The cell membrane (also known as the plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane) is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment (the extracellular space). It consists of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins. The basic function of the cell membrane is to protect the cell from its surroundings. The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of cells and organelles. In this way, it is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules. In addition, cell membranes are involved in a variety of cellular processes such as cell adhesion, ion conductivity and cell signaling and serve as the attachment surface for several extracellular structures, including the cell wall, the carbohydrate …show more content…
The color is due to betacyanin in the cells. Similarly, the color of red onions is due to pigments in a thin layer of cells. In both cases, the pigments are enclosed in membrane-bound vacuoles inside the cells, and we can observe membrane function by observing pigment movement. Vacuoles are fluid-filled organelles found in plant cells that generally contain solutions distinct from the remainder of the cell. We will use the vacuoles of beet cells to investigate conditions affecting membrane function. Roots of beet are red due to the water-soluble reddish pigment called betacyanin, localized almost entirely in the large central vacuoles of cells. In undamaged cells, betacyanin remains inside the vacuole, not being able to pass through the vacuolar membrane. These beets will be in a range of temperate and solvents to see how much damage, if any, will occur on the cell membrane. This damage on the cell membrane will be measured qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative measurement will be using our eyes to estimate the amount of red pigment is in the solution, and the quantitative measurement will be used using a