Compiled and Repackaged by:

PRINCE KEVIN P. ADINA

Special Science Teacher I
Schools Division of the City of Batac
General Biology – 1 - 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 5: Structural Components of the Cell Membrane
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Compiler and Lay-out Artist: Prince Kevin P. Adina

Editor: Joy Marie T. Sagnep

Reviewers: Noreen C. Taguinod, EdD Aubrey Marie R. Oasay, PhD

Ronald T. Ventura

Cover Art Artist: Clarence C. Manarpaac

Management Team:
Joel B. Lopez, EdD, CESO V Aubrhey Marie R. Oasay, PhD
Annie D. Pagdilao, EdD Jhon Rey D. Ortal, EdD
Marilou B. Sales, EdD Noreen C. Taguinod, EdD

Printed in the Philippines by the Schools Division of the City of Batac

Office Address: 16S Quiling Sur, City of Batac, 2906 Ilocos Norte, Philippines
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Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed
by educators from public schools 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.
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.
For the learner:
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.

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. You are given one week to finish this module.
7. 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!
 8. What I Need To Know

This module was developed with you in mind. It is here to help you master the
concept of the structural components of the cell membrane, and give you a deeper
understanding on the function of these structures. The scope of this module permits it
to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course.

In this module, lessons on Structural Components of the Cell Membrane will

be covered. At the end of this module, you will be able to describe the structural
components of the cell membrane and relate the structure and composition of the cell
membrane to its function. Specifically, you will be able to:

1. identify the three major constituents of the cell membrane;

2. distinguish the different composition of the cell membrane;
3. explain the importance of the structural components of the cell
membrane; and
4. explain how the arrangement of molecules provides fluidity to the cell.
MELC STEM_BIO11/12-Ig-h-11
MELC STEM_BIO11/12-Ig-h-12

1
 What I Know
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. All of the following best describe a cell membrane EXCEPT.

A. It makes sure that each cell can move
B. It regulates what enters and leaves the cell
C. It fights bacteria and viruses that enters the cell
D. It provides rigid support and protection to the cell

2. The main fabric of the membrane is composed of amphiphilic, phospholipid

molecules. What does amphiphilic mean?
A. Having hydrophilic part C. Having more than one molecule
B. Having hydrophobic part D. Having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts

3. What type of cell membrane protein regulates the movement of hydrophilic

molecules through membrane?
A. Receptor protein C. Transport protein
B. Recognition protein D. All of the above

4. What molecules play an important role in controlling cell membrane fluidity?

A. Cholesterol C. Glycoprotein
B. Phospholipid D. Membrane protein

5. What is a fluid mosaic model?

A. The phospholipid bilayer
B. Organization of the cell membrane
C. Maintain balance in a cells survival
D. Allows substance to pass through cell membrane

6. Which biomolecule is not found in the cell membrane?

A. carbohydrate B. lipid C. nucleic acid D. protein

7. Which of the following is not a characteristic of the cell membrane?

A. Made up of lipid layer C. Selectively permeable
B. Amphipathic in nature D. Physical and chemical barrier which separates
the inside and outside of the cell.

8. The proportion of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates in the cell membrane is almost
always 50:40:10. This statement is _____.
A. Correct C. Always correct
B. Incorrect D. Neither correct or incorrect

2
9. What molecules play an important role in controlling cell membrane fluidity?
A. cholesterol C. glycoprotein
B. phospholipid D. membrane protein

10. What type of biomolecule is attached to the external side of the membrane
protein?
A. carbohydrate B. lipid C. nucleic acid D. protein

11. All of the following statement about cell membrane fluidity are correct EXCEPT.
A. Membrane fluidity allows for interactions to take place within the membrane.
B. Membrane fluidity makes it possible for clusters of membrane proteins to
assemble at particular sites.
C. The fluidity of the cell membrane helps maintains its role as a rigid barrier
between the inside and outside of the cell environment.
D. Because of membrane fluidity, molecules that interact can come together, carry
out the necessary reaction, and move apart.

12. What does the fluid mosaic model describe with regards to the parts of the cell
membrane such as proteins and phospholipids?
A. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecule
B. Floating laterally throughout the space
C. Tethered to one place in the membrane
D. As existing only on the cytoplasmic side of the cell

13. Which statement best describes how cholesterol affects cell membrane fluidity?
A. Cholesterol increases fluidity at high temperature and decreases fluidity at low
temperature.
B. Cholesterol increases fluidity at high temperature and increases fluidity at low
temperature.
C. Cholesterol decreases fluidity at high temperature and decreases fluidity at low
temperature.
D. Cholesterol decreases fluidity at high temperature and increases fluidity at low
temperature.

14. Which of the following molecule can easily pass through the cell even without the
expenditure of energy?
A. alcohol B. glucose C. amino acid D. ions

15. Some peripheral protein play critical role in the response of the external stimuli.
Peripheral protein like glycoprotein changes its shape once it receives signal.
A. Both statements are correct
B. Both statements are incorrect
C. First statement is correct while the second statement is incorrect
D. First statement is incorrect while the second statement is correct

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 What’s In
You might think that the outer covering of a living cell is made up of an equally
tough and impenetrable barrier because it must protect its delicate internal contents
from the different unwanted materials from the outside environment. But cells are
separated from the outside environment by a thin, fragile structure called the cell
membrane that is only 5 to 10 nm wide. It is not just a simple border of the cell, but it
also allows the cell to interact with its environment in a controlled way.

Activity 1 FACT or BLUFF!

Directions: Tell whether if the following information about the cell membrane during
cell division is a fact or bluff. Write your answer in a separate answer sheet.
1. The cell membrane disintegrates during the late phase of mitosis.
2. Cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm, happen both in plant and animal
cells does not involve the cell membrane.
3. Cytokinesis in animal cells starts with the constriction in the cell membrane
during late anaphase or early telophase.
4. The cell membrane forms and create cleavage furrow that grows deeper
between the two cells until they pinch off and separate to form two separate
daughter cells.
5. In plant cells, cytokinesis involves the formation and insertion of a new cell
membrane that separate daughter nuclei after mitosis.

What’s New

Activity 2 Warming Up!

Directions: Identify the different components of the cell membrane using the
description given below. Use the appropriate number to locate each molecule. Write
your answer on a separate answer sheet.

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 1. Carbohydrate chain – 2 or more monosaccharide unit, either attached or
branched found on the outside surface of the cell membrane.
2. Cholesterol – found between the hydrophobic tails of the membrane
phospholipid.
3. Glycolipid – carbohydrates attached to a lipid molecule.
4. Glycoprotein – carbohydrates attached to a protein molecule.
5. Integral Protein – protein embedded in the phospholipid bilayer that extend in
both layers of the membrane.
6. Lipid Tail – the hydrophobic tail of the phospholipid facing the core of the
membrane.
7. Peripheral Protein – protein found in the inner or outer surface of the
membrane but not embedded on hydrophobic core.
8. Phosphate Head – globular hydrophilic head of the membrane.

What Is It

The Cell Membrane

The cell membrane, which is also called the plasma membrane, has many
functions, but the most basic one is to define the borders of the cell and keep the cell
functional. The plasma membrane is selectively permeable. This means that the
membrane allows some materials to freely enter or leave the cell, while other materials
cannot move freely, but require the use of a specialized structure, and occasionally,
even energy investment for crossing.
A cell’s plasma membrane defines the cell, outlines its borders, and determines
the nature of its interaction with its environment (see Table 1 for a summary). Cells
exclude some substances, take in others, and excrete still others, all in controlled
quantities. The plasma membrane must be very flexible to allow certain cells, such as
red blood cells and white blood cells, to change shape as they pass through narrow
capillaries. These are the more obvious functions of a plasma membrane. In addition,
the surface of the plasma membrane carries markers that allow cells to recognize one
another, which is vital for tissue and organ formation during early development, and
which later plays a role in the “self” versus “non-self” distinction of the immune
response.
Among the most sophisticated functions of the plasma membrane is the ability
to transmit signals by means of complex, integral proteins known as receptors. These
proteins act both as receivers of extracellular inputs and as activators of intracellular

5
processes. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for
effectors like hormones and growth factors, and they activate intracellular response
cascades when their effectors are bound. Occasionally, receptors are hijacked by
viruses (HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is one example) that use them to gain
entry into cells, and at times, the genes encoding receptors become mutated, causing
the process of signal transduction to malfunction with disastrous consequences.

The Cell membrane and Its Function

The phospholipid bilayer contains large numbers of protein that serves different
function. Its functions can be summarized as follows:
1. Compartmentalization
The phospholipid bilayer provides continuous unbroken compartment
that encloses the intracellular spaces. It allows the normal functioning of the
cell’s organelles without interference from the outside environment of the cell.
2. Selectively Permeability
The phospholipid bilayer which is bounded by peripheral protein
(glycoprotein and glycolipid) adds considerably to the selective nature of the
cell membrane. Substances like fat soluble vitamins (A, B, D and K) and
molecules of oxygen, carbon dioxide, lipid and alcohol can easily pass to
the membrane through passive transport where there is no the expenditure of
energy but is dependent on the concentration gradient. Ions (sodium,
potassium, calcium and chloride) due to their charge prevent them from slipping
through the spaces of the bilayer. Water soluble materials like sugar and
amino acids needs channel protein to pass across the cell membrane.
3. Transport of Solute
The membrane protein bound in the cell membrane transport different
molecules such as sugar, amino acids and ions from one side of the cell
membrane to another. Transport protein (integral protein) including channel
proteins and carrier proteins transport molecules differently. Channel protein
forms hole that allow water molecules small ions to pass through the membrane
while carrier protein change its shape to allow specific ions to bind and move
across the membrane.
4. Respond to External Stimuli
It has receptors (peripheral protein) that play critical role in the response
of the external stimuli. Receptors bind to signaling molecules outside the cell
and initiate physiological responses. Once a receptor protein receives signal, it
undergoes conformational change and do series of biochemical reactions
depending what is needed by the cell.
5. Cell Recognition
The peripheral protein such as glycoprotein bound in the phospholipid
bilayer serves as cell’s identity badge that recognize pathogens. Glycoprotein
can act as a marker that identify and recognize each other cells and foreign
substances.

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Fluid Mosaic Model
The existence of the plasma membrane was identified in the 1890s, and its
chemical components were identified in 1915. The principal components identified at
that time were lipids and proteins. The first widely accepted model of the plasma
membrane’s structure was proposed in 1935 by Hugh Davson and James Danielli; it
was based on the “railroad track” appearance of the plasma membrane in early
electron micrographs. They theorized that the structure of the plasma membrane
resembles a sandwich, with protein being analogous to the bread, and lipids being
analogous to the filling. In the 1950s, advances in microscopy, notably transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), allowed researchers to see that the core of the plasma
membrane consisted of a double, rather than a single, layer. A new model that better
explains both the microscopic observations and the function of that plasma membrane
was proposed by S.J. Singer and Garth L. Nicolson in 1972.
The explanation proposed by Singer and Nicolson is called the fluid mosaic
model. The model has evolved somewhat over time, but it still best accounts for the
structure and functions of the plasma membrane as we now understand them. The
fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the plasma membrane as a mosaic of
components—including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates—that
gives the membrane a fluid character. Plasma membranes range from 5 to 10 nm in
thickness. For comparison, human red blood cells, visible via light microscopy, are
approximately 8 µm wide, or approximately 1,000 times wider than a plasma
membrane. The membrane does look a bit like a sandwich (Figure 1).

Figure 1: The fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane describes the plasma membrane
as a fluid combination of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins. Carbohydrates attached to
lipids (glycolipids) and to proteins (glycoproteins) extend from the outward-facing surface of
the membrane.

The Structural Component of the Cell Membrane

The principal components of a plasma membrane are lipids (phospholipids and
cholesterol), proteins, and carbohydrates attached to some of the lipids and some of

7
the proteins. A phospholipid is a molecule consisting of glycerol, two fatty acids, and
a phosphate-linked head group. Cholesterol, another lipid composed of four fused
carbon rings, is found alongside the phospholipids in the core of the membrane. The
proportions of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in the plasma membrane vary with
cell type, but for a typical human cell, protein accounts for about 50 percent of the
composition by mass, lipids (of all types) account for about 40 percent of the
composition by mass, with the remaining 10 percent of the composition by mass being
carbohydrates. However, the concentration of proteins and lipids varies with different
cell membranes. For example, myelin, an outgrowth of the membrane of specialized
cells that insulates the axons of the peripheral nerves, contains only 18 percent protein
and 76 percent lipid. The mitochondrial inner membrane contains 76 percent protein
and only 24 percent lipid. The plasma membrane of human red blood cells is 30
percent lipid. Carbohydrates are present only on the exterior surface of the plasma
membrane and are attached to proteins, forming glycoproteins, or attached to lipids,
forming glycolipids.

Phospholipids
The main fabric of the membrane is composed of amphiphilic, phospholipid
molecules. The hydrophilic or “water-loving” areas of these molecules (which look like
a collection of balls in an artist’s rendition of the model) (Figure 1) are in contact with
the aqueous fluid both inside and outside the cell. Hydrophobic, or water-hating
molecules, tend to be non-polar. They interact with other non-polar molecules in
chemical reactions, but generally do not interact with polar molecules. When placed in
water, hydrophobic molecules tend to form a ball or cluster. The hydrophilic regions of
the phospholipids tend to form hydrogen bonds with water and other polar molecules
on both the exterior and interior of the cell. Thus, the membrane surfaces that face the
interior and exterior of the cell are hydrophilic. In contrast, the interior of the cell
membrane is hydrophobic and will not interact with water. Therefore, phospholipids
form an excellent two-layer cell membrane that separates fluid within the cell from the
fluid outside of the cell.
A phospholipid molecule (Figure 2) consists of a three-carbon glycerol
backbone with two fatty acid molecules attached to carbons 1 and 2, and a phosphate-
containing group attached to the third carbon. This arrangement gives the overall
molecule an area described as its head (the phosphate-containing group), which has
a polar character or negative charge, and an area called the tail (the fatty acids), which
has no charge. The head can form hydrogen bonds, but the tail cannot. A molecule
with this arrangement of a positively or negatively charged area and an uncharged, or
non-polar, area is referred to as amphiphilic or “dual-loving.”

8
 Figure 2: This phospholipid molecule is composed of a
hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails. The
hydrophilic head group consists of a phosphate-
containing group attached to a glycerol molecule. The
hydrophobic tails, each containing either a saturated or
an unsaturated fatty acid, are long hydrocarbon chains.

This characteristic is vital to the structure of a plasma membrane because, in

water, phospholipids tend to become arranged with their hydrophobic tails facing each
other and their hydrophilic heads facing out. In this
way, they form a lipid bilayer—a barrier composed
of a double layer of phospholipids that separates
the water and other materials on one side of the
barrier from the water and other materials on the
other side. In fact, phospholipids heated in an
aqueous solution tend to spontaneously form small
spheres or droplets (called micelles or liposomes),
with their hydrophilic heads forming the exterior and
their hydrophobic tails on the inside (Figure 3).

Figure 3: In an aqueous solution, phospholipids tend to

arrange themselves with their polar heads facing
outward and their hydrophobic tails facing inward.
(credit: modification of work by Mariana Ruiz Villareal)

Proteins
Proteins make up the second major component of plasma membranes. Integral
proteins (some specialized types are called integrins) are, as their name suggests,
integrated completely into the membrane structure, and their hydrophobic membrane-
spanning regions interact with the hydrophobic region of the phospholipid bilayer
(Figure 1). Single-pass integral membrane proteins usually have a hydrophobic
transmembrane segment that consists of 20–25 amino acids. Some span only part of
the membrane—associating with a single layer—while others stretch from one side of
the membrane to the other, and are exposed on either side. Some complex proteins
are composed of up to 12 segments of a single protein, which are extensively folded
and embedded in the membrane (Figure 4). This type of protein has a hydrophilic

9
region or regions, and one or several mildly hydrophobic regions. This arrangement of
regions of the protein tends to orient the protein alongside the phospholipids, with the
hydrophobic region of the protein adjacent to the tails of the phospholipids and the
hydrophilic region or regions of the protein protruding from the membrane and in
contact with the cytosol or extracellular fluid.

Figure 4: Integral membranes

proteins may have one or more
alpha-helices that span the
membrane (examples 1 and 2), or
they may have beta-sheets that span
the membrane (example 3). (Image
acquired at “Foobar”/Wikimedia
Commons)

Peripheral proteins are found on the exterior and interior surfaces of

membranes, attached either to integral proteins or to phospholipids. Peripheral
proteins, along with integral proteins, may serve as enzymes, as structural
attachments for the fibers of the cytoskeleton, or as part of the cell’s recognition sites.
These are sometimes referred to as “cell-specific” proteins. The body recognizes its
own proteins and attacks foreign proteins associated with invasive pathogens.

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the third major component of plasma membranes. They are
always found on the exterior surface of cells and are bound either to proteins (forming
glycoproteins) or to lipids (forming glycolipids) (Figure 1). These carbohydrate chains
may consist of 2–60 monosaccharide units and can be either straight or branched.
Along with peripheral proteins, carbohydrates form specialized sites on the cell surface
that allow cells to recognize each other. These sites have unique patterns that allow
the cell to be recognized, much the way that the facial features unique to each person
allow him or her to be recognized. This recognition function is very important to cells,
as it allows the immune system to differentiate between body cells (called “self”) and
foreign cells or tissues (called “non-self”). Similar types of glycoproteins and glycolipids
are found on the surfaces of viruses and may change frequently, preventing immune
cells from recognizing and attacking them.
These carbohydrates on the exterior surface of the cell—the carbohydrate
components of both glycoproteins and glycolipids—are collectively referred to as the
glycocalyx (meaning “sugar coating”). The glycocalyx is highly hydrophilic and attracts
large amounts of water to the surface of the cell. This aids in the interaction of the cell
with its watery environment and in the cell’s ability to obtain substances dissolved in
the water. As discussed above, the glycocalyx is also important for cell identification,

10
self/non-self-determination, and embryonic development, and is used in cell-cell
attachments to form tissues.

Table 1: The Components and Functions of the Plasma Membrane.

Component Location
Phospholipid Main fabric of the membrane
Cholesterol Attached between phospholipids and
between the two phospholipid layers
Integral proteins (for example, Embedded within the phospholipid
integrins) layer(s). May or may not penetrate
through both layers
Peripheral proteins On the inner or outer surface of the
phospholipid bilayer; not embedded
within the phospholipids
Carbohydrates (components of Generally attached to proteins on the
glycoproteins and glycolipids) outside membrane layer

Current Events Connect!

How Viruses Infect Specific Organs?
Glycoprotein and glycolipid patterns on the surfaces of cells give many viruses
an opportunity for infection. HIV, Hepatitis and Corona viruses infect only specific
organs or cells in the human body. HIV is able to penetrate the plasma membranes of
a subtype of lymphocytes called T-helper cells, as well as some monocytes and central
nervous system cells. The hepatitis virus attacks liver cells. The severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the causative agent for
the COVID-19 disease specifically attacks the respiratory system.
These viruses are able to invade these cells, because the cells have binding
sites on their surfaces that are specific to and compatible with certain viruses
(Figure 5). Other recognition sites on the virus’s surface interact with the human
immune system, prompting the body to produce antibodies. Antibodies are made in
response to the antigens or proteins associated with invasive pathogens, or in
response to foreign cells, such as might occur with an organ transplant. These same
sites serve as places for antibodies to attach and either destroy or inhibit the activity
of the virus. Unfortunately, these recognition sites on HIV change at a rapid rate
because of mutations, making the production of an effective vaccine against the virus
very difficult, as the virus evolves and adapts. A person infected with HIV will quickly
develop different populations, or variants, of the virus that are distinguished by
differences in these recognition sites. This rapid change of surface markers decreases
the effectiveness of the person’s immune system in attacking the virus, because the
antibodies will not recognize the new variations of the surface patterns. In the case of

11
HIV, the problem is compounded by the fact that the virus specifically infects and
destroys cells involved in the immune response, further incapacitating the host.

Figure 5: HIV binds to the CD4 receptor, a

glycoprotein on the surfaces of T cells. (credit:
modification of work by NIH, NIAID)

Membrane Fluidity
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane, described in the fluid mosaic
model, helps to illustrate its nature. The integral proteins and lipids exist in the
membrane as separate but loosely attached molecules. These resemble the separate,
multicolored tiles of a mosaic picture, and they float, moving somewhat with respect
to one another. The membrane is not like a balloon, however, that can expand and
contract; rather, it is fairly rigid and can burst if penetrated or if a cell takes in too much
water. However, because of its mosaic nature, a very fine needle can easily penetrate
a plasma membrane without causing it to burst, and the membrane will flow and self-
seal when the needle is extracted.
The mosaic characteristics of the membrane explain some but not all of its
fluidity. There are two other factors that help maintain this fluid characteristic. One
factor is the nature of the phospholipids themselves. In their saturated form, the fatty
acids in phospholipid tails are saturated with bound hydrogen atoms. There are no
double bonds between adjacent carbon atoms. This results in tails that are relatively
straight. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids do not contain a maximal number of
hydrogen atoms, but they do contain some double bonds between adjacent carbon
atoms; a double bond results in a bend in the string of carbons of approximately 30
degrees (Figure 2).
Thus, if saturated fatty acids, with their straight tails, are compressed by
decreasing temperatures, they press in on each other, making a dense and fairly rigid
membrane. If unsaturated fatty acids are compressed, the “kinks” in their tails elbow
adjacent phospholipid molecules away, maintaining some space between the
phospholipid molecules. This “elbow room” helps to maintain fluidity in the membrane

12
at temperatures at which membranes with saturated fatty acid tails in their
phospholipids would “freeze” or solidify. The relative fluidity of the membrane is
particularly important in a cold environment. A cold environment tends to compress
membranes composed largely of saturated fatty acids, making them less fluid and
more susceptible to rupturing. Many organisms (fish are one example) are capable of
adapting to cold environments by changing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in
their membranes in response to the lowering of the temperature.
Animals have an additional membrane constituent that assists in maintaining
fluidity. Cholesterol, which lies alongside the phospholipids in the membrane, tends to
dampen the effects of temperature on the membrane. Thus, this lipid functions as a
buffer, preventing lower temperatures from inhibiting fluidity and preventing increased
temperatures from increasing fluidity too much. Thus, cholesterol extends, in both
directions, the range of temperature in which the membrane is appropriately fluid and
consequently functional. Cholesterol also serves other functions, such as organizing
clusters of transmembrane proteins into lipid rafts.

What’s More

Activity 3 Connecting Ideas!

Directions: Answer the following questions. Write your answer on a separate answer
sheet.

Q1. How is phospholipid arranged in the cell membrane?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Q2. How does the arrangement of different structural components the cell membrane
contribute to its fluidity?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Q3. Aside from cell membrane, where else can you find a bilayer of lipid?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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 What I Have Learned

Activity 4 Applying Ideas!

Directions: Provide a brief summary discussion on the following phrases/statements.
Write your answer on a separate answer sheet.

1. The Cell Membrane is

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2. Amphiphilic molecule is
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. The different membrane proteins in the phospholipid bilayer are

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

4. Glycoproteins are
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

5. The fluidity of the cell membrane helps

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

6. Saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

7. Cholesterol makes it possible for the cell membrane to

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

14
 What I Can Do

Activity 5 Art Connection!

Directions: Make an illustration/representation that will show how cell membrane carry
out the following function. Choose at least three from the given functions below. Use
separate sheet of paper.

Compartmentalization Selectively Permeable

Transporting Solutes Responding to External Stimuli

Cell Recognition

Function: _____________________
Function: _____________________

Function: _____________________

15
RUBRICS:

Criteria 4 3 2 1

Scientific It illustrates a It illustrates an It illustrate a It illustrates a

Knowledge clear and accurate relative little
accurate understanding accurate understanding
understanding of the topic understanding of the topic.
of the topic of the topic

Creativity The illustration The illustration The illustration The illustration

contains many contains some contains few has poor
creative details creative details creative details creative details
that show that good show that show that show
great imagination imagination imagination
imagination skills. skills. skills.
skills.

Focus on the The entire The illustration The illustration The illustration
Topic illustration is is related to the is related to the is somehow
related to the topic and topic and related to the
topic and provide better provide topic but
provide deeper understanding understanding provide little
understanding of the content. of the content. understanding
of the content. of the content.

16
 Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following structure provides continuous unbroken compartment to the

cell that encloses the intracellular spaces?
A. Integral protein C. Glycolipid
B. Peripheral protein D. Phospholipid bilayer

2. Which of the following molecule can easily pass through the cell even without the
expenditure of energy?
A. alcohol C. glucose
B. amino acid D. ions

3. The following ions cannot easily slip through the spaces of the bilayer can due to
their charges EXCEPT.
A. calcium C. phosphorus
B. chlorine D. sodium

4. What type of protein allows water molecules to pass through the membrane?
A. Channel protein C. Protein carrier
B. Transmembrane protein D. Peripheral protein

5. Which of the following statement is correct?

A. Glucose is a water soluble material that needs channel protein to pass across
the cell membrane.
B. Lipid is a water soluble material that needs channel protein to pass across the
cell membrane.
C. Ions are water soluble materials that needs channel protein to pass across the
cell membrane.
D. All statements are correct

6. Some peripheral protein play critical role in the response of the external stimuli.
Peripheral protein like glycoprotein changes its shape once it receives signal.
A. Both statements are correct
B. Both statements are incorrect
C. First statement is correct while the second statement is incorrect
D. First statement is incorrect while the second statement is correct

17
7. This type of proteins undergoes conformation change to carry molecules across the
membrane.
A. integral protein C. carrier protein
B. channel protein D. peripheral protein

8. This structure allows the normal functioning of the cell’s organelles without
interference from the outside environment of the cell.
A. Integral protein C. Glycolipid
B. Peripheral protein D. Phospholipid bilayer

9. Aside from the phospholipid bilayer, what structures helps the membrane to be
selective in transporting materials in and out of the cell?
A. Integral protein C. Glycoprotein
B. Peripheral protein D. Transmembrane protein

10. The only function of the glycoprotein is to identify foreign substances. Receptors
are responsible for initiate physiological responses do series of biochemical
reactions.
A. Both statements are correct
B. Both statements are incorrect
C. First statement is correct while the second statement is incorrect
D. First statement is incorrect while the second statement is correct

11. What part of the cell membrane is responsible for cell to cell communication?
A. Lipid tail C. Phospholipid bilayer
B. Phosphate head D. Proteins and carbohydrates

12. The structure within the cell membrane that helps different molecules to go
through it.
A. Glycolipid C. Lipid tail
B. Glycoprotein D. Transport protein

13. It is responsible for being bidirectional of the cell membrane.

A. Peripheral protein C. Transport protein
B. Trans membrane protein D. All of the above

14. The following can easily pass through the cell membrane EXCEPT?
A. water C. glucose
B. oxygen D. carbon dioxide

15. Which of the following is large enough to pass the cell membrane?
A. water C. ions
B. oxygen D. carbon dioxide

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 Additional Activities

Activity 6 Expressing Your Ideas!

Directions: Make a short essay (at least 700 words) about the “The Entrance of Corona
Virus in the Cell.” How do you think does the SARS-CoV-2 infect an individual? What
do you think are the possible ways on preventing COVID-19? Try to apply your
knowledge on structural components of plasma membrane in writing our essay.

Rubrics
Criteria 4 3 2 1
Introduction The The The The
introduction introduction introduction introduction
address the address the attempt to poorly address
topic directly topic and has address the the topic.
and has clear clear statement topic and has
statement fairly clear
statement.
Body The body The body The body
The body
contains clear contains contains contains
sentences that sentences that sentences that
sentences but
support the support the support the
do not
topic and are topic and are topic. sufficiently
exceptionally well arranged. support the
well arranged. topic.
Conclusion The conclusion The conclusion The conclusion The conclusion
clearly sum up the sum up the sum up the
reinforce the major points of major points of some points of
major points the topic and the topic. the topic
and makes reinforce it
broader well.
statement of
the topic.
Scientific Explanation Explanation Explanation Explanation
Knowledge indicates a indicates an indicates a illustrate a little
clear and accurate relative understanding
accurate understanding accurate of the scientific
understanding of the scientific understanding principles.
of the scientific principles. of the scientific
principles. principles.

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 20
Activity 2
Assessment What I know
1. D 1. D
Activity 3
 Answers may vary 2. B 2. D
Activity 4 3. D 3. D
 Answers may vary 4. D 4. A
Activity 5 5. D 5. B
 Answers may vary 6. B 6. B
Activity 6 7. B 7. A
 Answers may vary 8. C 8. D
9. A 9. D
Activity 1 10. B 10. A
1. Bluff 11. D 11. C
2. Bluff 12. B 12. B
3. Fact 13. A 13. A
4. Fact 14. B 14. B
5. Bluff 15. A 15. B
Answer Key
References
Capco, Carmelita M., and Gilbert C. Yang. Biology Textbook. Second ed. Quezon City:
Phoenix Publishing House, 1996.

Belardo, Giselle Millete M., Yael Avissar, Jung Choi, Jean Desaix, Vladimir Jurukovski,
Robert Wise, and Connie Rye. General Biology 1 Textbook. Edited by Lilia M.
Rabago, PhD. Quezon City: Vibal Group, 2016.

Oram, Raymond F. Biology Living Systems. Sixth ed. Columbus, Ohio: Merrill
Publishing Company, 1989.

Connie Rye, Robert Wise, Vladimir Jurukovski, Jean Desaix, Jung Choi, and Yael
Avissar. "5.1: Components and Structures." Biology LibreTexts. August 15,
2020. Accessed August 19, 2020.
https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/Book
%3A_General_Biology_(OpenStax)/2%3A_The_Cell/5%3A_Structure_and_F
unction_of_Plasma_Membranes/5.1%3A_Components_and_Structure

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of the City of Batac

16S Quiling Sur, City of Batac, 2906 Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Telephone No.: (077) 677 1993
Email Address: batac.city@deped.gov.ph

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