Name: __________________________________ Period: __________ Date:

________________________

MYP Biology Egg Cell Lab

Introduction:

Cells have an outer covering called the cell membrane. This membrane is selectively permeable; it has
tiny pores or holes that allow objects to move across it. The cell membrane controls what moves in and
out of the cell. Food and oxygen move into cells across the cell membrane through the process of
diffusion. Diffusion is the movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low
concentration. Osmosis is a special type of diffusion; it is the diffusion of water across a selectively
permeable membrane. Osmosis occurs when water moves from an area where it is more concentrated
to an area where it is less concentrated.

In this investigation, you will be using an egg with the shell removed. The shell-less egg will represent a
cell and its selectively permeable membrane. You will remove the shell of the egg by soaking the egg in
vinegar over the course of 48 hours. The shell is made up of the mineral calcium carbonate, which
dissolves in acids such as vinegar. During this process it releases the gas carbon dioxide. After the shell
has been dissolved, only the membrane will remain around the egg.

Safety notes:

1. Raw eggs can carry salmonella (harmful bacteria). Be sure to WASH YOUR HANDS after handling
the eggs.
2. Handle the eggs very carefully so they do not break. You only get four eggs, if you break them
you do not get replacements!

Pre-lab questions:

1. What do you think would happen to a shell-less egg if water passed into the egg through the
membrane?



2. What do you think would happen to a shell-less egg if water passed out of the egg through the
membrane?

3. What substance must pass through the shell and membrane in order for a chick to develop
correctly?



 Name: __________________________________ Period: __________ Date:
________________________

4. What would happen to the developing chick if the egg membrane did not work correctly?

Materials available:

4 raw eggs Balance

Vinegar 4 plastic cups
Tap water Marker
Distilled water Masking tape
Salt water Various liquids (see instructor for
Sugar water specific liquids)
Metric tape (ruler)

Procedure 1: Getting started

1. Label your container with your group number and class period.
2. In the data table, make a drawing and observation of the egg in the appropriate space.
3. To measure the egg, use a flexible tape measure, measure the circumference of the egg (along the equator).
Record circumference to the closes millimeter in data table.
4. Use the balance to measure the mass of the egg in grams. Record mass value in the data table.
5. Put the egg into the labeled plastic container.
6. Carefully pour vinegar into the container until the egg is completely submerged.
7. Cover the plastic container with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band.
8. Allow the egg to soak for 2 days.
9. Put your containers in the designated space.
10. Clean work area and wash your hands!

Investigative Design:

Once your eggs have finished soaking, you will be using them to investigate an experimental question of your choosing.
Remember, the purpose of this lab is to investigate the effects of various liquids on an egg cell.

Question: Explain a problem or question to be tested by a scientific investigation.

Hypothesis: Formulate and explain a testable hypothesis using correct scientific reasoning.

Name: __________________________________ Period: __________ Date: ________________________

List of materials needed for MY group:

Procedure (develop a list in the space below):

Explain how to manipulate the variables, and explain how sufficient, relevant data will be collected.
Design a logical, complete and safe method using appropriate materials and equipment.
Create a list of steps you will use to conduct this investigation. Be specific, and precise. Refer to MYP Criterion B
for grading criteria.