Department of Education

Science 12
General Biology - Quarter 1

Structural Components and

Functions of the Cell Membrane
Module 5

Mark Archei O. Javier

Writer

Armida S. Oblinada
Validator

Schools Division Office – Muntinlupa City

Student Center for Life Skills Bldg., Centennial Ave., Brgy. Tunasan, Muntinlupa
City (02) 8805-9935 / (02) 8805-9940

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the concepts about the structural component of the cell membrane together
with its functions. This topic will prepare you in understanding the transport
mechanisms found in cells. 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. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with
the textbook you are now using.

The module consists of only one lesson entitled

 Structural Components and Composition of the Cell Membrane

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Describe the structural components of the cell / plasma membrane
2. Relate the structure and composition of the cell membrane in relation to its
functions
3. Construct a cell membrane model

What I Know

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

1. Which of the following best describes the structure of the cell membrane?
A. It is composed of two layers – one layer of phospholipids and one layer
of proteins.
B. It is composed of equal numbers of phospholipids, proteins, and
carbohydrates.
C. It is a bilayer of proteins with associated lipids and carbohydrates
D. It is a bilayer of phospholipids with associated proteins and
carbohydrates

2. Where are carbohydrates in cell membrane usually found?

A. Outer leaflet of cell membrane
B. Inner leaflet of cell membrane
C. Evenly distributed in both the inner and outer leaves of the cell
membrane

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 D. Cannot be determined because it varies according to cell types.

3. Which of the following forms the channels and pumps found in the
phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane?
A. carbohydrates C. proteins
B. hydrophilic heads D. lipids

4. In the diagram below, what represents the hydrophilic portion of the cell
membrane?

A. A C. C
B. B D. D

5. What best describes the function of the cell membrane?

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 enter the cell.
D. It provides rigid support and protection to the cell.

6. What is the name for a molecule with a polar head region and hydrophobic
tail region?
A. Bihydrophicity B. Hydrophilic C. Amphipathic D. Dipolarity

7. What makes the cell membrane a “fluid mosaic model”?

A. It is due to its organization.
B. It can move among tails of phospholipids.
C. It maintains the balance for the cell’s survival.
D. It allows substances to pass through the cell membrane.

8. Which of the following is the role of transport proteins?

A. It makes amino acids C. It gives shape to the cell
B. It moves proteins sideways D. It moves needed substances or
within the cell membrane waste materials.

9. What do the brown structures represent?

A. Phospholipids C. Channel proteins

B. Glycoproteins D. Cytoskeleton filaments

10. Which of the following molecules plays an important role in controlling cell
membrane fluidity?
A. Insulin B. Triglyceride C. Testosterone D. Cholesterol

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 11. Which of the following describes the phosphate heads of the lipid bilayer?
A. Hydrophobic B. Hydrophilic C. Amphipathic D. Dipolarity

12. Aside from transportation, what is/are other major function(s) of membrane-
bound proteins?
A. Anchorage B. Enzyme C. Both A and B D. None of the above

For numbers 13 – 15, use the diagram on the right.

13. What corresponds to structure D?
A. Cholesterol C. Peripheral protein
B. Lipid bilayer D. Transmembrane
protein

14. What corresponds to structure F?

A. Cholesterol A. Peripheral protein
B. Lipid bilayer B. Transmembrane
protein

15. Which of the following structures function for cell-to-cell recognition?

A. H B. G C. C D. A

Lesson
Structural Components of
1 the Cell Membrane

You are answering this module because of the global pandemic brought about
by COVID-19. Since we cannot do face-to-face classes, learning has to continue and
answering modules would help you in your learning journey. COVID-19 is brought
about by a very minute virus which is smaller than that of a living cell. Have you ever
wondered how a coronavirus hijacks the cell so that it can replicate itself and make
a person COVID-19 positive? The entry of the SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for
COVID-19, is thru the cell’s plasma membrane or cell membrane. The spike protein
found in the virus attaches to a specific protein in the cell membrane. This allows
the virus to fuse to the cell membrane causing the entry of the virus into the cell.
When this successfully happens, the viral RNA will be released inside the cell that
will cause the multiple production of the virus that can eventually infect other cells.
In this lesson, you will learn more about the structural components found in
the cell membrane together with their functions.

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 What’s In

Cell Membrane Analogy

Based on what you have learned from the previous modules about the
cell membrane and its functions, compare it to anything related to real-life
situations (e.g. cell membrane as gate of a school). Draw your analogy of the
cell membrane to real-life scenarios in the box below.

What’s New

Since you have already learned the different parts and functions of the cell,
you will specifically learn in this lesson the outermost covering of the living cell that
allows entry and exit of substances. To be familiar about the structural component
of the cell membrane, color the diagram below by following the legend below.

Phospholipid (A)
Receptor Protein (B) –
Phosphate head (A1) - Lipid tail (A2) – Pink
Blue
Yellow (simply trace the line; do
not shade the entire
middle section)
Glycoprotein (C) – Carbohydrate chain (D) – Cholesterol (E) –
Light blue Orange Brown
Peripheral protein (F) – Channel Protein (G) – Active Transport
(Sodium/Potassium
Green Violet
Pump) (H) – Red

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Adapted from:
http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/cms/lib/NC01001395/Centricity/Domain/862/Cell
%20Membrane%20Coloring.docx.

What is It

The Nature of the Cell Membrane

All cells are contained in a cell membrane or plasma membrane. It is a flexible
atty boundary studded with proteins and carbohydrates that tends to keep the
watery cell contents in and moisture, chemicals, and other elements of the external
environment out. It allows the entry and exit of nutrients and waste products,
respectively. Another function of the cell membrane is to isolate the cell from its
outside environment. It also allows the cell to communicate with other cells. The cell
membrane is said to be selectively permeable. This means that certain substances
(but not all) can penetrate the cell membrane. But what accounts to the selectivity
that allows nutrients, waste products, and even viruses to pass through the cell
membrane while most other substances are barred?

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The Structural Components of the Cell Membrane

The cell membrane is not a solid

structure. It contains several
components combined together that
make up a flexible and porous material.
Phospholipids and proteins make up
most of the membrane structure. The
phospholipids of the cell membrane is in
a form of a bilayer.
The phospholipid contains two
parts – the hydrophilic head and
hydrophobic tail. The hydrophilic head
is composed of an alcohol and
phosphate group. It forms the outer
border of the cell membrane. This
portion of the phospholipid is
Source: Campbell and Reece, 2007
hydrophilic which means that water can
easily pass through it. The two hydrophobic tails, on the other hand, is composed of
chains of fatty acids. It forms the inner layer of the phospholipid bilayer. This portion
of the phospholipid is hydrophobic that makes it water-repelling. Having hydrophilic
(polar) and hydrophobic (non-polar) parts of the phospholipid makes it an
amphipathic molecule.
Another important structures found in the cell membrane are the proteins.
Proteins function in many different ways. They can act as transporters, receptors,
enzymes, and anchorage. Transport proteins regulate the movement of hydrophilic
molecules through the membrane. Receptor proteins trigger cell activities when
molecules from outside environment binds to the protein. Proteins can also act as
enzymes that can significantly speed up the rate of chemical reactions inside the cell.
Lastly, recognition proteins allow cells to recognize or attach to one another. One
example of this type of protein are glycoproteins that have carbohydrates attach to
them which is important for cell-to-cell recognition and adhesion.
Another important structure found in the phospholipid bilayer are
cholesterols. Cholesterol is another type of lipid that is located within the
phospholipid bilayer that helps in maintaining the fluid condition of the bilayer by
breaking up the closely associated phospholipids.

Source: https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/cell-membranes-14052567/

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The Fluid Mosaic Model

How are phospholipids

and proteins arranged in the
membranes of the cells? The
cell membrane is arranged in
such a way that it can be
described as a fluid mosaic
model. This means that the
membrane is a fluid structure
with a “mosaic” of various
proteins embedded in or
attached to the bilayer of
phospholipids.

The fluidity of the membrane describes that it is not made up of static sheets
of molecules locked rigidly in place. Most of the lipids and some of the proteins are
able to move laterally and rarely, phospholipids can flip-flop transversely across the
membrane, switching from one layer to the other. Additionally, the unsaturated
hydrocarbon composition of lipid tail have kinks that keep the molecules from
packing together, enhancing membrane fluidity. The cholesterol found within the
animal cell membrane reduces fluidity at moderate temperatures by reducing
phospholipid movement, but hinders solidification at low temperatures by disrupting
the regular packing of phospholipids.

Source: Campbell and Reece, 2007

The mosaic aspect of the membrane is represented by the collage of different

proteins embedded in the fluid matrix of the lipid bilayer. In the red blood cell plasma

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membrane alone, approximately 50 kinds of proteins have been discovered so far.
Phospholipids compose the main fabric of the membrane, but proteins determine
most of the membrane’s functions. Different types of cells have different sets of
membrane proteins depending on the functions of the cell. Notice in the figure above
the different types, location, and shapes of proteins. The two major populations of
membrane proteins include the integral and peripheral proteins. Integral proteins
penetrate the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer. They are permanently embedded
within the cell membrane. They have a range of functions that include channeling or
transporting molecules across the membrane. They can also serve as cell receptors.
The peripheral proteins, on the other hand, are not embedded in the lipid bilayer at
all since they are just appendages loosely bound to the surface of the membrane.
One of the major roles of peripheral proteins is to provide structural support. They
can direct and maintain both the intracellular cytoskeleton and components of the
extracellular matrix. They can also help in cell’s communication to the environment.

What’s More

Expanding your Knowledge about the Cell Membrane

Complete the table below to summarize the structure, location, and function of the
structures found in the cell membrane.

Structure Location Function / Characteristic

Phospholipid
Cholesterol
Integral protein
Lipid tail
Phosphate head
Peripheral protein
Recognition proteins
Carbohydrates

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 What I Have Learned

The Cell Membrane

Complete the paragraph about the cell membrane below by choosing from the choices
inside the parentheses. Encircle your answer.

The cell membrane is also known as the (1. plasma, serous) membrane made
up of a phospholipid (2. unilayer, bilayer). The phospholipids have a hydrophilic (3.
head, tail) which means that it is water-attracting. The two hydrophobic (4. heads,
tails), on the other hand, is the water-repelling portion of the cell membrane.

The head of the phospholipid is made up of an alcohol and (5. phosphate,

nitrogen) group, while the tails are composed of chains of (6. carbohydrates, fatty
acids). The phospholipids can (7. strictly, freely) move that allows water and other
relatively (8. small, large) molecules to pass through in and out of the cell. This
process is known as simple (9. osmosis, diffusion) because it does not require energy.

Another type of lipid that can be found in the cell membrane is (10. cholesterol,
phytosterol) that makes the membrane more fluid. Another type of structure
embedded in the phospholipids are proteins that help in the transport of charged
and relatively large materials in and out of the cell that requires energy.

What I Can Do

Create a cross section diagram of the cell membrane below by following the
instructions. Use the template below to show your diagram.
1. Label the exterior and interior of the cell.
2. Draw several phospholipid molecules forming a lipid bilayer within the cell
membrane cross section.
3. Label the polar and non-polar regions.
4. Label the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions.
5. Draw two of each of the following proteins. Label the proteins.
a. Channel protein
b. Peripheral protein
c. Enzyme
d. Integral protein
6. Draw several cholesterols found within the phospholipid bilayer.
7. Draw several carbohydrates found in the external portion of the phospholipid.
8. Color your drawing.

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 Assessment

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

1. Where are proteins in cell membrane usually found?

A. Outer leaflet of cell membrane
B. Inner leaflet of cell membrane
C. Evenly distributed in both the inner and outer leaves of the cell
membrane
D. Cannot be determined because it varies according to cell types.

2. Which of the following describes the lipid tail of the lipid bilayer?
A. Dipolarity B. Amphipathic C. Hydrophobic D. Hydrophilic

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3. Which of the following molecules plays an important role in controlling cell
membrane fluidity?
A. Insulin B. Cholesterol C. Testosterone D. Triglyceride

4. In the diagram below, what represents the hydrophobic portion of the cell
membrane?

A. E C. B
B. D D. A

5. What is the name for a molecule with a polar head region and hydrophobic
tail region?
A. Bihydrophicity B. Hydrophilic C. Amphipathic D. Dipolarity

6. What best describes the function of the cell membrane?

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

7. What makes the cell membrane selectively permeable?

A. It is due to its organization.
B. It can move among tails of phospholipids.
C. It maintains the balance for the cell’s survival.
D. It allows certain substances to pass through the cell membrane.

For numbers 8 – 10, use the diagram on the right.

8. What corresponds to structure F?
A. Cholesterol C. Peripheral protein
B. Lipid bilayer D. Transmembrane
protein

9. What corresponds to structure E?

A. Phosphate C. Peripheral protein
B. Lipid tail D. Transmembrane
protein

10. Which of the following structures function for cell-to-cell recognition?

A. A B. B C. C D. D

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11. Which of the following best describes the structure of the cell membrane?
A. It is a bilayer of proteins with associated lipids and carbohydrates.
B. It is composed of two layers – one layer of phospholipids and one layer
of proteins.
C. It is a bilayer of phospholipids with associated proteins and
carbohydrates.
D. It is composed of equal numbers of phospholipids, proteins, and
carbohydrates.

12. Which of the following is the role of transport proteins?

A. It makes amino acids C. It gives shape to the cell
B. It moves proteins sideways D. It moves needed substances or
within the cell membrane waste materials.

13. What do the brown structures represent?

A. Cytoskeleton Filaments C. Glycoproteins

B. Channel proteins D. Phospholipids

14. Aside from transportation, what is/are other major function(s) of membrane-
bound proteins?
A. Anchorage B. Enzyme C. Transport D. All of the above

15. Which of the following forms the channels and pumps found in the
phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane?
A. lipids C. carbohydrates
B. proteins D. hydrophilic heads

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 Additional Activities

Build-A-Membrane
This activity is intended for you to
have a 3-D model of a cell membrane
embedded with proteins. Follow the
specific instructions written below.
This activity is adapted from (Genetic
Science Learning Center) with URL:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu

Materials: biomolecule cut outs, scissors, tape

Instructions:
1. Cut-out the phospholipid bilayer (page 15) along the solid
lines. Cut all the way to the edges of the paper in the direction
of the arrows.
2. Fold the phospholipid bilayer along the dotted lines. Tape
the edges together to form a fully enclosed rectangular box.
3. Cut out each protein (pages 17 and 19) along the solid
black lines and fold along the dotted lines.
4. Form a 3-D shape by joining the protein sides and tops
together. Tape them into place.
5. Tape the 3-D proteins into place along the edges of the
phospholipid bilayer.
6. By staggering the transmembrane proteins back and forth
along both long sides of the bilayer “box”, the whole model will
stand up by itself on the table.

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 Answer Key

B 15. D 15.
D 14. C 14.
B 13. A 13.
D 12. C 12.
C 11. B 11.
A 10. cholesterol 10. D 10.
A 9. diffusion 9. C 9.
C 8. small 8. D 8.
D 7. freely 7. A 7.
C 6. fatty acids 6. C 6.
C 5. phosphate 5. B 5.
A 4. tail 4. A 4.
B 3. head 3. C 3.
C 2. bilayer 2. A 2.
D 1. plasma 1. D 1.

Assessment What's It What I Know

References
Coolidge-Stolz, E., et. al. (2001). Life Scinece: Science Explorer. Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Genetic Science Learning Center. (2018). Learn.Genetics. Retrieved August 14, 2020,
from https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
Mader, Sylvia S.Windelspecht, Michael. (2012) Human biology /New York, NY :
McGraw-Hill.
Miller, K. and Levine, S. (2002). Biology. Pearson Education, Inc.
Miller, S. and Harley, J. (2001). Zoology, 4th edition. WCB McGraw-Hill
Reece, J. B., Meyers, N., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., & Minorsky, P.
V. (2015). Campbell Biology Australian and New Zealand Edition (Vol. 10).
Pearson Higher Education AU.
Velasquez, C. and Asis, C. (1980). Modern Biology (Philippine Adaptation). National
Book Store, Inc.

Online Sources

https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/cell-membranes-14052567/

http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/cms/lib/NC01001395/Centricity/Domain/862/Cell
%20Membrane%20Coloring.docx.

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