The Gatekeeper – Exploring the Cell Membrane

In this lesson, students will explore the cell membrane as the selective “gatekeeper” of the cell, regulating the movement of substances to maintain balance and homeostasis. Using both virtual reality (VR) to visualize the phospholipid bilayer and hands-on experimentation with dialysis tubing to model selective permeability, students will experience how small molecules like iodine can pass through while larger molecules like starch remain trapped. By comparing VR models with real lab results, learners will deepen their understanding of diffusion, osmosis, and the critical role of membranes in sustaining life.