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Insights into cell membranes via dish detergent - Ethan Perlstein

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30,558 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

The cell membrane, like a good jacket, protects the cell from everything outside of it. How is it simultaneously sturdy, flexible, and capable of allowing the right things to pass through? Ethan Perlstein rediscovers the scientists and their research that have changed the way we study the membrane and the cell as a whole.

What do we call molecules that have a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Biljana Labović
  • Artist Celeste Lai
  • Educator Ethan Perlstein
  • Animation Artist Lisa LaBracio
  • Narrator Ethan Perlstein

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