AboutGeorge Maxwell Expertise I enjoy the challenge of answering any type of question, but please don't post homework questions just "blank"; include something to show you've had a go :-)
Experience I'm a lecturer in chemistry and chemical education in York, UK, and I also act as a Hazchem adviser to the Fire Service, providing chemical safety information to first responders. My professional role also includes providing emergency poisons advice to UK medical practitioners.
Publications Journal of Chemical Education
TES
Plus independent book publications.
Education/Credentials BSc Chemistry (University of York 2005)
PhD Chemistry (NYU)
PGCE Teaching Certification
Past/Present Clients I have previously volunteered in this category, but owing to an email problem, I am re-regestering. I have taught for both Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire education authorities and for several independent youth organisations. I provide continuing support for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the UK Poisons Information Service (London-Based).
Question I am making trying to make a biphospholipd membrane, you suggested me to use jello like layer right? I was wondering if I can make a jello then put it in a blender so that it will be almost be liquid, but won't mix with other liquids. My teacher and my friend suggested me not to use that method, but they didn't tell me why. Can you tell me the cons behind my method? And whether should I use soft jello or hard jello for this.
Answer Hi, thanks for the question.
The reason that you probably shouldn't go with the "liquidy" jello is primarily that you're relying on the integrity of the set jello to prevent mixing; jello that's liquid enough to move would mix completely after about 12 hours, and you wouldn't get the nice different layers. Again, you have to remember that, because we're not on a cellular level, you're having to set up a system with force enough to prevent the natural tendency of a layered system collapsing.
Remember that a real phospholipid membrane isn't liquid anyway, so making your model from something like jello would be more accurate. It's also worth planning how you're going to represent the bilayer structure; remember that the top and bottom layers of the membrane contain the same materials (hydrophobic ends) so it should really be just a two-color model - two identical jellos at the top and bottom representing the hydrophobic areas, and a different colour in the middle for the hydrophilic.
You might also want to accompany your layered structure with models (made from Lego or similar) showing how the molecules making up the membrane fit together. You could also demonstrate hydrophobic interactions with water and oil in a glass.
Hope this helps; I have more info regarding the way we conduct this practical, so if there are any points you want more detail on, don't hesitate to let me know.
Thanks again, best wishes.
