Plasma Membrane Structure and Function

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Objective

I can describe the structure and function of the plasma membrane.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

sciencemusicvideos · 5:13

We don't generate video — this one is by sciencemusicvideos on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    The cell membrane is a selectively permeable boundary that controls what enters and exits the cell.

  2. 2

    The phospholipid bilayer is composed of a hydrophobic tail region and a hydrophilic head, stabilized by weak Van der Waals bonds.

  3. 3

    The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as composed of phospholipids, proteins, and cholesterol in motion.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

10 questions

1

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

2

Describe the structure of a phospholipid. What part is hydrophobic and what part is hydrophilic?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe the structure of the plasma membrane, including the roles of phospholipids, proteins, and cholesterol, according to the fluid mosaic model.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

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    Printable worksheet

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