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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > February  >
In the Laboratory
Using Compression Isotherms of Phospholipid Monolayers To Explore Critical Phenomena
A Biophysical Chemistry Experiment
Derek E. Gragson, Dan Beaman, and Rhiannon Porter
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Cover
February 2008
Vol. 85 No. 2
p. 272
Abstract
Two experiments are described in which students explore phase transitions and critical phenomena by obtaining compression isotherms of phospholipid monolayers using a Langmuir trough. Through relatively simple analysis of their data students gain a better understanding of compression isotherms, the application of the Clapeyron equation, the balance between enthalpic and entropic contributions to the chemical potential, critical phenomena, and phase diagrams in general. Students use their data to determine the latent heat of transition, the entropy of transition, and the critical temperature for the liquid condensed to liquid expanded phase transition of a monolayer. Students also gain a general understanding of how molecular level changes in the structure of phospholipids, such as changes in chain length affect the structure and function of biological membranes.
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Citation
Gragson, Derek E.; Beaman, Dan; Porter, Rhiannon. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 272.
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Keywords
Biochemistry; Biophysical Chemistry; Calorimetry / Thermochemistry; Equilibrium; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary; Laboratory Instruction; Lipids; Membranes; Physical Chemistry; Surface Science; Thermodynamics; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
1/4/2008
1/9/2008
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