Experiments
Here are experiments our science specialists have selected to support the IB* topic.

Diffusion
Experiment #2 from Investigating Biology through Inquiry
After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about diffusion and diffusion through a membrane before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with diffusion rate. Some topics to consider in your reference search are:
- diffusion
- facilitated diffusion
- concentration gradient
- salts
- ion channels
- ions
- dialysis
- semipermeable membrane
- active transport

Investigating Osmosis
Experiment #3 from Investigating Biology through Inquiry
In the Preliminary Activity, you will use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure the rate of pressure change as water moves into or out of the cell (dialysis tube filled with sucrose solution). The pressure generated is called osmotic pressure and is in response to the overall movement of molecules, both water and sucrose, inside the dialysis cell.
After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about osmosis and osmotic pressure before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with osmosis and osmotic pressure. Some topics to consider in your reference search are:
- osmosis
- diffusion
- active and passive transport
- semipermeable membrane
- monosaccharide/disaccaride
- hypotonic/hypertonic

Diffusion through Membranes
Experiment #4 from Biology with Vernier
In this experiment, you will
-
Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the ionic concentration of various
solutions. - Study the effect of concentration gradients on the rate of diffusion.
- Determine if the diffusion rate for a molecule is affected by the presence of a second molecule.

Osmosis
Experiment #22 from Biology with Vernier
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to investigate the relationship
between water movement and solute concentration. - Determine the water potential of potato cells.
- Educational Standard
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Subject
- Biology
- Section
- Core
- Topic
- 1. Cell Biology
* The IB Diploma Program is an official program of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) which authorizes schools to offer it. The material available here has been developed independently of the IBO and is not endorsed by it.