======Ping Pong Ball Lipid Bilayer======


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**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Fluid Mosaic Model
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====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - See the links section below for full instructions.



====Links==== 

📄 Making of a “Fluid Mosaic Model” - hkedcity.net: [[https://cd1.edb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/biology/resources/l&t2/model_making/model_making_E_1.pdf]]\\

====Variations====
  * Add beads or small objects to represent proteins embedded in the membrane.  
  * Use food coloring in the water phase to emphasize separation.  
  * Show facilitated diffusion by using magnets to move objects across the "membrane."  
  * Compare the model to diagrams of real cell membranes for discussion.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Use caution when drilling holes in ping-pong balls.  
  * Handle hot glue carefully to avoid burns.  
  * Ensure oil and water are disposed of properly, not poured down the sink in large quantities.  




====Questions to Consider====
  * How does this model represent the phospholipid bilayer? (Hydrophilic heads interact with water, while hydrophobic tails avoid it and remain in the oil layer.)  
  * Why are the tails considered hydrophobic and the heads hydrophilic? (Due to their chemical polarity.)  
  * How does this model demonstrate the "fluid" aspect of the membrane? (The components are not rigid but can move within the layer.)  
  * How could proteins or channels be added to improve the accuracy of the model?  
  * What are the limitations of this model compared to a real cell membrane?