Senior High School

NOT

General Biology 1
Quarter 1 - Module 1
Cell: the basic unit of life

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Lesson Transport Mechanisms
6
What I Need to Know

 Learning Competencies:
1. Describe the structural components of the cell membrane
(STEM_BIO11/12-Ig-h-11)
2. Relate the structure and composition of the cell membrane to its
function (STEM_BIO11/12-Ig-h-12)
3. Explain transport mechanisms in cells (diffusion, osmosis,
facilitated transport, active transport) (STEM_BIO11/12-Ig-h-13)
4. Differentiate exocytosis and endocytosis (STEM_BIO11/12-Ig-h-14)

 Performance Standards:
The learners should be able to construct a cell membrane model from
indigenous or recyclable materials.

 Introduction:
With the pandemic today in the Philippines, you can just imagine our
Cagayan de Oro‘s front liners and law enforcers at the check points of a
city or security guards at the mall entrances (Fig. 7.a) as plasma
membranes (cell membranes) which have a lot of things to do such as
permitting who‘ll enter the establishment (represents the cell) or not and
even exiting is checked as well; Carrying goods in a truck or individuals on
a motorcycle towards a particular cordoned area which depicts different
means or ways on how materials are transported in and out of the cell -
thus the transport mechanisms.

In cellular biology, membrane transport refers to the collection of

mechanisms that regulate the passage of solutes such as ions and small
molecules through biological membranes, which are lipid bilayers that
contain proteins embedded in them.
 Plasma membrane (Cell Membrane) plays a vital role in the transport
mechanisms and separates the living cell from its surroundings. To perform
these roles, it needs lipids, which make a semi-permeable barrier between
the cell and its environment. It also needs proteins, which are involved in
cross-membrane transport and cell communication, and carbohydrates
(sugars and sugar chains), which decorate both the proteins and lipids and
help cells recognize each other.

Fig. 7.a Even in a mall or at the checkpoints, the people and objects move from one
location to another; they cross or are contained within certain boundaries. Analogously, a
cell membrane‘s functions involve movement within the cell and across the boundaries in
the process of intracellular and intercellular activities. Just like the law enforcers or security
guards, they allow some substances to pass through, but not others.

1.1 Structural Components of the Cell Membrane

What I Know

Write the letter of the best answer in the blank.

_1. Which plasma membrane component can be either found on its surface
or embedded in the membrane structure?
a. protein
b. cholesterol
c. carbohydrate
d. phospholipid

_2. What is the primary function of carbohydrates attached to the exterior of

cell membranes?
a. identification of the cell
b. flexibility of the membrane
c. strengthening the membrane
d. channels through membrane
 _3. Which characteristic of a phospholipid contributes to the fluidity of
the membrane?
a. its head
b. cholesterol
c. a saturated fatty acid tail
d. double bonds in the fatty acid tail

_4. Which interacts to hydrophilic and hydrophobic environments?

a. protein
b. cholesterol
c. phospholipid
d. carbohydrate

_5. Carbohydrates is found outside the surface of the cell and bounded with?
a. lipid or protein
b. phospholipid
c. glycoprotein
d. glycolipid

Provide the description of each structural components of the cell membrane

regarding its location and features inside the empty blanks.

COMPONENT LOCATION FEATURE/FUNCTION

 the most abundant lipid
in the plasma
Phospholipids Main fabric of the membrane
membrane
6._ _ _
_

7._ _ _ Dampen effects of

Cholesterol
_ _ _ temperature

Embedded in the phospholipid

8._ _ _
Integral Proteins bilayer; may or may not
_ _ _
extend through both layers
On the inner or outer surface of
Peripheral the phospholipid bilayer, but 9._ _ _
Proteins not embedded in its _ _ _
hydrophobic
core
 Cell recognition
Carbohydrate 10. _ __  Effective interaction
Chains _ with the acqueous
environment
What’s In

• REVIEW: The Structural Components of the Cell Membrane

The modern understanding of the cellular or plasma membrane is referred to

as the fluid mosaic model or fluid mosaics of lipids and proteins. It is composed of a
bilayer of phospholipids, with their hydrophobic, fatty acid tails in contact with each
other (Fig. 7.d). The landscape of the membrane is studded with proteins, some of
which span the membrane. Some of these proteins serve to transport materials into
or out of the cell. Carbohydrates are attached to some of the proteins and lipids on
the outward-facing surface of the membrane (Fig. 7.b.), forming complexes which
function is to identify the cell to other cells. Cell membranes enclose and define the
borders of cells, but rather than being a static bag, they are dynamic and constantly
in flux.

Fig. 7.b. Structural Component of Cellular Membrane

Fig. 7.c. In 1935, Davson-Danielli, the sandwich model of membrane structure stated that the
membrane was made up of a phospholipid bilayer sandwiched between two protein layers.
Fig. 7.d. In 1972, S. J. Singer and G. Nicolson proposed that the membrane is a mosaic of proteins
dispersed within the bilayer, with only the hydrophilic regions exposed to water.

The Fluidity of the membrane is due to temperature, the configuration of the

unsaturated fatty acid tails (some kinked or form a sharp twist by double bonds), the
presence of cholesterol embedded in the membrane, and the mosaic nature of the
proteins and protein-carbohydrate combinations, which are not firmly fixed in place.

Key Takes of the Fluid Nature of the CM:

• Phospholipids in the plasma membrane can move within the bilayer (Fig. 7.e)
• Most of the lipids, and some proteins, drift laterally
• Rarely does a molecule flip-flop transversely across the membrane

Fig. 7.e.

Lateral movement occurs 107 Flip-flopping across the membrane is rare

times per second. (~ once per month).
• As temperatures cool, membranes switch from a fluid state to a solid state.
• The temperature at which a membrane solidifies depends on the types of lipids.
•Membranes rich in unsaturated fatty acids are more fluid than those rich
in saturated fatty acids. (Fig. 7.f.)
• Membranes must be fluid to work properly; they are usually about as fluid as
salad Oil.

Fig. 7.f. The type of hydrocarbon tails in phospholipids – Affects the fluidity of the cell membrane

Fluid Viscous

Unsaturated hydrocarbon tails Saturated hydrocarbon tails

(a) Unsaturated versus

saturated hydrocarbon tails

(b) Cholesterol within the

animal cell membrane Cholesterol

• The steroid cholesterol has different effects on membrane fluidity at

different temperatures.
• At warm temperatures (such as 37°C), cholesterol restrains movement
of Phospholipids.
• At cool temperatures, it maintains fluidity by preventing tight packing.
 Structural Component of the Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane)

COMPONENT LOCATION FEATURE/FUNCTION

 the most abundant lipid
in the plasma
Phospholipids Main fabric of the membrane
membrane
 are
amphipathic
molecules
Tucked between the hydrophobic
Dampen effects of
Cholesterol tails of the membrane
temperature
phospholipids

Embedded in the phospholipid

Transport of substance
Integral Proteins bilayer; may or may not
through membrane
extend through both layers
On the inner or outer surface of
Peripheral the phospholipid bilayer, but
Cell recognition
Proteins not embedded in its
hydrophobic
core
Attached to proteins or lipids on  Cell recognition
Carbohydrate the extracellular side of the  Effective interaction with
Chains membrane (forming the acqueous
glycoproteins and glycolipids environment

Terminology:
Amphiphilic or Amphipathic
 molecule possessing a polar or charged area and a nonpolar or uncharged area
capable of interacting with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic environments

Fluid mosaic model

 describes the structure of the plasma membrane as a mosaic of components
including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, glycoproteins, and glycolipids
(sugar chains attached to proteins or lipids, respectively), resulting in a fluid
character (fluidity)

Glycolipid
 combination of carbohydrates and lipids

Glycoprotein
 combination of carbohydrates and proteins

Hydrophilic
 molecule with the ability to bond with water; ―water-loving‖

Hydrophobic
 molecule that does not have the ability to bond with water; ―water-hating‖
Integral protein
 protein integrated into the membrane structure that interacts extensively with the
hydrocarbon chains of membrane lipids and often spans the membrane; these
proteins can be removed only by the disruption of the membrane by detergents

Peripheral protein
 protein found at the surface of a plasma membrane either on its exterior or
interior side; these proteins can be removed (washed off of the membrane) by a
high-salt wash

What’s New

• Visual and Listening Activity:

1. A video link is provided ; ―Fluid mosaic model of cell membranes‖ | Biology |

by Khan Academy (2015), https://youtu.be/cP8iQu57dQo

2. Watch and Listen carefully to the video and be able to recognize and relate to
each attributes of the structural components of the membrane.

3. Reflect on your life experiences and relate them to the lesson in the video so that
you will be able to write a story analogous to the structural components of the cell
membrane.

4. Write the story neatly on a long bond paper.

What Is It

• Q & A Activity:

1. What happens to the plasma membrane if the weather gets cold?

2. Are there structural components involved in the membrane that are affected from
the rise and fall of the temperature? What are those structures?

3. What does Fig. 7.f imply regarding the fatty acid or hydrocarbon tail‘s shape when
compared and contrasted in relation with transport mechanism? Explain your
answer.

(Write your answers on a ½ crosswise intermediate paper.)

What’s More

• Drafting from Visual and Listening Activity:

1. A video link is provided ; ―Construction of the Cell Membrane‖ by Becky

Polk- Pohlman Barbara Liang; https://www.wisc-online.com/learn/natural-
science/life- science/ap1101/construction-of-the-cell-membrane

2. Watch and Listen carefully for you to be able to make a rough draft sketch of
the individual structural components of the membrane through the video clip.

3. Prepare your final draft sketch to me with labels of the indigenous /recyclable
materials you will utilize for each of the structural components for the next
activity.

5. Write your sketch neatly on a long bond paper.

What I Have Learned

• Learning Process Activity:

Provide the best answer in the blank.

1. The modern understanding of the cellular or plasma membrane is referred to as

the _ _ or _ _.
2. It is composed of a bilayer of _ _.
3. are attached to some of the proteins and lipids on the outward-
facing surface of the membrane.
4. is a function of Carbohydrates.
5. The fluid nature of the membrane is due to _ _.
6. Cell membranes __ and _ _ the borders of cells.
7. refers to the collection of mechanisms that regulate the
passage of solutes.
8. _ _ integrated into the membrane structure that interacts
extensively with the hydrocarbon chains of membrane lipids.
 What I Can Do
• Performance Activity:

Construct a cell membrane model from indigenous or recyclable materials.

1. Prepare your final draft sketch with labels of the indigenous /recyclable materials
that you will utilize for each of the structural components for this activity.

2. Prepare your indigenous /recyclable materials and tools kits to start constructing
the cell membrane model.

3. Set your output on a 2x2 sturdy and used illustration board or any platform.

4. Keep your output in a safe place and submit it on the exact date of submission to
be announced by your teacher.

1.2 The Relationship of the Structure and Composition

of the Cell Membrane to its Function

What I Know

Write the letter of the best answer in the blank.

_1. The primary function of the plasma membrane is ….

a. to protect the cell from its surroundings.
b. to provide shape and integrity to the cell.
c. to maintains the cell potential.
d. to be a fluid mosaic model.

_2. What is the primary function of carbohydrates attached to the exterior of

cell membranes?
a. identification of the cell
b. flexibility of the membrane
c. strengthening the membrane
d. channels through membrane
 _3. Cellular Signaling relation to the Plasma Membrane is….
a. to protect intracellular components from the extracellular environment.
b. to enclose and define the borders of the cell
c. to transmit signals via complex proteins
d. to transport materials into or out of the cell

_4. Cellular Transport Mechanism‘s relation to the Plasma Membrane is…

a. to protect intracellular components from the extracellular environment.
b. to transport materials into or out of the cell
c. to enclose and define the borders of the cell
d. to transmit signals via complex proteins

_5. Vital for cellular signalling processes that influence tissue and
organ formation
a. membrane markers
b. membrane receptors
c. glycoprotein
d. glycolipid

Provide the the Funtions related to the Structures and Compositions of the Cell
Membrane inside the empty blanks.

Structure or Component Function

6._ _ _ _
Phospholipid Bilayer
_ _ _ _

.7. _ _
Membrane Markers
_ _ _ _

8._ _ _ _
Cytoskeleton
_ _ _ _

9._ _ _ _
Transmembrane Protein
_ _ _ _

10. _ _ _ _
Membrane Receptors
_ _ _ _
What’s In

• REVIEW: The Structure and Composition of the Cell Membrane

relation to its Function

The plasma membrane protects the cell from its external environment,
mediates cellular transport, and transmits cellular signals.

 The principal components of the plasma membrane are lipids (phospholipids

and cholesterol), proteins, and carbohydrates.
 The plasma membrane protects intracellular components from the extracellular
environment.
 The plasma membrane mediates cellular processes by regulating the materials
that enter and exit the cell.
 The plasma membrane carries markers that allow cells to recognize one
another and can transmit signals to other cells via receptors.
The plasma membrane (also known as the cell membrane or cytoplasmic
membrane) is a biological membrane that divides the interior of a cell from its
outside environment. (Figure 7.g)
The primary function of the plasma membrane is to protect the cell from its
surroundings. Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, the
plasma membrane is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules and
regulates the movement of substances in and out of cells. Plasma membranes must
be very flexible in order to allow certain cells, such as red blood cells and white
blood cells, to change shape as they pass through narrow capillaries.
The plasma membrane also plays a role in anchoring the cytoskeleton to
provide shape and integrity to the cell, and in attaching to the extracellular matrix
and other cells to help group cells together to form tissues. The membrane also
maintains the cell potential.
In short, if the cell is represented today as a COVID FREE-CAGAYAN DE
ORO CITY, then the plasma membrane is the checkpoints with the frontliners and
law enforcers that provides protective and territorial structure for the city inside,
depicting separation or barrier, regulates which people leave and enter the city, and
conveys messages to and from neighbouring cities.
Just as an unguarded check point in the surrounding barrier can be a disaster
for the city in today‘s crisis, like a rupture in the plasma membrane causes the cell to
lyse and die.
Cellular Signaling/ Recognition’s relation to the Plasma Membrane
Among the most sophisticated functions of the plasma membrane is its ability
to transmit signals via complex proteins. These proteins can be receptors, which
work as receivers of extracellular inputs and as activators of intracellular processes,
or markers, which allow cells to recognize each other.

Membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like

hormones and growth factors, which then trigger intracellular responses. Some
viruses, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), can hijack these receptors
to gain entry into the cells, causing infections.
Membrane markers allow cells to recognize one another, which is vital for
cellular signaling processes that influence tissue and organ formation during early
development. This marking function also plays a later role in the ―self‖-versus-
―non- self‖ distinction of the immune response. Marker proteins on human red
blood cells, for example, determine blood type (A, B, AB, or O).

Terminology:
Receptor
 A protein on a cell wall that binds with specific molecules so that they can
be absorbed into the cell.

Cellular Transport Mechanisms’ relation to the Plasma Membrane

The movement of a substance across the selectively permeable plasma
membrane can be either ―passive‖—i.e., occurring without the input of cellular
energy —or ―active‖—i.e., its transport requires the cell to expend energy.
The cell employs a number of transport mechanisms that involve biological
membranes:
1. Passive osmosis and diffusion: transports gases (such as O 2 and CO2) and
other small molecules and ions
2. Transmembrane protein channels and transporters: transports small organic
molecules such as sugars or amino acids
3. Endocytosis: transports large molecules (or even whole cells) by engulfing
them
4. Exocytosis: removes or secretes substances such as hormones or enzymes.
Fig. 7.g. Detailed Image of Cell Membrane Structure in a Cell
 What’s New

• Activity:

Identify the structural components of the cell membrane and provide the boxes with
the best answers

1.
2.

8.
3.
4. 6. 7.
5.

What Is It

• Q & A Activity:

1. Can you remember all the structural components of a cell membrane and be able
to list them down? If so, just list down at least 10 along with its functions.

2. Are there structures or components related in the membrane‘s transport

mechanisms? What are those? Write at least 5 and indicate why they are related.

(Write your answers on a ½ crosswise intermediate paper.)

What’s More

• Visual and Listening Activity:

1. A video link is provided ; ―Inside the Cell Membrane‖ by Amoeba Sisters (Feb
28, 2018), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBCVVszQQNs

2. Watch and Listen carefully for you to be able to associate the components
and structures of the cell membrane to your household.

3. Make an analogous reflection paper of your household to the structures

and components of the cell membrane. Prioritize on the function aspect.

4. Write it on a long bond paper.

What I Have Learned

• Learning Process Activity:

1. Provide insights on how the structures and components of the cell membrane
is related to its function with regards to the Celular Signalling/Recognition.

2. Give your Take Aways on Cellular Transport Mechanisms‘ relation to the

Plasma Membrane emphasizing more on its function.

3. Write it on a long bond paper.

What I Can Do

• Performance Activity:

1. Craft a task plan on a long bond paper regarding the tasks on what functions
you can contribute to your household during this time of crisis. Include also listing
down the house members functions contributing in your home.

2. Document this task in a week. Photos included in a separate paper or soft copy.
 Template (example)
PARENT/GUARDIAN
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
Printed name,
01/21/20 _/_/20 _/_/20 _/_/20 _/_/20 _/_/20 _/_/20 Signature and Date

PortGAs D. Ace
-swept -father
-sanitized -ate Sakura
outside Portgas
AM the mopped the
the vertical
bathroom floor with
home planted
disinfectanct
grounds pechay.
Sun 1/8/20

PortGAs D. Ace
-kuya
-mother
Senku
-washed Tsaunade
-threw bathed
PM the dishes sterilized
garbage Penduko
the
our dog
utensils
Sun 1/8/20

3. Keep your output in a safe place and send it on the exact date of submission to
be announced by your teacher.