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Biology I
Quarter 1 – Module 3.1
Cell Modification for Specialized Function
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Biology I
Quarter 1 – Module 3.1
Cell Modification for Specialized Function
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Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the Biology I Self-Learning Module on Cell Modification for
Specialized Function!
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:
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.
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.
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This module has the following parts:
Analysis : In this phase, you will process and classify what is valid
and not for a more in-depth understanding.
Abstraction : This part leads you in reinforcing what you know and
should know more. Exercises are presented for
independent practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic.
Application : This stage brings you to a more practical way that you are
going to use what you have learned and think new ways
on how it can be improved further.
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CONTENTS OF THE MODULE
Page
Content Standard 1
Performance Standard 1
Learning Competency 1
Learning Objectives 1
1
LESSON 1: Cell Theory
CONTENT STANDARD
The learners demonstrate an understanding of:
1. cell modifications.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
The learner should be able to construct a 3D model of a plant/animal/bacterial cell
using recyclable materials.
LEARNING COMPETENCY
Describe some cell modifications that lead to adaptation to carry out specialized
functions (e.g., microvilli, root hairs). (STEM _BIO11/12-Ia-c-5)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
1. describe some cell modifications that lead to adaptations;
2. appreciate the importance of cell modifications in carrying out specific functions;
3. compare and contrast cell modifications in plants and animals.
INTRODUCTION
In the previous module, you learned and classified different cell types of plants
and animal tissues and their specific functions.
1
PRE-TEST
Directions: Read the questions carefully and identify what is asked. Write the letter
of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.
2. These are extensions from cell surface which are short and numerous,
primarily functions for locomotion or movement.
A. cilia C. flagella
B. cytoskeleton D. microtubules
5. These are specialized cells that carry oxygen to the different parts of the
body.
A. plasmacyte C. leukocytes
B. erythrocytes D. thrombocytes
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8. Cells have specific functions in life, how do they carry out their functions?
A. Different types of cells are specialized in order to perform specific
functions.
B. Cells have different types but perform same functions.
C. All cell types are uniform in shape and functions.
D. All of the selection.
11. Microvilli are often found in what part of the epithelial cells?
A. apical C. lateral
B. basal D. none of the choices
14. Why are root hairs efficient in absorbing water and nutrients from the soil?
A. They surround areas of ground tissues and vascular tissues.
B. Increased surface area of root hairs contributes greatly to
absorption of water and nutrients.
C. Root hairs contain lots of mitochondria which can supply energy
for active transport.
D. Both B and C.
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15. Which of the following is not the reason why plants wilt?
A. The water concentration in the soil becomes higher than the water
concentration in the plant.
B. Water moves out of the central vacuole and cytoplasm.
C. As the central vacuole shrinks, it leaves the cell wall unsupported.
D. Both B and C.
Identify what cell part is described based on its function and indicate whether
present in animal or plant cell.
Present in Present in
Cell component Function/Feature animal cells plant cells
(Yes/No) (Yes/No)
Contains genetic material
(DNA)
Synthesizes protein
Produce/s ATP
Contains chlorophyll
Medium wherein organelles
are found.
Sorts, packages and
distributes lipids and proteins
Maintains cell’s shape
Regulates water
concentration
Digestion of macromolecules;
recycling of worn out
organelles
At this point, you will learn and describe some cell modifications that lead to
adaptations which enable cells to carry out certain tasks.
Likewise, you are given tasks to perform while learning this module.
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ACTIVITY
A. F.
__________________________ __________________________
B. G.
__________________________ __________________________
C. H.
__________________________ __________________________
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D. I.
__________________________ __________________________
E. J.
__________________________ __________________________
Directions: Write the letter on the space before each statement to describe the
pictures previously presented in the first task.
______ 1. Made up primarily of a pair of special proteins called actin and myosin
which allow contractions.
______ 6. Tiny fingerlike structures that protrude from the cell membrane. They
effectively increase the surface area of the cell and are useful for
absorption.
______ 7. Hairlike protrusions that cover some of the cell parts, which maybe motile
or nonmotile.
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______ 8. Whip-like structure that extends from the cell body used for locomotion.
______ 9. They are membrane-bound, dense granular structures containing
hydrolytic enzymes responsible mainly for intracellular and extracellular
digestion.
ANALYSIS
Directions: Based on the tasks that you have just finished, try to reflect on and
understand our lesson. I know you have great ideas! Answer each question briefly
and concisely. Write your answers in the box.
1. How would you describe the structures of the the modified/specialized cells in
the activity? Are they of the same structure? (Answers may vary)
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ABSTRACTION
This time you will learn more and reinforce what you already know. Let us start!
One main concept in Biology is that the function is determined by the structure.
Specialized cells are configured according to their purpose, by size, shape, or function.
Cell Modification
Microvilli (structure)
Microvilli are microscopic projections existing in, on, and around the cells. They
appear as tiny folds projecting out like many fingers. They may exist by themselves or
in conjunction with villi (projections of certain mucous membranes). Thousands of
microvilli form a structure called the brush border that is found on some epithelial cells'
apical surface, such as the small intestines. They are microscopic, essentially raising
the surface area of the cell, which in turn becomes useful in functions of absorption
and even secretion.
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Stereocilia (Apical Modification)
Fig. 2. Stereocilia
Source: https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e
Some prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain the so-called cilia and flagella
structures. Cilia are found in species like the Paramecium spp. whereas flagella can
be present in sperm cells and bacteria.
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Root Hairs
The root has an outer cell layer called the epidermis, surrounding areas of
ground tissue and vascular tissue. The epidermis provides protection and helps in
absorption. Roots have root hairs which are epidermal cell extensions. These root
hairs are specialized cells making the surface area increased which contributes
significantly to the water and mineral absorption. Besides, they also contain lots of
mitochondria which can supply glucose during respiration to provide the energy
required for active transportation.
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INTERCELLULAR JUNCTIONS
Cells are grouped to form tissues. But these cells also work together by
communicating via direct contact with each other or intercellular junctions. Differences
exist in the manner in which plant and animal as well as fungal cells communicate.
Plasmodesmata are junctions between plant cells; whereas tight junctions, gap
junctions, and desmosomes are animal cell's contacts.
Plasmodesmata
Fig. 5. A plasmodesma is a pathway between the cell walls of two adjoining plant cells. Plasmodesmata helps
materials to migrate from cytoplasm of one plant cell to cytoplasm of an adjacent cell.
Source: https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e?fbclid=IwAR2MID_ZTDjRKs8VyY97A5kwIc1JKgxWG7QINm9vsLc1PraxO9tTfWz1PIg
Tight Junctions
A tight junction is a bond between two adjacent animal cells which is watertight.
Tight junctions are usually found in epithelial tissues, which line internal organs and
cavities that make up much of the skin.
Two predominant proteins called claudins and occludins grasp closely against
each other. This strong adhesion prevents the leakage of material between the cells;
The tight junctions of the epithelial cells lining the urinary bladder, for example,
prevent urine from leaking out into the extracellular spot.
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Fig. 6. Tight junctions form watertight connections between adjacent animal cells. Proteins create
tight junction adherence.
Source: https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e?fbclid=IwAR2MID_ZTDjRKs8VyY97A5kwIc1JKgxWG7QINm9vsLc1PraxO9tTfWz1PIg
Gap Junction
In animal cells, gap junctions are like plasmodesmata in plant cells. They are
channels between adjacent cells that act to carry ions, nutrients, and other substances
which allow cells to communicate with each other. However, structural variations
between gap junctions and plasmodesmata, exist (Fig. 5).
A gap junction is formed when a group of six proteins (connexins) in the plasma
membrane assemble in an elongated donut-like configuration (called a connexon). A
channel between two-cells forms when the connexon's pores (doughnut holes) are
aligned in adjacent animal cells.
Fig 7. A gap junction is a pore lined with proteins that allows the passage of water and
small molecules between adjacent animal cells.
Source: https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e?fbclid=IwAR2MID_ZTDjRKs8VyY97A5kwIc1JKgxWG7QINm9vsLc1PraxO9tTfWz1PIg
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Desmosome
Fig. 8. A desmosome forms a very strong spot weld between cells. Linking cadherins and
intermediate filaments create it.
Source: https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e?fbclid=IwAR2MID_ZTDjRKs8VyY97A5kwIc1JKgxWG7QINm9vsLc1PraxO9tTfWz1PIg
Nerve Cells
Nerve cells or neurons are very specialized cells of the nervous system. Since
an electrical signal needs to travel relatively long distances to parts of the body, nerve
cells have specialized structures called dendrites, which receive an electrical signal
from another neuron; and axon which transmits an electrical signal to another neuron.
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Muscle Cells
Muscle cells consist mainly of pairs of special proteins called actin and myosin
that cause the muscle to contract.
Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are specialized cells that circulate across the
body by distributing oxygen to cells. Red blood cells have a biconcave shape (flattened
disk shape) that maximizes their surface area for enhanced oxygen absorption.
The red blood coloring comes from the protein hemoglobin that contains iron.
This protein has the purpose not only of carrying oxygen, but also carbon dioxide. Red
blood cells are filled with hemoglobin at a rate of about 250 million hemoglobin
molecules per cell. Each molecule of hemoglobin binds four oxygen molecules so that
each red blood cell carries one billion oxygen molecules.
Sperm Cells
Sperm cells are specialized because they have a particular body function - to
fertilize the female gamete (egg). Therefore, it has special features that typical body
cells do not have to carry out their work. The nucleus that contains the genetic material
is located at the sperm cell's head. The sperm cells have a swimming tail which
optimizes the fertilization. They are also full of mitochondria to provide the energy for
movement (swimming).
Cell Wall
One external plasma membrane structure is a cell wall. The cell wall of the plant
is a rigid coating that protects the cell. It provides structural support and shapes the
cell. Cellulose, a polysaccharide consisting of many glucose units, is the largest
organic molecule in the plant cell wall. It is the impact of the water against the
collenchyma cell walls that produce the stiffness that gives the crunch.
Have you ever noticed that it crumbles when you bite into a raw vegetable, like
the celery? This is because you tear with your teeth the solid cell walls of the celery
cells.
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Fig. 10. Cellulose is a long chain of β-glucose molecules linked by a 1-4 bond. The dotted lines show a
sequence of several more units of glucose at each end of the chart. The size of the page makes a whole
molecule of cellulose difficult to represent.
Chloroplasts
The chloroplast contains chlorophyll, the green pigment absorbing the light
energy that activates the reactions to photosynthesis. Similar to plant cells,
photosynthetic protists also have chloroplasts. Some bacteria do photosynthesis but
do not relegate their chlorophyll to an organelle.
Central Vacuole
A large central vacuole takes up most of the area of a plant cell. The central
vacuole plays an important role in controlling the concentration of water in the cell
under changing environmental conditions.
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Have you ever found that a plant wilts if you fail to water it for a few days? This
is because water is moving out of the central vacuoles and cytoplasm as the water
concentration in the soil becomes lower than the water concentration in the plant.
This leaves the cell wall weakened as the central vacuole shrinks. This lack of
support to the cell walls of the plant results in a wilted appearance. The central vacuole
helps in the expansion of the cell. The cell becomes larger as the central vacuole
retains more water, without having to spend significant energy in synthesizing new
cytoplasm.
SUMMARY
• Flagellum, and cilia. These are protrusions on the cell itself which aid in the
locomotion of the microorganisms. They differ in number and length. Cilia are
numerous and short, while flagellum (singular), flagella (plural) are few usually
one or two and long structure (see Figure 3 on page 8).
• Tight junction is a seal so tight that it does not allow the passage of water, which
separates two neighboring animal cells.
• Desmosomes act as spot welds between those two proteins. These are formed
by the linkage of two proteins; cadherins and intermediate filaments.
• Nerve cell or neuron. A differentiated cell that offers specialized structures that
help transmit and receive electrical signals (axon and dendrites) all over the
body.
• Red blood cells also known as erythrocytes are specialized cells that circulate
throughout the body by transporting and supplying oxygen to cells. Its flattened
disk shape allows maximizing the surface area for the absorption of oxygen.
The red blood coloring comes from the protein known as hemoglobin.
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• Sperm cells have special characteristics (for swimming) because they have a
specific body function-to fertilize the female gamete (egg).
• The root hairs are extensions of epidermal root cells. They are specialized plant
cells adapted to take in water and mineral ions due to increased surface area.
• The central vacuole helps to control the concentration of water within the plant
cell. It also contributes to cell size.
Exercise 1. Construct a Venn Diagram showing the similarities and differences of the
following specialized cells:
1. microvilli 3. Plasmodesmata
2. root hairs 4. Gap function
Plant Animal
1. Root hairs
1. Microvilli
_____________
_________________ Surface ________________
_________________ Area for ________________
________________
__
2. Plasmodesmata 2. Gap Junctions
____________
____________
____________
________
Differ in structure Differ in structure
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Exercise 2. Complete the graphic organizer (concept map) of the following
concepts:
Cell
Modification
occurs in
_______________
such as such as
_________ ________
appear as
_________ ____________ _________ ________
____ tiny projections ____
resulting in
Increased absorption of Increased absorption of
water and nutrients from ________________ nutrients in small
the soil intestine
____
Channels between
adjacent cells
allowing
Flattened Specialized
cellulose
disk structures –
shape dendrites
resulting in
and axon
Firmness and
rigidity Increased
surface
area receiving
and
for transmitti
ng
Carrying electrical
oxygen signals
Note: The concept map may vary.
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Scoring Rubric
Points Description
• Student’s understanding of concept is clearly evident
4 • Student uses effective strategies to get accurate result
• Student uses logical thinking to arrive at conclusion
APPLICATION
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POST-TEST
Directions: Read the questions carefully and identify what is asked. Write the letter
of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. These are extensions from cell surface which are short and numerous,
primarily functions for locomotion or movement.
A. cilia C. flagella
B. cytoskeleton D. microtubules
4. These are specialized cells that carry oxygen to the different parts of the
body.
A. plasmacyte C. leukocytes
B. erythrocytes D. thrombocytes
20
8. How do structure and function as unifying themes of life work?
A. Relate from the chemical to anatomical level of organization.
B. How system of an organism work and what is done in order for
that organism to survive.
C. A structure is constructed in a way that it can fulfill a certain
function.
D. All of the above.
11. Microvilli are often found in what part of the epithelial cells?
A. apical C. lateral
B. basal D. none of the choices
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14. Which of the following is not the reason why plants wilt?
A. The water concentration in the soil becomes higher than the water
concentration in the plant.
B. Water moves out of the central vacuole and cytoplasm.
C. As the central vacuole shrinks, it leaves the cell wall unsupported.
D. Both B and C.
15. Why are root hairs efficient in absorbing water and nutrients from the soil?
A. They surround areas of ground tissues and vascular tissues.
B. Increased surface area of root hairs contributes greatly to
absorption of water and nutrients.
C. Root hairs contain lots of mitochondria which can supply energy
for active transport.
D. Both B and C.
KEY TERM
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REFERENCES
Book:
Online Resources:
https://www.infoplease.com/math-science/biology/genetics-
evolution/specialized-cell-structure-and-function-modifications-and-adaptive-
functions
https://sciencemusicvideos.com/ap-biology/module-1-menu/structure-
determines-
function/#:~:text=In%20biology%2C%20a%20key%20idea,the%20process%2
0of%20natural%20selection.
https://microbenotes.com/microvilli-structure-and-functions/
https://quizlet.com/128790348/353-flash-
cards/#:~:text=How%20are%20root%20hairs%20%26%20microvilli,the%20S
A%20of%20the%20gut.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z37fmsg/revision/1#:~:text=for%20the%
20plant.-
,Root%20hair%20cells,increase%20the%20rate%20of%20absorption.
https://viewer.pdfrock.com/view.php?hash=ac299a15551c435ac32dcce6c664
c47d&title=%5BPDF%5D+Cell+Modifications+That+Lead+to+Adaptation
https://www.mytutor.co.uk/answers/53653/GCSE/Biology/How-and-why-are-
sperm-cells-specialised/
https://byjus.com/biology/difference-between-cilia-and-flagella/
https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-
2e?fbclid=IwAR2MID_ZTDjRKs8VyY97A5kwIc1JKgxWG7QINm9vsLc1PraxO
9tTfWz1PIg
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