Activity
Investigating Self-Assembly with Macaroni
Abstract
In this activity students learn the concept of self-assembly, a powerful tool for creating ordered structures in chemistry and biology. A macroscale example—self-organized macaroni noodles—is described in analogy to the self-assembly of lipid molecules that make up the membranes of cells, or to self-assembled materials, such as self-assembled monolayers. This activity can be incorporated in discussions of noncovalent interactions in general chemistry or in discussions of cell membrane structure in biochemistry. The final product of this activity is a nonhazardous macroscale example of self-assembly that students can poke, prod, and investigate.
Keywords:
High School / Introductory ChemistryKeywords:
BiochemistryKeywords:
JCE Classroom ActivityKeywords:
Analogies / TransferKeywords:
Biological CellsCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Research Advances: Spinach Nutrient Levels; Steering Oil Droplets; Possible Explanation of Left-Handed Preference?
Angela G. KingJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (8), 766-769Research Advances: Spinach Nutrient Levels; Steering Oil Droplets; Possible Explanation of Left-Handed Preference?
Angela G. KingJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (8), 766-769This installment of Research Advances describes investigations of how supermarket storage affects spinach nutrient levels, working on oil droplets that can navigate a maze, and an explanation of nature’s selection for l-amino acids.
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History
- Received: August 03, 2009
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