Membrane

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/membrane

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the historical context?Concept known since the 18th century, with large-scale industrial use emerging post-WWII
2. What is the industrial significance?Crucial for water purification, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and energy technologies
3. How do biological membranes help cells stay healthy?In cells, the membrane keeps the inside safe and lets nutrients in and waste out. It also helps cells talk to each other, keeping the cell balanced and healthy.
4. Why are membranes used to clean water?Membranes can filter out dirt and germs from water, making it safe to drink. They are used in big machines that clean sea water or dirty water, helping people have clean water.

Selective Permeability: The property of a membrane that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through it by diffusion.
Microfiltration (MF): A membrane separation process using pores large enough to remove bacteria and suspended solids.
Reverse Osmosis (RO): A process using a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from water.