Cell Membrane Notes

Essential Questions:
-
1.) Glucose enters most cells by facilitated diffusion

2.) cells maintain homeostasis in order to survive

- How does the cell let things like glucose in?
- How does the cell maintain itself in changing conditions?
BIG IDEA:
- The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell through a coordinated set of signaling and
transport pathways. The membrane is composed of many different molecules, including lipids, proteins,
and carbohydrates, that work together to respond to stimuli and maintain homeostasis under changing
conditions.
Cell Membrane Diagram 1

Cell Membrane Diagram 2

 
 
 

 
Start by watching this video, and complete the following questions below for your notes on the Cell
Membrane! Use the other inserted animation links to help you! These will be your notes on Cell Membrane
Structure. Also, use this slideshow if needed. Let your knowledge be fluid! :)

1. What percentage of the cell membrane is composed of lipids? What percentage of proteins?
50% lipids and 50% protein
2. What does selectively permeable mean? How could this term apply to the cell membrane?
a selectively permeable membrane that allows only some substances and molecules to pass into or out of
leaving the cell
Use this link to answer the questions 3 and 4 below
3. What are 2 examples of a water soluble substance that can freely pass through the cell membrane?
4. Fill out the tables below
Structure Diagram (insert a What role does it play/notes on it
picture or sketch it)

Plasma Membrane The plasma membrane regulates the transport of materials

entering and exiting the cell

Phospholipid Phospholipids help by preventing the accumulation of

fats in the liver.

Channel Proteins Channel proteins facilitate the transport of substances

(Ion Channels) across a cell membrane

Carrier Proteins Carrier proteins bind specific solutes and transfer them
(Protein Pump) across the lipid bilayer

Describe how each of the following are transported in and out of the cell.

Molecule Molecules can move through the cell's cytosol by diffusion

 Oxygen tiny blood vessels called capillaries and into your blood. A protein called
haemoglobin in the red blood cells then carries the oxygen around your body.

Carbon Dioxide Oxygen and carbon dioxide move across cell membranes via simple diffusion

Water Water moves across cell membranes by diffusion

Potassium (Ions) It helps your nerves to function and muscles to contract

Sodium
The body uses sodium to control blood pressure and blood volume. Your body
also needs sodium for your muscles and nerves to work properly

Glucose Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the
food you eat, and is your body's main source of energy. Your blood carries
glucose to all of your body's cells to use for energy.

Enzymes Enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in our bodies

Use the Cell Membrane Interactive to answer the following questions:

5. What is the cell membrane mainly made of? What does the framework primarily consist of?
it is mostly made of phospholipids
6. When the membrane assembles, what parts are on the surface? What parts are on the interior? Which
parts like water and which parts don’t?

7. Which part of the cell membrane stabilizes the molecule?

phospholipids bilayer
8. Which part of the cell membrane acts as a receptor?
integrins
9. The diagram below represents a phospholipids molecule. Label the Phosphate Head and the Fatty Acid
Tails of the molecule (double click on the image to edit it)
Use this slideshow to answer the following questions:
 
10. The following are characteristics of either the Head or Tail of a
phospholipids molecule.  If the characteristic is true of the head,
place an H in the blank provided.  If it is true of the tail, place a T
in the blank.
___t____hydrophobic                           _____t_ hydrophilic
 
____t___consists of fatty acids           ___h___consists of phosphate
 
11. Define each of the following terms:
a. Hydrophobic:
b. Hydrophilic:
10. Where are the carbohydrates located? (inside of the cell or outside of the cell).
on the outside surface of the cell
11. Explain the importance of the location of the carbohydrates as related to their function.