As for the membrane, I didn't even know it existed until i took a very close look, and yes it seems like it's there but it already has tears on it and its probably going to rip soon. I don't want to do anything else on it yet, cause im the kind of newbie that can destroy everything in a matter of seconds.
I say this because I've had the membrane dry out and not come off before thus preventing the plant from opening and getting to the light, which is there ultimate goal. The roots go down where it's dark and the top goes up where there's light...Good Luck! It's easy to take that membrane off (if you plant the seeds shallow, more than likely you will have the shell and membrane attatched when it surfaces) and get the plant growing towards the light.