Cellular Transport Mechanisms

State Standards:
Standard 2: Students will understand that all organisms are composed of one or more cells that are
made of molecules, come from pre-existing cells, and perform life functions.
Objective 3: Investigate the structure and function of cells and cell parts.
c. Describe how the transport of materials in and out of the cell enables a cell to maintain
homeostasis (i.e., osmosis, diffusion, active transport).
d. Describe the relationship between the organelles in a cell and the function of that cell.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
1. Use science process and thinking skills.
h. Construct models, simulations, and metaphors to describe and explain natural phenomena.
2. Communicate effectively using science language and reasoning.
a. Provide relevant data to support inferences and conclusions.
b. Use precise scientific language in oral and written communication.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the nature of science
1. Science findings are based on evidence.
Understandings:
1. Identifying and learning about the components of a system helps to illuminate the system as a
whole.
2. Maintaining balance in a changing environment preserves overall health and wellbeing.
Essential Questions:
1. How does understanding the components of a system help us illuminate the system as a
whole?
2. How does balance influence overall health and wellbeing?
Students will know:
Vocabulary
Homeostasis
Cell (Plasma) Membrane
Phospholipid Bilayer
Selective Permeability
Concentration Gradient
Equilibrium
Diffusion

Osmosis
Hypertonic
Isotonic
Hypotonic
Solvent
Solute
Ion Channel

Carrier Protein
Facilitated Diffusion
Sodium-Potassium Pump
ATP
Endocytosis
Exocytosis
Second Messenger

Concepts
Characteristics of Living
Things
Fluid-Mosaic Model
Passive Transport (Osmosis,
diffusion, crossing the cell
membrane)
Hyponatremia

Active Transport (Movement

against a concentration
gradient, movement in
vesicles, membrane receptor
proteins)
Surface Area to Volume
Ratio

Tonicity/ Turgor Pressure

Solutions
Viruses and Illness

Students will be able to:

Application
Relate the structure of the cell membrane to its function
Relate cellular transport mechanisms to a cells ability to maintain homeostasis
Use a microscope to identify the cell membrane
Illustrate example of osmosis and diffusion
Analysis
Explain the practical implications of osmosis in the human body
Compare and contrast passive and active transport in cells
Distinguish between examples of transport mechanisms and categorize them by type
Model passive and active transport in cells
Evaluation
Summarize how the function of the cell membrane impacts all other parts of cellular function.
Compare viruses to other living things and assess whether they are living organisms based on the
previously established characteristics of living things.
Evaluate the current characteristics for living things
Synthesis
Explain how the structure of the cell membrane influences the function of the organelle
Explain whether or not viruses are alive
Formulate a new set of characteristics of living things that reflect you opinion about viruses
Assessment Evidence:
Authentic Tasks
1. Infographic Report addressing question of whether viruses are alive.
Claim: Are they alive or not?
Evidence: cite data to support claim
Reasoning: Use logic and background information to support your claim
Other Evidence
1. Formative
Pre-Assessment
Daily assignments and guided notes
Osmosis lab conclusions
Active transport activity questions
Daily starters and/or exit tickets
Prepared questions for guest speaker
2. Summative
End-of- Unit Assessment
Learning Activities:
1. Maintaining homeostasis and cell membranes

a. Build a cell membrane

b. Identify cell membranes of living organisms using microscopes
2. Passive Transport
a. Water Can Kill? Exploring Effects of Osmosis Case Study
b. Agar Surface Area to Volume Ratio and Diffusion Activity
3. Active Transport
a. Passive and Active Transport: Red Rover, Send Particles Over
4. Viruses
a. Guest SpeakerGraduate Student, Viral Evolution
b. Infographic reports and poster walk for Authentic Assessment