Diffusion and the Cell Membrane

These diagnostic questions and response activities (contained in the zip file) support students in being able to:

• Use ideas about the needs and life processes of cells to explain the role of the cell membrane and why it must be selectively permeable.

• Recall that substances are made of particles that move and collide randomly all the time.

• Explain diffusion as the net movement of particles from an area of their higher concentration to an area of their lower concentration.

• Explain the diffusion of particles through a selectively permeable membrane.

• Apply ideas about diffusion through the cell membrane to explain why some cells have a larger surface area.

The resources include details of common misconceptions and a summary of the research upon which the resources are based.

Download the zip file for all the questions and activities.

More resources like this can be found on the BEST webpage:  Best Evidence in Science Teaching