SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

General Biology 1
Module 5
Cell Modifications
What Fits In, Functions Right
General Biology 1
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
Module 5: Cell Modifications, What Fits In, Functions Right
First Edition, 2020

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 SHS

General Biology 1
Module 5
Cell Modifications
What Fits In, Functions Right
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the General Biology 1 Self-Learning Module (SLM) on Cell Modification:

What Fits In, Functions Right.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

Hello, my dear facilitator! This module is packed with series of activities
related to cell modifications that will enable your learners to enhance their
skills on this specific competency. As a facilitator of learning, you are hereby
authorized to instruct your learners to carefully read and understand this
module because it contains necessary information about the lesson that they
need to answer the given tasks to develop critical thinking leading them to
fulfill the activities as they learn.
Please tell your learners to complete and perform the activities included
in this module. Just enjoy your journey with the cells.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the General Biology 1- Grade 12 Self-Learning Module (SLM) on Cell

Modifications: What Fits In, Functions Right.

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

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 Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.

2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.

3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.

4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.

5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.

6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

Hello, my dear students! How are you after your exploration and tour of the
cell in the previous lessons? I am pretty sure that you have understood how a cell
performs its functions despite its size.

Most Essential Learning Competency:

 Describe some cell modifications that lead to adaptation to carry out

specialized functions (STEM_BIO 11/12 -Ia-c-5).

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define cell modification;
2. identify the different types of cell modification; and
3. explain how cell modifications enable an organism to adapt and carry its
functions.

What I Know

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following refers to the change in an organism in response to some
environmental factors?
A. Cell Cycle
B. Cell Division
C. Cell Respiration
D. Cell Modification
2. The following are examples of apical modification, EXCEPT
A. Cilia
B. Desmosomes
C. Flagella
D. Microvilli
3. Which of the following are the short, hair-like structures that beat in a coordinated
rhythmical wave-like manner?
A. Cilia
B. Flagella
C. Pseudopodia
D. Extra Cellular Matrix

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4. Which type of modification occurs at the bottom part of the cell?
A. Apical
B. Basal
C. Lateral
D. Temporal
5. Which of the following structures is a cell surface modification that is often seen
in organs where the epithelium plays a primary role in the absorption of
molecules?
A. Cilium
B. Desmosomes
C. Flagellum
D. Microvillum
6. Which of the following does NOT belong to the group?
A. Cell Division
B. Cell Modification
C. Cell Specialization
D. Cell Differentiation
7. Which of the following structures is also known as brush or striated border?
A. Cilium
B. Flagellum
C. Microvillum
D. Pseudopodium
8. Which type of modification occurs at the sides of the cell?
A. Apical
B. Basal
C. Lateral
D. Temporal
9. Which of the following is a specialized cell of the nervous system?
A. Neuron
B. Dendrite
C. Eukaryotic Cell
D. Prokaryotic Cell
10. Why do roots develop root hairs on its tip?

I. To allow water and other dissolved nutrients to get into it.

II. To hold the plants in place.
III. To protect the roots.
IV. To protect the stem.
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and III
D. IV only

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11. How do pseudopodia in amoebas reacts to its external environment?

I. Its cytoplasm bulge outward in order to engulf the prey.

II. Its cilia move in an upward and sideward manner to enable movement.
III. It moves in a circular motion to engulf its prey.
IV. The amoeba uses its flagellum in moving.
A. I only
B. II only
C. II and III
D. III and IV
12. Cilia and flagella are examples cell modifications in animals. Which of the
following statement shows the difference between these two specialized
structures?

I. Cilia and flagella are structures used for defense.

II. Cilia and flagella are both locomotory organelles.
III. Cilia are long whiplike structures while flagella are short hair-like
projections that arise from the body of the microorganism.
IV. Cilia are short hair-like structures while flagella are long whiplike
structures that grow from the body of microorganisms; both aid in the
movement of animals.
A. I only
B. II only
C. II and III
D. II and IV

13. Which of the following statements BEST describes why microvilli is a good and
efficient organ for absorption?

I. Microvilli are finger-like projections.

II. Microvilli help to increase surface area.
III. Microvilli arise from the cell surface to decrease surface area.
IV. Microvilli allows a greater surface area.

A. I only
B. II only
C. IV only
D. II and IV
14. Cherry was asked by her teacher what act as barriers in order to regulate the
movement of water and solutes between epithelial layers. She answered tight
junctions. Do you think her answer is correct?
A. No, the gap junctions regulate the movement of water and solutes in the
epithelial layers.
B. Yes, the extra cellular matrix controls the flow of materials in and out of
the epithelial layers.
C. Yes, the tight junctions act like watertight seal that regulates the
movement of water and solutes between epithelial layers.
D. No, the adhering junctions serve as barrier that control the flow of
materials and anchor junction on the lateral surface of the cell.

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15. Is it correct to say that the specialized function of the red blood cells is to
transport oxygen?
A. No, red blood cells purify the blood the flows in the body.
B. Yes, red blood cells store protein, filter clean oxygen and transport it.
C. No, red blood cells cleanse the blood with unwanted materials that may
harm the body.
D. Yes, red blood cells are specialized cells that contain hemoglobin and
circulate through the body delivering oxygen to cells.

What’s In

Directions: Copy and encircle words that can be associated to cell modifications on
a separate sheet of paper.

Differentiation Root hairs Protein

Cell division Replication Specialization
Basal Synthesis Pseudopodia
Cell cycle Lateral microvilli
Apical Flagella Cytoplasm
Cilia DNA Nerve cells

What’s New
Directions: On the column provided, arrange the letters to form the correct type of
cell based on the given description. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper

Type of Cells
Description
A. Animal Tissues Correct Term

1. psimle
Single layer of flattened cells
asqumous
It is a single layer of cube-shaped cells that
2. msiple duboialc is usually found in glands and lining of the
kidney tubules.

It is a single layer of column-shaped cells

3. imples ucolmnra that is located at the linings of the digestive
tract, bronchi of lungs and uterine tubes.

4. tratifieds asqumous It is composed of multiple layers of

flattened cells that protects areas of

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 abrasion and prevents water loss and
infection.

5.sadipoe scell It is composed of fat cells and functions for

energy storage and insulation.

B. Plant Tissue
6. yparenchma These are the most abundant cells in the
plant tissues that function for
lcels photosynthesis and respiration

7. ollenchymac These are elongated living cells with

unevenly thickened wall that can stretch as
Scell the cell grows.

8. mclerenchyas These are cells that provide inelastic

support to the parts of plants that are no
scell longer growing.

9. sracheidt These are long narrow cells that overlap at

their tapered ends.

10. lvesse These are short, wide, barrel-shaped

conducting cells that stack end to end.
telements

You might be wondering if why cells undergo modification? As organisms felt

the pressure of natural selection and attempted to colonize new territories, the need
for advancements in both structure and function were necessary. They evolved with
modified structures (evolution) or were created with the appropriate structures
(creationism) to fit the environment. Advancements in structure and function created
complex life-supporting systems that are more versatile and allow the organisms’
greater freedom for colonization in fringe territories.

What is It

The cell is the fundamental unit of life. For it to cater its other tasks and
functions the cell has to undergo modification. Cell specialization
(or modification or differentiation) is a process that occurs after cell division where
the newly formed cells are structurally modified so that they can perform their
function efficiently and effectively.

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 Types and Examples of Cell Modifications

1. Apical Modification

 A type of cell modification that is found

on the apical surface of the cell

Pseudopods

 These are temporary, irregular lobes formed by

amoebas and some other eukaryotic cells.
 Bulge outward to move the cell in order
to engulf the prey

Cilia and Flagella

 Cilia are usually short, hair - like

Structures that move in waves
 Flagella are long whiplike structures
 Formed from microtubules

Villi and Microvilli

 These are finger-like projections that arise

from the epithelial layer in some organs.
 They help to increase surface area for faster
and more efficient adsorption
 Microvilli are smaller projections
 They arise from the cell’s surface that also
increase surface area allowing faster and
more efficient absorption

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 Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM)

 It is a compound secreted by the cell on its apical

surface
 Cell wall is the extra cellular structure in plant
cells that distinguishes them from animal cells
 Glycoprotein is the main ingredient of ECM in
animal cells

2. Lateral Modification

 A type of cell modification that is found on

the basal surface of the cell

Gap Junction

 It is also known as communicating junctions

 Closable channels that connect the cytoplasm
of adjoining animal cells

Tight Junction

 It acts as barriers that regulate the

movement of water and solutes between
epithelial layers
 It prevents leakage of the ECF

Adhering Junction

 It anchors junction on the lateral

surface of the cell
 It is similar to the anchoring junction
of the basal surface of the cell

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 4. Basal Modification

 A type of modification that is found on the

basal surface of the cell.

Desmosomes/Hemidesmosomes

 The anchoring junction on the

Basal surface of the cell
 Rivet-like links between cytoskeleton and
Extracellular matrix components such as
the basal lamina that underlie epithelia
 Primarily composed of keratin, integrins
and cadherins

The cell has three types of modification: namely apical modification, lateral
modification and basal modification. Apical modification occurs at the top part of the
cell. Examples of these are the microvilli, cilia, stereocilia and flagella. Lateral
modification happens at the sides of the cell. The tight junction, adhering junction,
gap junctions, desmosomes are the good example of it. Basal modification occurs at
the bottom part of the cell. The basal folding and hemidesmosomes are the best
examples of this type of modification.

Other specialized modifications include the development of a nerve cells,

muscle cells, red blood cells and sperm cells. In plants, some identified specialized
cells include the root hairs and the guard cells.

Specialized Animal Cell

Animal cells are specialized in many ways. Red blood cells are specialized to
transport oxygen. Cells specialized to produce proteins are found in the pancreas.
Pancreatic cells also possess large number of other organelles needed for protein
export, including a well-developed golgi apparatus and clusters of storage vacuoles
loaded with enzymes.

The human ability to move is the result of the specialized structure of muscle
cells. Skeletal muscle cells are packed with fibers arranged in a tight, regular pattern.

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Specialized Plant Cell

The guard cell is an example of a specialized plant cell. It monitors the plant
internal condition, changing their shape according to those conditions.

What’s More

Directions: Read and understand carefully. Applying what you have learned about
cell modification. Explain briefly how the following structures help in the
survival of the organism. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper

1. mangroves thrive in marine environment

2. development of root hairs in plant’s root
3. development of microvilli in animal guts
4. presence of guard cells in the stomata of plant

Rubric for Scoring

Needs
Excellent Very Good Good
Description Improvement
10 8 6
4

Some of the
The answer necessary Only few
The concepts /
contains all concepts are necessary
Content ideas given are
the necessary not included in concepts are
irrelevant
concepts the answer included.
given

The answer is The answer The answer

The answer is
written in formulated has formulated has
Quality of written in
extraordinary a little style, no style, no new
Writing interesting
style, very gives some new information is
style, somewhat
informative information and given and is
informative and
and well- is poorly poorly
organized
organized organized organized

Almost all the

Few spelling A number of spelling,
No spelling,
and spelling, punctuation
Grammar, punctuation or
punctuation punctuation or and
Usage and grammatical
errors, minor grammatical grammatical
Mechanics errors could be
grammatical errors could be errors interferes
observed
errors observed with the
concepts.

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 What I Have Learned
Directions: Copy and complete the diagram below. Supply the boxes with the correct
word, statement or phrase to complete the idea. Do it on a separate sheet
of paper.

What I Can Do
You have shown confidence in the different activities. To further show me your
mastery of the lesson, you need to do another task.
Directions: Write an essay about the modifications in cells using the format shown
below. Do it on a separate sheet of paper. Take your time!

Cell modification is ______________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

It is important because _________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

Rubric for Scoring

Needs
Excellent Very Good Good
Description Improvement
10 8 6
4
Some of the Only few
The essay The concepts
necessary necessary
contains all the included in the
Content concepts are concepts are
necessary essay are
not included in included in the
concepts irrelevant
the essay essay

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 The essay is The essay is The essay has a The essay has
Quality of written in written in little style, no style, no new
Writing extraordinary interesting gives some new information is
style, very style, somewhat information and given and is
informative and informative and is poorly poorly
well- organized organized organized organized

So many
Few spelling A number of spelling,
No spelling,
and spelling, punctuation
Grammar, punctuation or
punctuation punctuation or and
Usage and grammatical
errors, minor grammatical grammatical
Mechanics errors could be
grammatical errors could be errors that
observed
errors observed interferes with
the concepts.

Assessment

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following are the short, hair-like structures that beat in a coordinated
rhythmical wave-like manner?
A. Cilia
B. Flagella
C. Pseudopodia
D. Extra Cellular Matrix
2. Which of the following refers to the change in an organism in response to some
environmental factors?
A. Cell Cycle
B. Cell Division
C. Pseudopodia
D. Cell Modification
3. Which of the following does NOT belong to the group?
A. Cilia
B. Desmosomes
C. Flagella
D. Microvilli

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4. How do guard cells perform its functions in plants?
I. Site for cellular respiration
II. It monitors the plant’s internal condition
III. It regulates the entrance and exit of gases
IV. Protect the plants
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. IV only
5. Which of the following structures is a cell surface modification that is often seen
in organs where the epithelium plays a primary role in the absorption of
molecules?
A. Cilium
B. Desmosomes
C. Flagellum
D. Microvillum
6. Which of the following does NOT belong to the group?
A. Cell Division
B. Cell Modification
C. Cell Specialization
D. Cell Differentiation
7. Which of the following structures is the locomotory organelle used by amoeba in
moving?
A. Cilium
B. Flagellum
C. Microvillum
D. Pseudopodium
8. Cilia and flagella are examples cell modifications in animals. Which of the following
statement shows the difference between these two specialized structures?
I. Cilia and flagella are structures used for defense.
II. Cilia and flagella are both locomotory organelles.
III. Cilia are long whiplike structures while flagella are short hair-like
projections that arise from the body of the microorganism.
IV. Cilia are short hair-like structures while flagella are long whiplike
structures that grow from the body of microorganisms; both aid in
the movement of animals.
A. I only
B. II only
C. II and III
D. II and IV

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9. Which of the following CORRECTLY describes red blood cells?
I. Red blood cells carry fresh oxygen throughout the body.
II. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin that binds to oxygen.
III. Red blood cells defend the body against infections and diseases.
IV. Red blood cells remove carbon dioxide from the body and transport it to
the lungs to exhale.
A. I only
B. II and III only
C. I, II, and IV only
D. I, II, III, and IV
10. Which of the following is a specialized plant cell that grows at the tips of roots?
A. Root Hair
B. Tertiary Root
C. Primary Root
D. Secondary Root
11. Guard cells regulate the opening and closing of stomata in plants. When plants
are subjected to too much heat does it affect the normal function of the guard
cells?
A. No, guard cells can resist external conditions.
B. No, guard cells are not affected even when exposed to too much heat.
C. Yes, guard cells have the tendency to wilt does affecting its normal function.
D. Yes, extreme conditions of the environment have no direct effect on the
functioning of the guard cells.
12. Which of the following is TRUE about cell modification?

I. Apical, lateral and basal are three types of cell modification.

II. Apical modification occurs at the top part of the cell.
III. Basal modification happens at the bottom part of the cell.
IV. Lateral modification takes place at the sides of the cell.

A. I only
B. I and III only
C. III and IV only
D. I, II, III, and IV
13. Which of the following does NOT belong to the group?
A. Cilia
B. Hemidesmosomes
C. Microvilli
D. Stereocilia
14. Which of the following is the main ingredient of extra-cellular matrix in animal
cells?
A. Cadherins
B. Glycoprotein
C. Integrins
D. Keratin

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15. Red blood cells play an important role in the distribution of oxygen in the body
cells. When an individual is diagnosed to be anemic, does it affect the function
of the red blood cell?
A. Yes, menstrual flow will be affected.
B. No, it has no connection with the functioning of the red blood cell.
C. No, having a low RBC does not cause any harmful effect on the person.
D. Yes, having a low RBC affects the poor circulation of oxygen in the blood.

Additional Activities
You’ve done an awesome job! You made it. To complete this module, you will
make a 3D model of any type of organisms that shows modification in its body parts.
You can use recyclable or indigenous materials that are present only in your home
or community. Do it yourself creatively!
Rubric for 3D Model Making

Needs
Excellent Good Fair
Improvement
Criteria (10) (8) (6)
(4)
Demonstrate Demonstrate
Demonstrate Demonstrate
advanced full
some little to no
Concept understanding understanding
understanding on understanding on
presentation on the concept on the concept
the concept about the concept about
about cell about cell
cell modification. cell modification
modification modification
Does not performs
Performs skills, Performs skills, Performs skills,
skills, and/or
and/or express and/or express and/or express
Art Skills express creativity
creativity at a creativity at a creativity at a
at an appropriate
high level. proficient level basic level
level
Present single Present single side
Present sides of
Present sides side of cell of cell
cell modification
Work Quality of cell neatly modification modification with
neatly and with
and with care. neatly and with little neatness or
care.
care. care.

TOTAL

Teacher’s
signature

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 15
Assessment
1. A
2. D
3. B
4. C
5. D
6. B
7. D
8. C
9. C
Additional Activities 10. A
11. C
Students output will be 12. D
graded based on the 13. B
scoring rubric provided 14. B
15. D
What I Can Do What I Have Learned What’s More
Students’ answers may Students’ answers may Students’ answers may
vary. vary. vary.
What’s In What’s New What I Know
1. D
1. Differentiation 1. Simple squamous 2. B
2. Basal 2. Simple cuboidal 3. A
1. Apical 3. Simple columnar 4. B
2. Cilia 4. Stratified 5. D
3. Root hairs squamous 6. A
4. Lateral 5. Adipose cells 7. C
5. Flagella 6. Parenchyma cells 8. C
6. Specialization 7. Collenchyma cells 9. A
7. Pseudopodia 8. Sclerenchyma 10. A
8. Microvilli cells 11. A
9. Nerve cells 12. D
13. D
14. C
15. D
Answer Key
References
Hoefnagel, M 2016. General Biology Book (Books1 and II).McGraw-Hill Education pp.
9 b60-64

https://www.slideshare.net/magaoaykevin/lesson-4-cell-modifications

Javier O. A. 2017. DIWA Senior High School Series: General Biology 1 .DIWA
Learning System Inc.

Levine, M. 2014.Biology. Pearson Education, Inc

Campbell N.A. and J.B Reece 2012. Biology. Pearson Education, Inc.

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 Disclaimer
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) was developed by the DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN with
the primary objective of preparing for and addressing the new normal. Contents of
this module were based on DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC).
This is a supplementary material used by all learners of region XII in all public
schools beginning 2020-2021. This process of LR development was observed in the
production of this module. This version 1.0 highly encourage feedback, comments
and recommendations.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SOCCSKSARGEN Learning Resource

Management System (LRMS)

Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax No. (083) 2288825/ (083) 2281893

Email Address: region12@deped.gov.ph