GRADE

Senior High School

General Biology 1
First Semester—Quarter 1
Cell Membrane: Structure,
Composition and its
Functions
STEM_BIO11/12- Ig-h-12
General Biology 1
Alternative Delivery Mode
First Semester - Quarter 1 - Cell Membrane:
Structure, Composition and its
Functions First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education - Region

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

Development Team of the Module

Author: Ronaldo R. Agustin

Language Editor: Ria Angelica E. Gatchalian
Content Editor: Esmeralda P. Garcia
Illustrator: Ronaldo R. Agustin
Layout Artist: Ronaldo R. Agustin

Management Team
Gregorio C. Quinto, Jr., EdD
Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division
Rainelda M. Blanco, PhD
Education Program Supervisor - LRMDS
Agnes R. Bernardo, PhD
EPS-Division ADM Coordinator
Marinella P. Garcia Sy, PhD
EPS – Science
Glenda S. Constantino
Project Development Officer II
Joannarie C. Gracia
Librarian II

Department of Education, Schools Division of

Bulacan Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos, Bulacan
Email address: lrmdsbulacan@deped.gov.ph
 Senior High School

General Biology 1
First Semester—Quarter 1
Cell Membrane: Structure,
Composition and its Functions
STEM_BIO11/12- Ig-h-12
 Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the Biology 1 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on the Cell Membrane:
Structure, Composition and its Functions.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators from public
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

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will
help you in guiding the learners.

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:

Welcome to the Biology 1 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on the Cell Membrane:
Structure, Composition and its Functions.

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:

This will give you an idea of the skills or

What I Need to Know competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

This part includes an activity that aims to check

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

1
 This is a brief drill or review to help you link the
What’s In
current lesson with the previous one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be introduced to

What’s New you in various ways; a story, a song, a poem, a
problem opener, an activity or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of the
What is It lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.
This comprises activities for independent practice to
solidify your understanding and skills of the topic.
What’s More
You may check the answers to the exercises using
the Answer Key at the end of the module.
This includes questions or blank sentence/
What I Have Learned paragraph to be filled in to process what you learned
from the lesson.
This section provides an activity which will help you
What Can I Do transfer your new knowledge or skill into real life
situations or concerns.

This is a task which aims to evaluate your level of

Assessment
mastery in achieving the learning competency.

In this portion, another activity will be given to you to

Additional Activities
enrich your knowledge or skill of the lesson learned.

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!

2
 What I Need to Know

This module encourages you to be familiar with the Structure and Composition of
Cell Membrane and its Functions. Various activities are provided for you to perform to
strengthen your knowledge and skills regarding the topic.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. identify the structure of cell membrane;
2. describe the composition of cell membrane;
3. give the function of cell membrane; and
4. relate the structure and composition of the cell membrane to its function.

What I Know

You have surpassed the previous topics with ease. Now, before you proceed with the
next topic, let us strengthen further your concept and understanding with the previous one
for it is essential that you master the concepts since it will play a big part on this lesson.

Lets begin!
Directions: Label the five major components of the cell membrane (2 pts each). Then, match
each with the description stated below by writing the number of the
component.
1. __________

5. __________

4. __________
3. __________ 2. __________

____ 1. This is the main fabric of the membrane.

____ 2. It is the component that is embedded in the phospholipids layer.
____ 3. This is generally attached to the proteins on the outside membrane layer .
____ 4. It is the component that is not embedded in the phospholipid layer.
____ 5. This is attached between phospholipids and between the two phospholipid layers.

3
 What’s In

Cell membrane is an essential component of the cell. It is the one that

encapsulate the cell and provides separation between the intracellular and
extracellular environment. They are composed mainly of lipids, proteins and
carbohydrates, as well as cholesterol.

Previously, we have discussed the structural component of the cell membrane. This
component which is also known as the plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane is a
biological membrane that separates the interior of a cell from its outside environment.
Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, the plasma membrane
is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules. Plasma membranes are flexible
which allow certain cells, such as red blood cells and white blood cells, to change shape as
they pass through narrow capillaries.

Imagine!
If the cell is represented by a castle, the
plasma membrane is the wall. It provides the
protection for the buildings inside the wall. It also
regulates which people leave and enter the
castle, and conveys messages to and from
neighboring castles. Just as a hole in the wall
can be a disaster for the castle, a rupture in the
plasma membrane causes the cell to burst and
die.

Let’s try this!

Directions: Write UP if you find the statement correct and DOWN if it is incorrect.
____ 1. The membrane bilayer contains various kinds of phospholipid molecules and with
different sized head and tail molecules.
____ 2. The head group is a polar group (sugar or choline) meaning that the head end of
the phospholipid is hydrophilic .
____ 3. The tail is made of fatty acids and does not form hydrogen bonds with water and
therefore is hydrophobic and non-polar .
____ 4. Phospholipid molecules are amphipathic or only hydrophilic in nature. .
____ 5. As part of the cell membrane, proteins can either be deeply embedded within the
bilayer (integral), or be associated with the surface of the cell (peripheral).

Knowledge on this fundamental concept is vital as we continue with the lesson. 4

 If you answered UP for numbers 1, 2, 3, and 5, then DOWN on number 4, then you
are now ready to face the next phase.
The membrane bilayer contains various kinds of phospholipid molecules. It comes
with different sized head and tail molecules. The head contains a phosphate molecule and
the tail, glycerol and two fatty acid chains. Phospholipid molecules are amphipathic – being
both hydrophilic and hydrophobic.
Head group is a polar group (a sugar or choline). The head end of the phospholipid
is hydrophilic (water-loving). The tail normally consisting of between 14 to 24 carbons, but
the most common carbon lengths are 16 and 18. As the tail is made of fatty acids, it does
not form hydrogen bonds with water. Therefore it is hydrophobic (water-fearing) and non-
polar.
A typical cell membrane consists of around 60% protein. This can either be deeply
embedded within the bilayer (as integral protein) or be associated with the surface of the
cell (as peripheral protein).
Carbohydrates are the third major component of cell membranes. They are found on
the outside surface of cells and are bound either to proteins (forming glycoproteins) or to
lipids (forming glycolipids).
Cholesterol is also present in the cell membrane and consists of a polar head, a
planar steroid ring and a non-polar hydrocarbon tail.

What’s New

. The plasma membrane not only defines the borders of the cell, but also allows the cell to
interact with its environment in a controlled way.

PROTECT THE CASTLE!

Directions: Put a check ( ⁄ ) if you think the part pointed is vital tor the PROTECTION of the
castle. Use a separate sheet for your answers.
Battlements
Keep

Hall
Enceinte (Castle wall)

Bailey

Watch (wall) tower

Moat
Gatehouse

5
FOLLOW THIS GUIDE:

1. What is the most important part of the castle?

2. Why do you think it is important?
Try to remember your answers to this part for it may play a vital role for you to
better understand and remember the function of each component of the cell membrane.

TRIVIA
All things on Earth happens to have a sort of protective envelop and arranged in layers.
The Earth has the atmosphere, castles have walls, humans and animals have skin, plants
have barks, eggs have shell, cells have membranes. Coincidence?

What is It

Cell Membrane: Structure, Composition

and its Functions

The Earth and life has a lot of mysteries to discover. But one thing is for sure, that all
things are linked.
To understand the complex function of
the structures and components of the cell
Cell membrane, let us try to simulate them into the
structures and components of a castle.
The castle is considered the very first
secured place built on Earth. It is surrounded
and protected by a wall called enceinte, a
strong enclosure that protects and separates
the castle from the outside environment. The
Cell membrane
plasma membrane works the same. It serves as
barrier that separates the cell from outside
environment and encapsulate the cytoplasm. It
protects the integrity of the interior of the cell
allowing only certain substances into the cell
while keeping other substances out.
The cell membrane, just as the enceinte,
consists of various structures for purpose. The
first and major component of cell membranes
are Phospholipids. These form a lipid bilayer
and make up the basic fabric of the plasma
Phospholipid bilayer Phospholipid membrane and formed a good barrier between
the interior and exterior of the cell.

6
 Glycolipid: lipid with

Glycoprotein: protein with carbohydrate attached

carbohydrate attached

Phospholipid bilayer

Cytoskeleton filament

Protein channel
Peripheral membrane Integral membrane
Cholesterol protein protein

Protein is the second major component of plasma membranes. These proteins have
a number of different functions. The structural proteins give the cell support and shape. The
cell membrane receptor proteins assist cells to communicate with the external environment
by means of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules. The transport
proteins carry molecules across the cell membranes through facilitated diffusion. The
glycoproteins with carbohydrate chain attached to them are embedded in the cell membrane
and help in communications and molecule transport across the membrane. Like wall towers
or watch towers in a castle, proteins are embedded in the bilayer to give cell support for
communication, signal and transmitting purposes
Carbohydrates, being the third major component of cell membranes, are found on the
outside surface of cells and are attached either to proteins forming glycoproteins or to lipids
forming glycolipids. Along with membrane proteins, these carbohydrates form sort of
molecular ID badges, distinctive cellular markers, that allow cells to recognize each other.
These markers are very important in the immune system. Like gatehouses built on every
corner of the castle wall, the structures and types of carbohydrates allow your body to
recognize cells and determine if they should be there or not.
Cholesterol molecules are vital for maintaining the consistency of the cell membrane.
Just like battlements and arrow slits in a castle which is used by bowmen to bring down and
oppose the rivals’ bowmen and stop them from throwing arrows to their castle, cholesterol
strengthen the membrane by preventing some small molecules from crossing it. Cholesterol
molecules also keep the phospholipid tails from coming into contact and solidifying. This
ensures that the cell membrane stays fluid and flexible

Additional Information
Bailey is the area enclosed by the enceinte or castle wall where all the structure such
as halls and fortresses that made up the castle where placed. Cytoplasm is of the
same function for it is where all cellular bodies or organelles float.
Bailey and halls are structures not meant to protect but instead, they are the ones
being protected, just as the cellular bodies, organelles and the cytoplasm are
encapsulated and protected by the plasma membrane.

7
 Glycoprotein: protein with
carbohydrate attached
Glycolipid: lipid with
carbohydrate attached

Cholesterol

Integral membrane
protein

Phospholipid bilayer

Peripheral membrane
protein

Hearing the word cholesterol, the first thing we probably think of is that it is bad.
However, this is actually a very important component of cell membranes. The molecules
are made up of four rings of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Cholesterol helps keep cell
membranes from becoming stiff by preventing phospholipids from being too closely
packed together. But, just like arrow slits and moat where not all castles have these
structures, so as cholesterol not found in the membranes of plant cells, or the cell wall not
present in animal cells.

What’s More

INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY 1
FIND THE MATCH!
Directions: Match the parts of the castle with the components of the cell wall. Write the
letters of your answers.
A

1. What parts of the castle does not match to any of the cell membrane component?
Why?
2. What would be their counterpart in the components of the cell?

8
INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT 1
Directions: Identify the component of cell membrane being described in each number.
Choose your answer from the box below. Write only the letters of your answers.

A. Carbohydrates B. Cholesterol
. C. Phospholipids D. Protein

_________ 1. It is the main fabric of the cell membrane.

_________ 2. This is common only in animal cells.
_________ 3. It carries molecules across the cell membranes through facilitated diffusion.
_________ 4. This formed a good barrier between the interior and exterior of the cell.
_________ 5. The third major component of cell membranes.
_________ 6. These are vital for maintaining the consistency of the cell membrane.
_________ 7. These are distinctive cellular markers allowing cells to recognize each other.
_________ 8. These components give the cell support and shape.
_________ 9. These components strengthen the cell membrane by preventing some small
molecules from crossing it.
_________ 10. This helps keep the cell membranes from becoming stiff by preventing
phospholipids from being too closely packed together.

INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY 2
Lets try it the NCAE way!
Directions: Follow the instructions given. Write only the letter of your answers.

SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES: This test measures ability in detecting similarities and
differences among objects. You are to find which among the four images is different from the
rest.

ANS ____

9
NON-VERBAL ACTIVITY: This measures your ability to perceive figural relationship. Each
number consists of three figures in sequence. You are to find the figure that comes next after
the last figure. Choose you answer below each number and encircle the letter of the correct
answer.

ANS ____

MISING FIGURE TEST: This test measures how quickly you can see a missing part of a
figure. The figures below has a missing part. You are to find the part of the figure that is
missing.

ANS ____

CLASSIFICATION: This activity will test your ability to classify words according to the given
direction.
A if the first letter of the word is a consonant and the final letter is a vowel
B if the first letter of the word is a consonant and the final letter is also consonant
C if the first letter of the word is a vowel and the final letter is also vowel
D if the first letter of the word is a vowel and the final letter is a consonant

_____ 1. cholesterol _____ 6. cytoplasm

_____ 2. enclosure _____ 7. organelles
_____ 3. carbohydrate _____ 8. lipids
_____ 4. protein _____ 9. phospholipid
_____ 5. membrane _____ 10. bilayer

10
INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT 2
Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct. If it is incorrect, underline the word/s that
makes the statement incorrect and supply the appropriate word/s.

_____ 1. Cholesterol is an essential component of cytoplasm, but it is only present in the

animal and not in plant cell.
_____ 2. Carbohydrates, when attached to protein, made up the glycoprotein.
_____ 3. Carbohydrates, when attached to lipids, made up the glycolipids.
_____ 4. Phospholipids are the main fabric of the cell membrane arranged in one layer.
_____ 5. Carbohydrates maintain the fluidity and flexibility of cell membrane.
_____ 6. Cholesterol assist cells to communicate with the external environment by means
of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules.
_____ 7. Protein molecules also keep the phospholipid tails from coming into contact and
solidifying.
_____ 8. Carbohydrates allow your body to recognize cells and determine if they should be
there or not.
_____ 9. Protein is the major component of the plasma membrane.
_____ 10. Phospholipids are the second major component of plasma membrane.

INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY 3
Directions: Draw a cross-section of a cell membrane and include the components present
in it. Label each component. (see attached RURIC D for scoring)

11
INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT 3
Directions: After learning the structures and components of the cell membrane, list down
at least 5 practices that will help nourish it. Explain briefly how these practices
will be of great help in keeping the cell membrane in good shape. (see attached
RURIC D for scoring)

What I Have Learned

Almost there, buddy! But before you take the final test, let us see if you understand now
the structure, and composition of cell membrane and their function. Write your brief
realization by completing the sentence below. (see attached RURIC A for scoring)

1. The phospholipids are___________________________________________________

2. Protein is _____________________________________________________________
3. Carbohydrates are______________________________________________________
4. Cholesterol is __________________________________________________________

REMINDER
Write at least two sentences for each.

12
 What Can I Do

MARIA WENT TO MARKET!

Learning the function of the structures and components of cell membrane, your task is to list
down healthy food, vegetables and even drinks that we can consume daily, especially now
that we have the health crisis in our country to boos the vitality of our body cells and keep
our body healthy against COVID-19. (see attached RURIC B for scoring)

Now let’s see if you can apply what you

GOOD have learned from this lesson.
JOB! If you do this, you’re one step closer
to finish this module.

13
 Assessment

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

____ 1. This made up the bilayer which serves as the main fabric of cell membrane
a. cholesterol b. carbohydrates c. phospholipids d. protein
____ 2. It is a component of the cell membrane which is present ONLY in animal cell.
a. cholesterol b. carbohydrates c. phospholipids d. protein
____ 3. The carbohydrates attached to the protein is called _________.
a. glycine b. glycocalyx c. glycolipid d. glycoprotein
____ 4. The carbohydrates attached to the lipid is called _________.
a. glycine b. glycocalyx c. glycolipid d. glycoprotein
____ 5. The second major component of cell membrane is _________.
a. cholesterol b. carbohydrates c. phospholipids d. protein
____ 6. The following are the function of protein EXCEPT _________.
a. block b. communicate c. signaling d. transport
____ 7. This component keeps the cell membrane fluid and flexible.
a. cholesterol b. carbohydrates c. phospholipids d. protein
____ 8. This component gives support and shape to animal cell.
a. cholesterol b. carbohydrates c. phospholipids d. protein
____ 9. This component gives support and shape to plant cell.
a. cell membrane b. cell wall c. cholesterol d. cytoplasm
____ 10. The third major component of the cell membrane is _______.
a. cholesterol b. carbohydrates c. phospholipids d. protein
____ 11. This strengthens the membrane by preventing small molecules from crossing it.
a. cholesterol b. carbohydrates c. phospholipids d. protein
____ 12. Cell membrane is also known as ________.
a. cell wall b. chloroplast c. cytoplasm d. plasma membrane
____ 13. This assist cells to communicate with the external environment _______.
a. cholesterol b. carbohydrates c. phospholipids d. protein
____ 14. This is where cell bodies and organelles float
a. cell membrane b. cell wall c. cholesterol d. cytoplasm
____ 15. The cell membrane is present in _______.
a. plant cell b. animal cell c. both present d. both absent
14
 Additional Activities

In light of the health crisis that we have today, you are task to prepare a healthy dish
that will help you nourish your body cells and boost your immune system to fight against
COVID-19. Draw a layout as your project plan. Attach the picture of your output on the project
plan. Follow the template below. (see attached RURIC C for scoring)

NAME: _____________________________ GRADE/SECTION: _____________

SUBJECT: __________________________ DATE: _______________________
(RECIPE)

Ingredients Preparation

Cooking Plating

15
 RUBRICS FOR SCORING: Teacher-Made Rubrics

RUBRIC A

CRITERIA VERY GOOD (5) GOOD (3) POOR (1)

OVERALL Answers clear, with Answers with Unable to

explanations/ explanations/ comprehend
RESPONSE
examples; sentences examples;
are complete with sentences are
few errors. complete with few
errors.

RUBRIC B

CRITERIA VERY GOOD (10) GOOD (7) POOR (3)

OVERALL Answers clear, with Answers clear, with Answers with an

explanations/ exam- explanations/ explanations and an
RESPONSE
ples (4-5); sentences examples (2-3); examples; sentences
are complete with sentences are are erroneous.
few errors. complete with few
errors.

RUBRIC C

CRITERIA VERY GOOD (5) GOOD (3) POOR (1)

INSTRUCTION AND The output is drawn The output is drawn The output shows
CONCEPT carefully; adequately; little evidence of
understanding of all understanding of understanding the
concepts and some concepts and concepts and
instructions is clearly instructions instructions.
demonstrated. demonstrated.
DETAILS The output shows The output shows The output shows
clear attention to average attention to little attention to
details and details and details and
instruction instruction. instruction
PRESENTATION/ Put forth extraordi- Put forth the effort Put forth little effort
PLATING nary effort to com- required to finish the required to finish the
plete the project as project presentable; project presentable;
presentable as possi- used class time class time was not
ble; used class time adequately. used well.
extremely well.

16
RUBRIC D

CRITERIA VERY GOOD (5) GOOD (3) POOR (1)

INSTRUCTION AND The output is drawn The output is drawn The output shows
CONCEPT carefully; adequately; little evidence of
understanding of all understanding of understanding the
concepts and some concepts and concepts and
instructions is clearly instructions instructions.
demonstrated. demonstrated.
DETAILS The output shows The output shows The output shows
clear attention to average attention to little attention to
details and details and details and
instruction instruction. instruction
NEATNESS Put forth Put forth the effort Put forth little effort
extraordinary effort to required to finish the required to finish the
complete the project project neat; used project neat; class
neat as possible; class time time was not used
used class time adequately. well.
extremely well.

17
References

Study.com. “Cell Membrane: Functions, Role & Structure” study.com. https://study.com/

academy/lesson/cell-membrane-functions-role-structure.html (accessed N/A)

ReginaBailey. “Cell Membrane Function and Structure” toughtco.com. https://

www.thoughtco.com/cell-membrane-373364 October 07, 2019

Khan Academy. “Structure of the plasma membrane” khanacademymy.org. https://

www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-cells/hs-the-cell-membrane/
a/structure-of-the-plasma-membrane (accessed N/A)

Teach Me Physiology. “The Cell Membrane” teachmephysiology.com. https://

teachmephysiology.com/basics/cell-structures/cell-membrane/ (accessed N/A)

Lumen. “Components and Structure” lumenlearning.com. https://

courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-biology/chapter/components-and-structure/
(accessed N/A)
 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education, Schools Division of Bulacan
Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos, Bulacan
Email address: lrmdsbulacan@deped.gov.ph