Investigating Self-Assembly with Macaroni

David A. Burgan and Lane A. Baker
Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
J. Chem. Educ., 2009, 86 (6), p 704A
DOI: 10.1021/ed086p704A
Publication Date (Web): June 1, 2009

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 Chemistry

Keywords:

Biochemistry

Keywords:

JCE Classroom Activity

Keywords:

Analogies / Transfer

Keywords:

Biological Cells
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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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