transport?
such as hyperkalemic • How do you ap
of movement of su
ply the concept

periodic paralysis
bstances in
everyday life?

(HYPP) in horses?
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 3.1 Structure of Plasma Membrane 3.3.4 Design an experiment to
3.1.1 Justify the necessity of movement study the effects of different
of substances across a plasma concentrations of solution on
membrane. animal and plant cells.
3.1.2 Describe the components of a 3.3.5 Communicate about the effects
plasma membrane and its function of hypotonic, hypertonic and
based on the fluid mosaic model. isotonic solutions on cell based
3.1.3 Draw and label the components of on movement of water molecules:
a plasma membrane based on the • animal cell
fluid mosaic model. • plant cell
3.1.4 Describe the permeability of a
plasma membrane. 3.4 Movement of Substances Across a
Plasma Membrane and its Application
3.2 Concept of Movement of Substances in Daily Life
Across a Plasma Membrane 3.4.1 Conduct an experiment to
3.2.1 State the characteristics of determine the concentration of
substances that are able to move cell sap of a plant tissue.
across a plasma membrane in 3.4.2 Correlate the concentration of
these aspects: cell sap in a plant tissue with the
• size of molecules phenomenon of plant wilting.
• polarity of molecules 3.4.3 Explain by using examples the
• ionic charge application of the concept of
3.2.2 Conduct experiments to study the movement of substances across
movement of substances across a a plasma membrane in daily life.
selectively permeable membrane 3.4.4 Communicate about reverse
by using: osmosis in water purification
• Visking tubing
• simple osmometer
3.2.3 Describe by using examples
movement of substances across a
plasma membrane:
• passive transport
• active transport
3.2.4 Compare and contrast passive
transport and active transport.

3.3 Movement of Substances Across a

Plasma Membrane in Living
Organisms
3.3.1 Explain by using examples the
process of passive transport in
organisms.
3.3.2 Explain by using examples the
process of active transport in
organisms.
3.3.3 Define solution:
• hypotonic solution
• hypertonic solution
• isotonic solution

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 3.1 Structure of Plasma Membrane
The necessity of movement of substances
across a plasma membrane
Living cells require substances from the external environment to carry
out living processes. At the same time, the metabolic processes in cells
produce waste that need to be disposed of from the cells. What are the
substances required by cells and the waste products of cells? How do these
substances move in and out of cells?
ICT 3.1 Cells must allow some substances to move into and out of the cells to
Activity: maintain the living processes. The movement of substances into and
To discuss the need for out of the cell is regulated by the plasma membrane. Before you learn
movement of substances
across the plasma membrane
about how substances move across the plasma membrane, let us look at
its structure.
Activity Zone
Structure of the plasma membrane
Draw a model
of the plasma In Chapter 2, you have learned that each cell is enclosed in a thin plasma
membrane membrane which separates the living cell from its environment.
and its related According to the fluid mosaic model, protein molecules float within
components.
the phospholipid bilayer, forming a
mosaic pattern that changes frequently.
A polar
Figure 3.1 shows the plasma membrane.
head
which is
hydrophilic

Phospholipid
EXTRACELLULAR
A nonpolar
carrier tail which is
glycolipid proteins hydrophobic

glycoprotein

phospholipid
bilayer

channel protein

CYTOPLASM
cholesterol
FIGURE 3.1
Plasma membrane

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 Each phospholipid molecule consists of: Biological Lens
• A polar head which is hydrophilic (attracted to water) There were many
• A nonpolar tail which is hydrophobic (repels water) plasma membrane
models proposed by
The heads of the phospholipid molecule in the outer layer face the
scientists. However,
extracellular fluid, whereas the phospholipid heads in the inner layer the fluid mosaic
face the cytoplasm. The tails of the phospholipid molecule of the two model proposed by
layers face each other.

CHAPTER 3
S. J. Singer and G. L.
Nicholson in 1972 is
There are various types of protein molecules embedded partially or the accepted model
fully within the membrane. The protein molecules are widely dispersed by scientists today.
between the phospholipid bilayer. The protein molecules with channels
or canals are known as channel proteins, whereas the protein molecules
that function as carriers are called carrier proteins (Figure 3.2).

Extracellular pore Extracellular

molecule

molecule

Cytoplasm Cytoplasm
channel protein carrier protein

FIGURE 3.2 Models of channel and carrier proteins

Some proteins and lipids have carbohydrate chains attached to them,

known as glycoprotein and glycolipid respectively (Figure 3.1).
Glycoprotein and glycolipid act as receptors to hormones such as
insulin, stabilise the membrane by forming hydrogen bonds with water
and act as antigens for cell identification.
There are also cholesterol molecules found between the phospholipid
molecules (Figure 3.1). Cholesterols make the phospholipid bilayer
stronger, more flexible and less permeable to water-soluble substances
such as ions. The phospholipid bilayer, proteins and cholesterols are not
static but form a dynamic and flexible structure. This contributes to the
‘fluid’ characteristic of the plasma membrane and makes the plasma
membrane more flexible.

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 Millennial Career

Biochemists who Permeability of a plasma membrane

specialise in cell
and molecular A membrane is said to be permeable to a substance if the membrane
biology can work in allows the substance to pass through it freely. On the contrary, a
the pharmaceutical membrane is impermeable if a substance is unable to move across it.
industry, The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable membrane. What
biotechnology and does selectively permeable membrane mean? Selectively permeable
forensics.
membrane only allows free movement of certain molecules across it, and
prevent or limit the movement of other substances.
The plasma membrane has a selectively permeable property due to its
building structure. The phospholipid bilayer and protein determine
the membrane permeability towards specific substances. We will learn
about the characteristics of substances that are able to move across the
plasma membrane in the next unit.

Formative Practice 3.1

1 What are the two main components of the plasma membrane?
2 Explain the meaning of fluid mosaic model.
ICT 3.2
3 Predict what will happen to the plasma membrane if there is no
Video: Fluid mosaic cholesterol.
model of a plasma
membrane 4 Explain the role of phospholipid and protein in ensuring the
(Accessed on 21 August 2019) permeability of the plasma membrane.

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 3.2 Concept of Movement of
Substances Across a Plasma
Membrane

CHAPTER 3
The characteristics of substances that are
able to move across a plasma membrane
ICT 3.3
There are three common factors that determine whether a molecule can pass
through a plasma membrane, which are molecule size , polar molecule and
Video: Movement of molecules ionic charge.
and ions across the plasma
membrane
(Accessed on 21 August 2019)
CHARACTERISTICS OF MOVEMENT OF
SUBSTANCES ACROSS A PLASMA MEMBRANE

LIPID-SOLUBLE SUBSTANCES LIPID INSOLUBLE SUBSTANCES

Nonpolar molecules SMALL MOLECULE AND ION LARGE MOLECULE

Examples: • Polar molecules (Example: water) Examples:
• Fatty acid • Nonpolar molecules (Examples: • Glucose
• Glycerol oxygen, carbon dioxide) • Amino acid
• Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) • Ion (Examples: K+, Na+, Ca2+,
• Steroid compounds Mg2+)

small molecule and ion lipid soluble molecule

small nonpolar molecule

H2O O2 CO2
Extracellular large molecule

carrier protein
H2O O2 CO2
channel
Cytoplasm protein

FIGURE 3.3 Movement of substances across a plasma membrane

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 Conduct the following experiment to show that the movement of substances across a
selectively permeable membrane depends on the size of the molecule.

1.2seit3.1
Activity ivitcA Studying the movement of substances
Experiment
across a selectively permeable membrane

Problem statement
Does the size of dissolved particles affect the movement of substances across a selectively
permeable membrane?
Hypothesis
Only small molecules are able to diffuse through a selectively permeable membrane while a large
molecule cannot diffuse through a selectively permeable membrane.
Variables
Manipulated: Molecule size
Responding: Presence of molecules in the Visking tubing and beaker
Fixed: Surrounding temperature and soaking time
Materials
Benedict’s solution, 1% starch suspension, iodine solution, 30% glucose solution, distilled water,
Visking tubing (12 cm) and thread
Apparatus
Beaker, test tube, Bunsen burner, dropper and measuring cylinder
Procedure
1 Soak the Visking tubing in water for 5 minutes to soften it. Make a knot and tie one end of the
Visking tubing with thread to prevent leaking.
2 Fill the Visking tubing with the 10 ml glucose solution and 10 ml starch suspension. Tie one end
of the Visking tubing tightly with a thread. The solution colour is recorded.
3 Rinse the outside of the Visking tubing with distilled
water.
400 ml
4 Add 400 ml of distilled water in a beaker. distilled Visking tubing
5 Place the Visking tubing in the beaker and leave it for water 10 ml glucose
30 minutes. solution +
6 After 30 minutes, remove and transfer the 10 ml starch
Visking tubing into a dry beaker. suspension

7 (a) Conduct the iodine test for the solutions in the

Visking tubing and in the beaker. Put 2 ml of each solution in separate test tubes and add
1 ml of the iodine solution. Observe the colour produced.
(b) Conduct the Benedict’s test on the solutions in the Visking tubing and in the beaker. Put
2 ml of each solution into separate test tubes and add 1 ml of Benedict’s solution. Heat the
solutions in a water bath for 5 minutes and record any changes in colour.

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 Results
Contents Iodine test Benedict’s test
Visking tubing 10 ml glucose solution +
10 ml starch suspension

Beaker 400 ml distilled water

CHAPTER 3
Discussion
1 What molecule is found in (a) Visking tubing (b) beaker?
2 What are the inferences that can be made based on the (a) size of the starch molecule (b) size of
the glucose molecule compared to the pore size in the Visking tubing?
3 What are the similarities between a Visking tubing and a plasma membrane?
Conclusion
Is the hypothesis accepted? Suggest a suitable conclusion.

1.2sei3.2
Activity tivitcStudying
A the movement of substances across a
Experiment
Visking tubing using a simple osmometer

Problem statement
How do the water molecules permeate across selectively permeable membranes?
Hypothesis
Water molecules permeate from an area of high water potential to an area of low water potential.
Variables
Manipulated: Time
Responding: Increase in the level of sucrose solution in a capillary tube
Fixed: Concentration of sucrose solution
Materials
30% sucrose solution, Visking tubing (12 cm), thread and distilled water
Apparatus
Retort stand with a clamp, 25 cm capillary tube, syringe, ruler, 50 ml beaker, marker pen, scissors
and stopwatch
Procedure
1 Cut a Visking tubing (12 cm).
2 Soak the Visking tubing in water for 5 minutes to soften it.
3 Tie one end of the Visking tubing tightly using thread to form a bag.
4 Fill the Visking tubing with the 30% sucrose solution using the syringe.

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 5 Tightly tie the other end of the Visking tubing to a capillary tube.
6 Rinse the outer part of the Visking tubing with distilled water.
7 Clamp the capillary tube vertically to the retort
stand.
8 Immerse the Visking tubing in a beaker
containing distilled water.
capillary tube
9 With a marker pen, mark the level of sucrose
solution in the capillary tube at the beginning initial level of
of the experiment. sucrose solution
10 Measure and record the level of sucrose
solution in the capillary tube for every distilled water
2 minutes from the previous level for Visking tubing
12 minutes. 30% sucrose
solution
11 Plot a graph of the level of sucrose solution
(mm) against time (minutes).

Results
Time (minutes) 0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Level of sucrose solution (mm)

Discussion
1 Based on the graph, explain the relationship between the levels of sucrose solution and time.
2 What caused the change in the levels of sucrose solution?
3 What inferences can be made regarding the size of the sucrose molecules and water, and the
pore size of the Visking tubing?
4 Predict the results if the experiment is repeated using a Visking tubing filled with distilled water,
and a beaker filled with a 30% sucrose solution.
Conclusion
Is the hypothesis accepted? Suggest a suitable conclusion.

The movement of substances across a plasma membrane occurs through

Our World of Biology passive and active transport.
Do you know that
an egg membrane
can be used to
Passive transport
replace the Visking An analogy of passive transport is like riding a bicycle downhill. The
tubing? Can you
process does not involve the use of energy. Simple diffusion, osmosis
make an egg
osmometer? and facilitated diffusion are examples of passive transport.

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 Simple diffusion high
Simple diffusion is the movement of molecules concentration
or ions from an area of high concentration to an
area of low concentration. The moving molecules
are said to move down the concentration Simple diffusion phospholipid
bilayer
gradient until a dynamic equilibrium is achieved.
This may occur with or without the presence of
low

CHAPTER 3
a plasma membrane. Lipid soluble molecules concentration
(fatty acids and glycerol), oxygen and carbon
dioxide diffuse through the phospholipid bilayer Solutes:
as simple diffusion (Figure 3.4). oxygen fatty acids
carbon dioxide glycerol
FIGURE 3.4 Simple diffusion through the phospholipid
bilayer
Osmosis
Osmosis is a passive transport process that is similar to diffusion but it involves only water molecules.
Osmosis refers to the net movement of water molecules from an area of high water potential (low
solutes concentration) to an area of low water potential (high solutes concentration) randomly
through a selectively permeable membrane. The selectively permeable membrane is permeable to
water but impermeable to some solutes such as sucrose molecules (Figure 3.5). The same situation
occurs in cells through the phospholipid bilayer (Figure 3.6).
keupayaan air tinggi keupayaan air rendah
highkepekatan bahan
water potential kepekatan
low waterbahan
potential Achieved dynamic
terlarut rendah terlarut tinggi
equilibrium

water molecule
high water potential

phospholipid osmosis
bilayer

sucrose low water potential

molecule selectively permeable membrane
water molecule

FIGURE 3.5 Osmosis FIGURE 3.6 Osmosis through the phospholipid bilayer

Facilitated diffusion
Lipid-insoluble molecules such as ions, large molecules such as amino acids and glucose are unable
to pass through the phospholipid bilayer. These substances move across the membrane with the
aid of transport proteins (carrier or channel proteins). This process is known as facilitated
diffusion. Facilitated diffusion does not require energy because the transport proteins transport
molecules down a concentration gradient. The process continues until a dynamic equilibrium
is achieved when the concentration of molecules is the same at both sides of membranes.

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 ion
CHANNEL PROTEINS form channels or canals to glucose
allow small-sized solutes and ions to diffuse across
the plasma membrane. Channels have specific internal
characteristics that only allow specific ions to pass
through it.

CARRIER PROTEINS have specific sites and can

only bind to a specific molecule. For example, glucose channel protein
channel protein carrierprotein
carrier protein
molecules can only bind to the specific site of a glucose FIGURE 3.7 Facilitated diffusion through channel and
carrier protein. carrier proteins

The process of the movement of glucose molecules across a plasma membrane occurs
through a facilitated diffusion (Figure 3.8).
Extracellular

glucose
Extracellular Glucose binds
glucose with the specific
concentrations site of the
are higher specific site carrier proteins.
than in
cytoplasm.
carrier protein
Cytoplasm

Carrier proteins
return to their Carrier proteins
original shape change shape to
and are ready to allow glucose
transport other molecules to pass
molecules. through the carrier
proteins and to enter
the cell.

FIGURE 3.8 Facilitated diffusion through carrier proteins

Active transport
Movement of substances across a plasma membrane may occur by active transport. The
characteristics of an active transport are as follows:
• The movement of molecule or ion substances across a plasma membrane occurs against a
concentration gradient.
• It requires energy from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules generated during cellular
respiration.
• It requires specific carrier protein with specific sites to bind with certain molecules or ions.
• Carrier proteins also possess receptors to bind with ATP molecules. Carrier proteins change
shape when a phosphate group attaches to it. As a result, molecules or ions move across a
membrane (Figure 3.9).

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 Active transport results in the accumulation or excretion of molecules or ions in the cell. Carrier
proteins involved in active transport are known as pumps.
For example, in animal cells, the carrier proteins that transport sodium ions to extracelullar,
and potassium ions into the cell are called sodium-potassium pump. The mechanism of the
sodium-potassium pump is described in Figure 3.9.

1 Extracellular fluid: 2 3
Na+

CHAPTER 3
High Na+ concentration Na +
Na + Na+ Na+ Na+
Na + Na+
Na + Na+
Na+ Na+
Na+ Na+
Na+
Na+
Na+
Na+ P
Na+ ATP P
Cytoplasm: Na+
Na+ ADP
Low Na+ concentration
ATP molecules (adenosine triphosphate) Phosphate bond provides energy and
decompose into ADP (adenosine
changes the shape of the carrier protein,
Three sodium ions bind to the diphosphate) and P (phosphate). The
phosphate group is bound to the carrier then sodium ion is transported through the
carrier protein. carrier protein out of a cell.
protein.

4 5 6
Extracellular fluid:
Low K+ concentration
K+ K+ K+
K+
+
K

K+ +
K

Cytoplasm: P +
K
+ K+
K+ K +
K+
+
K K + K K+
High K+ concentration
K+ K+

Two potassium ions from outside the cell The loss of the phosphate group restores
bind with a carrier protein. The phosphate the original shape of the carrier protein. Potassium ion is transported through
group leaves the carrier protein. the carrier protein into the cell.

FIGURE 3.9 Sodium-potassium pump

There is another type of pump known as the + Extracellular fluid:

Low pH
proton pump. For example, the proton pumps High concentration
ATP +
that are found on the epithelial cells lining the H+ of hydrogen ions
stomach cavity. Proton pump causes the acidity H+
Carrier protein
of the stomach contents. Energy from the ATP H+
enables the hydrogen ion to be transported by H+
the carrier proteins (proton pump) towards the +
H+
extracellular fluid. This causes an accumulation Cytoplasm: +
of the hydrogen ion and acid production in the High pH H+
Low concentration +
stomach cavity. The proton pump mechanism is of hydrogen ions
described in Figure 3.10.
FIGURE 3.10 Proton pump

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 Energy is not
required
Moving a
substance across
a membrane
Occurs
following the
concentration of
the gradient

Requires
PASSIVE
energy
TRANSPORT

Occurs until
a dynamic ACTIVE
equilibrium is TRANSPORT
achieved

Occurs
against the
concentration
of the gradient
Occurs through a
selectively permeable There are
membrane accumulation
and disposal of
molecules or
ions

FIGURE 3.11 Similarities and differences between passive and active transports

Formative Practice 3.2

1 Give some examples of substances that are able to pass through the phospholipid bilayer.
2 Describe how sodium ions are transported out of the cell.
3 A scientist conducts an experiment by soaking the roots of a plant in a solution which contains
mineral salts at different levels of oxygen concentrations. Explain why the mineral salts
concentration in the roots increased when the oxygen concentration in the solution increases by
10%.

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 3.3 Movement of Substances
Across a Plasma Membrane
in Living Organisms

CHAPTER 3
Active and passive transport in living
organisms
Where do passive and active transport occur in living organisms?

Passive transport in organisms occurs during: Active transport in organisms occurs during:
• gaseous exchange between an alveolus and • absorption of glucose and amino acids in the
a blood capillary through simple diffusion villus
(Figure 3.12) • reabsorption of glucose through the renal
• reabsorption of water occurs by osmosis tubule in the kidney
through the renal tubule in the kidney • transport of sucrose from a leaf to a phloem
• absorption of water by a plant root hair cell by tissue
osmosis (Figure 3.13) • absorption of mineral ions by a plant root hair
• absorption of fructose molecule in the villus by cell (Figure 3.13)
facilitated diffusion

air movement
blood from
pulmonary veins alveolus
a layer of water

blood from
pulmonary artery
oxygenated
blood
mineral ion absorbed into the
blood hair root cell through active water diffuses by osmosis
capillary from soil water into the
transport
O2 root hair cells
oxygen CO2 deoxygenated
molecules blood
diffuse from
the alveolus
into the blood
capillaries
according to the mineral
concentration carbon dioxide molecules diffuse from the
gradient salts
blood capillaries entering the alveoli according
to the concentration gradient

water
FIGURE 3.12 Gaseous exchange at the alveoli occurs by
simple diffusion
root hair
soil grains roots

FIGURE 3.13 Absorption of water by osmosis and mineral

ions through active transport

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 Isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic solutions
Generally, there are three types of solutions: isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic. As you have
learned, diffusion of water occurs by osmosis from an area of high water potential to an area of
low water potential across a plasma membrane. The explanation on each solution is summarised in
Table 3.1.
TABLE 3.1 Isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic solutions
Concept Definition Explanation
Isotonic Solution A and B Solutions A and B are
solution have the same selectively permeable membrane isotonic toward each
concentrations of selectively permeable membrane other. No net movement
solutions. A B water of water.
A B molecules
water molecule

selectively permeable membrane

solutes
A B water molecule

Hypotonic Solution A has a low Solution A is hypotonic

solution solutes concentration selectively permeable membrane to solution B. Water
and high water diffuses from solution A
potential. A A BB to B by osmosis.

soluble
substances
A B

A B
Hypertonic Solution A has a high A B Solution A is hypertonic
solution solutes concentration selectively permeable membrane to B. Water diffuses
and low water from solution B to A by
potential. A B osmosis.
soluble
substances

Activity Zone
Conduct an
experiment to
observe the effect
of osmosis on
an egg plasma
membrane.

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 The effects of hypotonic, hypertonic and Biological Lens
isotonic solutions on animal cells and The term haemolysis is
only used for the burst
plant cells of red blood cells.

The cell cytoplasm contains solutes such as glucose and mineral

salts. The fluid found in the cell is known as intracellular fluid.
Each cell is surrounded by extracellular fluid.

CHAPTER 3
Therefore, the cell will always go through the osmosis process and
movement of water across the plasma membrane, depending on the
water potential of the extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid.

EFFECT OF HYPOTONIC
SOLUTION
• When red blood cells are placed in a
AR hypotonic solution, water will diffuse
into the cells by osmosis, causing
the cells to swell and finally burst.
• This is because the plasma membrane is too thin to withstand the
osmotic pressure built up in the cells.
• The burst of red blood cells is known as haemolysis.

EFFECT OF HYPERTONIC SOLUTION

THE EFFECTS
OF HYPOTONIC, • When red blood cells are placed in a
ISOTONIC AND hypertonic solution, water will move out of
HYPERTONIC the cells by osmosis.
SOLUTIONS ON • This will cause the cells to
ANIMAL CELLS shrink.
• The red blood cells
are said to undergo
crenation.

EFFECT OF ISOTONIC
SOLUTION
• Water diffuses into and out of the
cell by osmosis at the same rate.
• No net movement of water
across the plasma membrane.
• The cells maintain their normal
shape.

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 EFFECT OF HYPOTONIC SOLUTION
• When plant cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, water will diffuse
into the vacuoles by osmosis.
• This will cause the vacuoles to expand and push the cytoplasm
and plasma membrane against the cell wall.
• In this condition, the cells are said to be turgid.
• Plant cells do not burst because the cell wall is rigid and strong.
• Turgor pressure is important to plant cells because it gives support
and maintains the shape of cell.
• Cell turgidity causes guard cell to swell to allow the stomata to remain
open for photosynthesis.

EFFECT OF HYPERTONIC SOLUTION

• When plant cells are placed in a hypertonic
solution, water will diffuse out of the
vacuoles by osmosis.
• Vacuoles and the cytoplasm will shrink, THE EFFECTS
causing the plasma membrane to be pulled OF HYPOTONIC,
away from the cell wall. ISOTONIC AND
• This process is known as plasmolysis. HYPERTONIC
Plasmolysis causes leaves and stems to SOLUTIONS ON
bend downwards and wilt. PLANT CELLS
• Plasmolysed plant cells can regain
their turgidity if the cells are
returned to a hypotonic solution
immediately.
• The cells are said to undergo
deplasmolysis.

EFFECT OF ISOTONIC SOLUTION

• When the sap of the plant cell and extracellular
solution are isotonic, water potential is the same.
• The movement of water diffusion in and out of
cells is the same.
• Cells become flaccid.

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 1.2sei3.3
Activity tivitcA Studying the effects of hypotonic, hypertonic
and isotonic solutions on animal cells Experiment

Problem statement
What is the effect of hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic solutions on animal cells?
Hypothesis blood
• Hypotonic solution causes the cell to explode.
• Hypertonic solution causes the cell to shrink.

CHAPTER 3
• Isotonic solution causes the cell to remain normal.
Variables
Manipulated: Concentration of surrounding solution
Responding: Chicken blood cells condition filter paper
Fixed: Surrounding temperature and types of cell
Take Note!
Materials
Fresh chicken blood, 0.15 M and 0.50 M sodium chloride solutions, filter Red blood cells
from the chicken
paper and distilled water
are kept in sodium
Apparatus chloride solution to
Light microscope, glass slide, dropper, mounting needle and cover slip prevent blood clot.

Procedure
1 Prepare four slides and label as A, B, C and D.
2 Place a drop of fresh chicken blood on slide A and put a cover slip onto it.
3 Observe the shape of the red blood cells under a light microscope.
4 Put a drop of distilled water on slide B and cover with a cover slip.
5 Add a drop of blood on the edge of one side of the cover slip. At the same time, place a filter
paper at the opposite side of the cover slip to spread the blood beneath the cover slip.
6 Examine the slide under a light microscope and draw the shape of the red blood cells in the
table below.
7 Repeat steps 4 to 6. Replace the distilled water with 0.15 M sodium chloride solution (slide C)
and 0.50 M sodium chloride solution (slide D).
Results
Slide Observation Labelled drawing of cell shape
A (red blood cells)
B (red blood cells in distilled water)
C (red blood cells in 0.15 M sodium
chloride solution)
D (red blood cells in 0.50 M sodium
chloride solution)
Discussion
1 Discuss and explain the results obtained for each slide.
2 Which solution is hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic to the red blood cells?
3 What happened to the red blood cells in slides B and D?
Conclusion
Is the hypothesis accepted? Suggest a suitable conclusion.

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 1.2 se3.4
Activity itivitcAStudying the effects of hypotonic, hypertonic Experiment
and isotonic solutions on plant cells

Problem statement
What is the effect of different solution concentrations on plant cells?
Hypothesis
• Hypotonic solution causes the plant cells to become turgid.
• Hypertonic solution causes the plant cells to
undergo plasmolysis.
• Isotonic solution causes the plant cells to become
flaccid.
Variables sucrose
Manipulated: Concentration of surrounding solution solution
filter paper
Responding: Plant cells condition
Fixed: Types of plant cells
Materials
0.50 M and 1.0 M sucrose solutions, distilled water, filter paper and an onion bulb
Apparatus
Light microscope, glass slide, cover slip, small knife, mounting needle, dropper and a pair of
forceps
Procedure
1 Prepare three slides and label as A, B and C.
2 Peel off the epidermal layer (skin) from the inner surface of an onion scale leaf and place it in a
drop of distilled water on slide A. Use a cover slip to cover the glass slide.
3 Observe the epidermal cells of the onion scale leaf under the microscope. Draw and label
your observation.
4 Peel off another epidermal layer (skin) of the onion scale leaf and put it on slide B. Cover with
a cover slip. Add a drop of 0.50 M sucrose solution on the edge of one side of the cover
slip. Spread the solution under the cover slip by placing a filter paper at the opposite side
of the cover slip. Examine the epidermal cell under the microscope. Draw and label your
observation.
5 Repeat step 4 by replacing 0.50 M sucrose solution with 1.0 M sucrose solution (slide C).
6 Flow excess distilled water through the onion scale leaf on slide C. Observe the cells under
the microscope. Draw and label your observation.
Results

Slide Observation Labelled drawing of cell shape

A (distilled water)

B (0.5 M sucrose solution)

C (1.0 M sucrose solution)

Slide C after being flowed with
excess distilled water

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 Discussion
1 Discuss and explain the results obtained for each slide.
2 Which solution is hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic to plant cells?
3 What happened to the plant cells in slide C?
Conclusion
Is the hypothesis accepted? Suggest a suitable conclusion.

CHAPTER 3
1.2
Activity 3.5 Studying and determining the concentration of
extracellular solution which is isotonic to the Experiment
cell sap of a plant
Problem statement
What is the concentration of the extracellular solution which is isotonic to the cell sap of potatoes?
Hypothesis
Concentration of the extracellular solution which is isotonic to the potato cell sap does not change
the mass of the potato cell sap.
Variables
Manipulated: Concentration of sucrose solution
Responding: Percentage of difference in the mass of potato strips
Fixed: Soaking period, surrounding temperature and type of potato
Materials
Potato, distilled water, 0.1 M, 0.2 M, 0.3 M, 0.4 M, 0.5 M, 0.6 M sucrose solutions and filter paper
Apparatus
Test tube, cork borer, knife, forceps, ruler, 50 ml beaker, measuring cylinder, test tube rack and
electronic weighing scale
Procedure
1 Seven petri dishes are prepared and labelled as A, B, C, D, E, F and G.
2 Fill each beaker with the following solutions:
Take Note!
Beaker A: distilled water Beaker E: 0.4 M sucrose solution
Beaker B: 0.1 M sucrose solution Beaker F: 0.5 M sucrose solution Do not hold the
potato with your
Beaker C: 0.2 M sucrose solution Beaker G: 0.6 M sucrose solution
hands while cutting.
Beaker D: 0.3 M sucrose solution You should use a
3 A medium-sized cork borer is pressed into a potato. cutting board as a
4 The potato strip is then removed from the cork borer. base.
5 Next, the potato strip is cut to 50 mm in length.
6 Steps 3 to 5 are repeated to obtain 6 more cylinder of potato strips of the
same length.
7 Wipe the potato strips using filter paper and each is weighed to get the initial mass.
8 Pour the solutions in beaker A to G into the test tube A to G, respectively. Each potato strip is
soaked completely in each test tube.

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 9 After soaking for 30 minutes, remove each potato strip from the respective test tube and wipe
dry with a filter paper. Weigh each strip to get the final mass.
10 The results are recorded. Plot a graph of the percentage of difference in mass against the
concentration of sucrose solution.

Results

Mass of potato strips (g) Percentage of
Test Difference in
Beaker difference in
tube mass (g)
Initial mass Final mass mass (%)

Distilled
A
water
0.1 M
B sucrose
solution

Discussion
1 What is the texture and condition of each potato strip after being soaked in different
concentrations of sucrose solutions?
2 How do you determine the concentration of sucrose solution which is isotonic to the potato sap
cell from your graph?
3 Based on the experiment, discuss the process of osmosis in different concentrations of sucrose
solutions.
Conclusion
Is the hypothesis accepted? Suggest a suitable conclusion.

Formative Practice 3.3

1 Explain what will happen to the following cells when they are soaked in a solution with a higher
concentration of solutes compared to the intracellular fluid:
(a) red blood cells
(b) plant cells
2 Explain the effect of the hypotonic solution on red blood cells.
3 Explain the effect of the isotonic solution on plant cells.
4 Explain the following situations based on the osmosis concept:
(a) Why do hawkers spray water on their fruits and vegetables?
(b) Explain what happens when sugar is sprinkled on strawberries.

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 3.4
Movement of Substances
Across a Plasma Membrane
and Its Application in Daily Life

CHAPTER 3
You have definitely eaten canned pickles, salted fish and
fruits before. How are the concepts of osmosis and
diffusion applied in food preservation?
You can also apply the concept of movement
of substances across a plasma membrane by
conducting Activity 3.6.

1.2seit3.6
Activity ivitcA Applying the concept of movement of
Project
substances across a plasma membrane

Materials
Egg, banana, cabbage, a variety of fruits, gelama fish, sugar, salt, vinegar and boiled water
Apparatus
Knife, bottle and oven Malaysian Innovation
Procedure A group of researchers in
1 Conduct the activity in a group. Malaysia were successful
2 Apply the concept of movement of substances across a plasma in developing Sil-RH
membrane in food production. Membrane Distillation.
This membrane is made
3 Use local raw materials and market the products at schools. from paddy chaff and
4 Among the food products that you can prepare are colourful can be used for the
preserved eggs, different flavours of smoked banana, salted fish, desalination process.
pickles and coloured cabbage.

Phenomenon of plant wilting

Fresh plants Excessive use of fertilisers may cause wilting in plants. Dissolved
fertilisers will cause soil water to be hypertonic to the sap cell of roots.
Consequently, water will diffuse by osmosis from the roots’ cell
sap to the soil, and cells will become plasmolysed. Cells in plants
will recover once they are watered. However, if the period of
plasmolysis is prolonged, wilted plants will eventually die.

Wilted plants

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 The concept of movement of substances across a plasma membrane has many
applications in our daily lives, for example:

Rehydration drinks such as oral Saline solutions, normally used in

rehydration salts help to medicine, are isotonic solution to the
recover loss of water and blood plasma. It contains 0.85–0.90 g
electrolytes in individuals sodium chloride per 100 ml.
with diarrhoea.

water-insoluble
drugs are
transported in the
hydrophobic area

Isotonic drinks help water-soluble drugs

athletes to recover are transported in
loss of water and the hydrophilic area
electrolytes such
as potassium and
Liposomes are vesicles that contain aqueous
sodium through
solution surrounded by a phospholipid bilayer
perspiration.
membrane. Liposomes are used to protect drugs
or active substances taken orally from being
destroyed by gastric juices. This way, drugs can
reach the target cells.

selectively permeable
Reverse osmosis is a technology commonly pressure is
membrane
used to extract fresh water from seawater using applied
the desalination process. In a reverse osmosis
equipment, pressure is applied to push the salt water fresh water
seawater through a semi-permeable membrane. goes in comes out
The membrane allows water molecules to pass
through it but not foreign particles, salt and
microorganisms. As a result, only pure fresh water foreign particles and water molecules
is released. microorganisms

Activity Zone
Study the reverse
Formative Practice 3.4
osmosis process in 1 Explain why green chillies are preserved using vinegar and sugar.
water purification.
2 Pickled pineapples are prepared by soaking the pineapple pieces
in a thick sugar solution. State two advantages and disadvantages
of this method as compared with keeping fresh pineapples.
3 Ariana had diarrhoea after eating stale food. Suggest something
that can help her to recover.

ICT 3.4 4 A liposome is a vesicle that contains an aqueous solution that is

surrounded by a phospholipid bilayer membrane. Explain the use
Video: Liposome application of liposomes in everyday life.
(Accessed on 21 August 2019)
3.4.3 3.4.4
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 Summary
MOVEMENT OF SUBSTANCES ACROSS A PLASMA MEMBRANE

Concept of Movement of Movement of

Structure of Plasma Movement of Substances Across a Substances Across
Membrane Substances Across a Plasma Membrane in a Plasma Membrane
Plasma Membrane Living Organisms and its Application in
Daily Life

• Fluid mosaic • Passive • Passive and active • Phenomenon of

model transport transport in living plant wilting
• Plasma – Simple organisms • Application of
membrane diffusion • Isotonic, hypotonic movement of
consists of – Osmosis and hypertonic substances
carrier proteins, – Facilitated solutions across a plasma
channel proteins, diffusion • Effect of isotonic, membrane in
phospholipid hypotonic and daily life
bilayer, hypertonic solutions • Reverse osmosis
• Active
glycoprotein, on animal cells and process in water
transport
glycolipid and plant cells purification
cholesterol

Self Reflection
Have you mastered the following important concepts?
• The necessit y of movement of substances across a plasma membrane
• Components of a plasma membrane and its function based on the fluid mosaic model
• Permeabilit y of a plasma membrane
• The characteristics of substances that are able to move across a plasma membrane
• Passive and active transport
• Hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic solutions
• Effect of different solution concentrations on plant cells and animal cells
• Application of the concept of movement of substances across a plasma membrane in
daily life

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 Summative Practice 3
1 State the meaning of passive transport.
2 The characteristic of a membrane decides if the molecule can move across the membrane.
Explain why the plasma membrane is impermeable to many types of molecules.
3 Explain why food is preserved using a thick sugar solution.

4 (a) Explain the role of contractile vacuole in controlling the water equilibrum in an Amoeba sp.
(b) Predict what will happen when the Amoeba sp. is transferred to the sea. Explain your
answer.
5 (a) Figure 1 shows one component cell that is found in the cell.
(i) Name the component of the cell in Figure 1. Extracellular
(ii) Label X and Y.
(b) In an experiment, the palisade mesophyll is soaked X:
X
in filtered water for a period of time. Explain what Y:
Y
will happen to the cell.
6 Figure 2 shows a type of substance movement across a Intracellular
plasma membrane. Explain why calcium ion in Figure 2
FIGURE 1
is taken to extracellular.

Extracellular

ADP
Intracellular ATP site
Ca2+ ATP P
FIGURE 2

7 A research on the effect of the concentration of different salt solutions on human red blood
cells was conducted. A droplet of blood was dropped into three test tubes A, B and C
containing different solution contents. Test tube A contained 4.5% sodium chloride, test
tube B contained filtered water and test tube C contained 0.85% sodium chloride. All three
test tubes were set aside for 30 minutes.
(a) Explain the observed solution of each test tube for 30 minutes.
(b) Describe your observation on test tubes A and B.
(c) Draw the shape of the red blood cell for each test tube when viewed through the
microscope.
(d) Suggest a suitable concentrated solution to keep red blood cells. Give justifications for
your answer.

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 Essay Questions

8 State the similarities and differences between simple diffusion and osmosis.
9 (a) Some housewives soak their vegetables in salt solution before cooking to get rid of
pesticides and worms.
(i) Explain why vegetables that are soaked too long in salt solution wither.
(ii) Suggest a way to revive the turgidity of the vegetables.
(b) Explain in detail how the molecules of amino acid are moved across a plasma
membrane.
(c) Cosmetic cream containing lyposome is said to be more effective in skin care. Give your
assessment on this statement.

Enrichment

10 You work in a company that produces drinks for different groups of athletes. The suggested
carbohydrate concentration for the drinks are as follows: A gymnast:1–3%; middle distance
runner: 6–8%; and footballer:10–12%.
Give justifications for the concentration of drinks that you produce.
11 The rate of movement of material P and material S across a plasma membrane is shown in
Figure 3 and 4.
(a) Give an example of material P and explain how material P can move across a membrane
plasma.
(b) Compare the movements of material P and material S across the membrane plasma.

Rate of movement of P (mg s–1) Movement rate of S (mg s–1)

1 0.4
Rate of movement of P (unit s-1)

Movement rate of S (unit s-1)

10–1 0.3

PP
10–2 0.2
SS

10–3 0.1

10–4 10–4
0 5 10 0 5 10

Concentration of material P (unit) Concentration of material S (unit)

Concentration of material P (unit) Concentration of material S (unit)
FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4

Complete answers are

available by scanning the
QR code provided

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